Opportunity for Mitsubishi Destinator to be Equipped with Hybrid Technology

KatadataOTO – Mitsubishi Destinator was introduced in Indonesia as a 7-seater family SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). Amidst the wave of electrification, the model is instead presented with a 1,500 cc turbo engine.

It should be noted that the engine used is coded 4B40, a development version of the configuration previously used in the Eclipse Cross and is claimed to be fuel-efficient.

Mitsubishi has confirmed that the Mitsubishi Destinator's engine can indeed be equipped with hybrid technology in the future.

“This engine can be adapted for PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) and hybrid,” said Atsushi Kurita, President Director of PT MMKSI (Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Sales) in Sentul, Saturday (19/07).

Photo : KatadataOTO

He further emphasized that technically, the Mitsubishi Destinator's engine can actually be equipped with hybrid technology.

However, Mitsubishi is said to be observing the Indonesian market conditions first before introducing electrified products in the country.

“In the future, we have a great opportunity to introduce hybrid or PHEV cars. I need to check first (regarding the Destinator), but technically it is possible,” he revealed.

For now, the Mitsubishi Destinator will still be offered with only one engine option. Since its introduction, Kurita said the consumer response has been very positive.

Kurita said that 70 percent of consumer reactions were very positive, 23 percent were neutral, and there was only a small negative response.

For that reason, he hopes the Mitsubishi Destinator will be well-received by the Indonesian people and meet the need for a 7-seater or three-row configuration car.

“As a premium SUV, we want to offer higher performance. The engine could be larger (in capacity), but we are trying to maintain its positioning with a 1,500 cc engine,” said Kurita.

Facing competition from Chinese cars, Kurita hopes that the price of the Mitsubishi Destinator will be on par with the quality it offers.

“Whether it is more attractive than Chinese products, we don't know yet. But we believe the Destinator will be very well-received by Indonesian customers, fitting the market's character,” he asserted.

Photo : KatadataOTO

For your information, the Mitsubishi Destinator was initially introduced as the DST Concept prototype.

The production version made its global debut in Indonesia. However, the price of the Mitsubishi Destinator will only be announced at the GIIAS (Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show) 2025 automotive event.

The price of the Mitsubishi Destinator is predicted to be between the XForce and the Pajero Sport, in the range of Rp 400 million to Rp 500 million on the road in Jakarta.