Hold on to your cash first, because the Mitsubishi Xpander has now been launched at the 2017 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show. Rather than buying that Euro 2 emission standard Adventure MPV now, which will axed by 2018 as it does not pass DENR’s upcoming Euro 4 minimum emissions standard, why not wait for the Mitsubishi Xpander to arrive in the Philippines?
Photos from Indian Autos Blog show the Xpander’s SUV-like design, but it’s still an Avanza and Mobilio rivalling MPV. It utilizes the rugged, bold styling from the Mitsubishi XM Concept, a car that Mitsubishi released as a preview of their upcoming compact MPV. Sharp lines and creases keep the car from looking bland and boring, while 16-inch alloy wheels cure it from other competing compact MPVs that suffers from tiny wheels relative to the car’s body size. For the first time ever, we think that there is finally a small MPV that we would buy because of its design. Mitsubishi’s “Dynamic Shield” dominates the front. The upper portion of the grille is united with the separate LED daytime running light clusters, while the main headlights are just below the LED daytime running lights. There’s a crease running from the front doors, all the way to the cool-looking L-shaped LED tail lights. The rear carries an X-motif design that keeps the rear looking interesting. Flared wheel arches round up the SUV-like styling of this MPV.
Inside, and the Mitsubishi Xpander looks more conventional compared to the outside. There’s a mix of different shapes and surfaces that make the cabin a more interesting place to be. In the model that was launched in Indonesia, it is equipped with smart key with push button start, touch screen infotainment system, automatic climate control for the front passengers, an a TFT LCD screen being sandwiched by the two LED-lit gauges. Other features include a tilt and telescopic steering wheel (which is rare in this class of cars), USB input, Bluetooth, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Stability Control and Hill Start Assist.
Powering the Xpander is a 1.5 liter MIVEC inline-4 cylinder petrol engine that produces 103 hp and 141 Nm of torque. It is mated either to a 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manual.
With the Xpander finally launched, do you think that it’ll stand a chance against the competition? This car will most likely launch in the Philippines by late 2017 or early 2018.
The Expander’s side profile looks nice. The interior is pretty smart too but from the picture it looks like the legroom in the 3rd seat might be a bit cramped. The headlights are just too ugly for my taste. They should have something like the new Montero’s headlamps instead.