BLENDING functionality with an adventurous outlook, Mitsubishi Motors' latest product offers roominess, character, convenience, style and function all fused and expanded into this 'best selling for ASEAN nations' only crossover.
Launched in 2018 in Indonesia, followed by Vietnam and the Philippines, the XPANDER is a stylish vehicle with ample space for seven persons and their luggage.
The 4,475 mm long XPANDER blends stylish and roomy MPV lines with tough and dynamic SUV looks. The distinctive "Dynamic Shield" front design concept forms a continuum with its siblings, the Outlander and Pajero Sport.
The headlights are placed low in the bumper, to maximize vision during rough road conditions. The rear combination LED lights uniquely extend into the tailgate. The L-shaped LED tail lights are separate from the brake lights.
Inside the XPANDER, MMC's trademark horizontal dashboard architecture provides visual cues when navigating rough and windy roads. The uncluttered instrument panel offers intuitive ergonomics, while the arched design expresses high quality and spaciousness as it visually flows into the front door trim panels. An eco-drive indicator assists in keeping fuel consumption at a minimum.
The roof line tops a generous greenhouse. Thanks to a partially glazed-in rear pillar, the roof itself seems to float above the car. Subtle hints of tailfins in the rear side panels add to the XPANDER's bold looks.
The 7-seater XPANDER is wider outside (1750 mm) and larger inside than its immediate rivals in this class, the Toyota Avanza and Honda BR-V. The roomy cabin space, which is the largest in its segment and the clever occupant layout of the XPANDER are complemented by generous luggage space.
There is generous headroom offered to all passengers. There is also excellent access to the comfortable third-row seats.
The backrests in the second row and third row can easily be folded down to arrange the seats and luggage in various combinations, or to create a large flat storage area without bumps, or gaps.
There is also an abundance of large and small storage spaces, accommodating everything from oversized luggage to smartphones and coins. There is even a concealed secret box, located in the dashboard.
The entertainment unit is a 9-Inch Audio System with Apple Carplay and Android Auto Ready.
The Keyless Operation System (KOS) allows the vehicle to be opened and the engine to be started while the KOS key is in the driver's pocket.
The XPANDER is powered by a 16-valve 1.5L, 105PS petrol engine, fitted with Mitsubishi Motors' proprietary MIVEC system for high power output, low fuel consumption, and low exhaust emissions. The engine is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. This front-wheel drive powertrain delivers punchy and dependable performance, even when climbing steep hills with a full load.
The XPANDER uses MMC's proprietary RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) monocoque body structure. It combines efficient energy absorption with high cabin integrity.
Safety features includes dual SRS airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distributor (EBD), Active Stability Control (ASC), Brake Assist System (BA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Rest Reminder, Brake Override System (BOS) among others.
Bookings have started at all showrooms and you will need to wait another two weeks for the official selling price to be announced.
It is estimated to be between RM92,000 to RM98,000 which puts it slightly higher than its immediate two rivals, the Honda BR-V which is priced from RM86,726.00 to RM93,693.00 and the Toyota Avanza which is priced from RM80,888 to RM87,888. – The Vibes, October 23, 2020
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