Last Thursday, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) has officially unveiled their much-awaited new cross multi-purpose sport utility vehicle—the all-new Mitsubishi Xpander.

According to MMPC, the Xpander, which perfectly suits the most versatile lifestyle of every Filipino, is the latest addition of Mitsubishi’s extensive portfolio in providing customer’s with the best motoring experience.

Unlike its smaller car sibling Mirage and Mirage G4, the new Xpander is not locally produced in the country. The car has been kept in its new factory in Bekasi Prefecture, Indonesia.

The Xpander is available in four (4) variants—the GLX Manual Transmission (MT), GLX Plus Automatic Transmission (AT), GLS AT and the top-of-the-line GLS Sport AT.

NEW CROSS MULTI-PURPOSE DESIGN

We tried to think that the Xpander looks like a reborn smaller Montero. Quite noticeable is the luxurious front grille, which will be available in chrome with clear smoke coating for GLS Sport and GLS variants and gloss black for GLX Plus and GLX variants.

The new model was given an advanced look as it features a LED position lamps arranged in a crystal-like blocks and a unique headlight design with a lamp layout that improves visibility for both pedestrians and oncoming vehicles.

This unique lamp layout also prevents the blinding effects of headlight glare. At the back, it displays a distinctive L-shaped LED Tail Lamps with the rear combination lamps extending onto the tailgate which is a first for this class. Plus, the 15-inch alloy wheels (for GLX variant) and 16-inch Two-Tone Alloy (for GLX Plus, GLS and GLS Sport variants) provides a sportiness appearance.

WHAT’S INSIDE THE XPANDER?

The Xpander offers a dynamic and highly functional interior features. It has 4,475 mm long overall length that blends a stylish and roomy character lines with tough and dynamic SUV looks.

It features a layout that lets passengers enter and exit the vehicle with ease. Access to third row seats is also made easier with the tumbling system for folding the second row seats. For an even more comfortable ride, the armrest in second row is a part of seat back which can be utilized as a large armrest to accommodate two passengers’ elbows or center space which can be used to load long items.

With its high 205 mm ground clearance which results in a high seating position, the body is optimized for clear visibility with reduced blind spots.

For luggage capacity, the Xpander is the only vehicle in its class that has a flat luggage floor without bumps and gaps. Its maximum cargo capacity is 1,630 liters when both the second and third row seats are folded.

The Xpander is equipped with a 2-DIN 7-inch capacitive touchscreen which has GPS Navigation System, MP3 player / Tuner with Auxiliary-in, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and Easy Link feature.

BEST ENGINE

The all-new Xpander is equipped with a 1.5-liter 4A91 MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control System) DOHC 16-Valve engine which gives a maximum output of 105 PS at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 141 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

SAFETY HAVEN

Safety will never be compromised as the Xpander features Mitsubishi Motors’ proprietary RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body which is reinforced to absorb the impact of a collision. It is also equipped with ABS (Anti-locking Braking System) to help keep the driver in control of the vehicle when braking on slippery surfaces. When the driver brakes hard or activates ABS, the ESS (the Emergency Stop Signal System) activates and automatically flashes the hazard lamps to warn the drivers behind to help prevent rear end collision.

The top-of-the-line GLS Sport variant is also equipped with Hill Start Assist and Active Stability Control. The Hill Start Assist feature automatically maintains the brakes to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when driving on a steep slope.

Meanwhile, the Active Stability Control automatically apply brakes and suppress the engine output at the same time in order to stabilize the vehicle during sudden maneuver on slippery surface conditions. Provided with these top-of-class safety features, Xpander gained a four-star safety rating in the ASEAN New Car Assessment Program (ASEAN NCAP).

In terms of price, the Xpander GLX MT is pegged at P885,000; GLX Plus AT at P960,000; GLS At at P995,000; and top-of-the-line GLS Sport at P1.060 million.

*All photos courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp.