Behind the Wheel
Expand Your Seven-Seater Options With The Mitsubishi Xpander
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has finally expanded its local line-up with a much-needed new model in the form of the Xpander. While this isn’t something to write home about as they’ve already confirmed its launch, they’ve confirmed the complete specifications of the seven-seater.
Although the pricing will only be released during its targeted November 2020 launch, everything else regarding the locally-assembled model has been set in stone and order books are open at all Mitsubishi Motors authorised showrooms nationwide.
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It’s definitely a case of better late than never as other regional markets have been privy to the Xpander; racking up around 256,000 units sold in the Asean region of Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
It adopts the new ‘Dynamic Shield’ front design concept seen on new Mitsubishi models. Said shield will be right at the forefront of the battle against the likes of the Toyota Rush, Perodua Aruz and undisputed segment leader the Honda BR-V.
Some of the main numbers won’t come as a surprise and this includes the powertrain. A 1.5-litre Mivec aluminium block inline-four will deliver 103hp and 141nm of torque to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic.
That makes the Xpander the meat in a Rush and Aruz sandwich with their 104hp and 101hp buns. The BR-V meanwhile is the main course with 119hp. Torque-wise, it’s 136Nm, 133Nm and 145Nm respectively. All in, the Xpander isn’t too far off the competition.
Exteror equipment comprises LED headlights, crystal blocks LED position lamps and LED taillights. Wheels are 16-inch alloys.
Mitsubishi aren’t embarrassed about letting us know that the Xpander has best-in-class cabin space. That’s 4,475mm of length, 1,730mm of headroom, a wheelbase of 2,775mm and width of 1,750mm.
While it does overshadow its competition in terms of length, wheelbase and width, the Xpander isn’t as expansive in terms of height, losing out to the Rush and Aruz but still tiptoeing over the BR-V.
As Mitsubishi touts the Xpander’s ground clearance of 205mm, once again though the Rush and Aruz pip it with a clearance of 220mm. The BR-V is last here with 200mm.
Where the interior does shine though is with a fold-flat second and third row for more cargo space if the need arises. That, coupled with the under-seat multi-purpose storage, cargo floor box with lid and glove box with double compartment does make it handy for safe storage of smaller items. Seats are all leather-covered.
Second and third row occupants will appreciate the roof-mounted air-vents with a blower control for better air distribution in the rear. Everyone will appreciate the 9.0-inch touchscreen audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
Safety-wise, it’s hardly class-leading with just dual front airbags; the same as the BR-V. Completing the safety kit are ABS, EBD, stability control, BA, hill-start assist and a rest reminder. There’s also an all-round monitor (bird’s-eye view cam) and a driving video recorder.
If you want to catch the Xpander in the metal, Mitsubishi will be taking it around the country with stops at major cities from 23 October to 8 November.
23-25 October Toppen Mall, Johor Bahru
29 October 1 November - Ipoh Parade
3-8 November IOI City Mall, Klang Valley
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