Mitsubishi Malaysia Is About To Expand Its Portfolio With The Xpander

Already a proven success in regional markets such as Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam, the Xpander has notched up around 256,000 units within the Asean region as of June 2020.

“MMM is very excited for a thrilling year ahead with the introduction of this impressive seven-seater crossover in Malaysia later this year,” said Tomoyuki Shinnishi, chief executive officer of MMM.

The confirmation from MMM was relatively scarce on details. No exact date or even the variants we’ll be getting, let alone pricing. In other markets, the Xpander can be had in standard and Cross trims.

Based on other markets though, we can almost guarantee that the Xpander will have a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated inline-four MIVEC mill making 103hp with 141Nm of torque. That’s because there’s only a sole engine option for the model, so it’s unlikely any other engine will be available. Manuals are available in other markets but expect the four-speed automatic to be the only transmission once it does make it here.

Both of its chief competition here are powered by 1.5-litre engines as well, with the BR-V lining up with a little more punch at 118hp and 145Nm of torque while the Aruz brings 101hp and 133Nm of torque. The former has a CVT while the latter a four-speed automatic.

The Xpander boasts class-leading interior room and its dimensions lend that claim plenty of weight. Its measurements are longer than the BR-V and Aruz in every aspect. Don’t forget that it be had with up to 16 cupholders.

That alone though might not be enough to take the fight to the competition. They’ll need to get the pricing right as well. Obviously, we don’t have any pricing to go on but the Indonesian Xpander is priced from 215.8 million Rupiah (RM65,504) and goes up to 272.1 million Rupiah (RM82,593).