When buying a new vehicle, it’s quite common to check if a new model has been launched in neighboring countries to see what the local spec could look like. With the scheduled local launch of the new Xpander in May, Mitsubishi Philippines has removed the guess-work and has started accepting reservations for units two months in advance.
Being the best-selling nameplate in its category and consistently one of the brand’s top-performers, the Mitsubishi Xpander is responsible for a significant chunk of MMPC‘s annual sales. As a testament to how well-received the MPV is, it has sold over 54,000 units in just four years since its launch in 2018.
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The current Xpander checks all the boxes of what buyers look for in an MPV. It is spacious and can comfortably fit 7 passengers. It is versatile because of the seats that fold flat to accommodate bulky or odd-shaped cargo. For its category, it has a good amount of safety features, and it rides and drives well. Compared to its competitors, the Xpander is loaded with more creature comforts that improve the overall experience. It is also fuel-efficient and reasonably priced and quite the practical option for families and businesses alike.
As an important member of Mitsubishi Philippines‘s stable, much attention was paid to the selection of the upgrades that made it to the refresh. You will notice in the video and from the punch list below that the Xpander’s facelift has given it a more SUV-like appearance. The key points that the designers were going for were advanced and progressive; aggressive; family-oriented; and practical, and those are exactly the adjectives to best describe the refresh. The Xpander has evolved into an amalgamation of an MPV and an advanced SUV.
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For the incoming 2023 model, the Indonesia-sourced units look and feel more refined, and have been fitted with more features usually only seen at higher price points. Here’s a rundown of what to expect.
For the exterior, the top-of-the-line GLS AT got tweaks in the ff:
Front:
- Boxier front fender
- Daytime Running Lamps (DRLs) and Turn signals
- Blacked-out radiator grille
- New T-Shaped LED Headlights
- New horizontal front bumper design
- New 17-inch wheels across all variants
- Large, aerodynamic side sill garnish
- 3-dimensional skid guard
Rear:
- New rear-door glass shape
- New T-shaped rear combination light
- Gate garnish
- Gate
- Rear bumper
- Rear reflector
Interior
- New “Horizontal Axis” dashboard design
- Accent panel (horizontal design, light color)
- Soft cladding material on dash and door trims
- Digital A/C control panel
- New 7-inch audio display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- New meter display design
- New leather steering wheel design
- New gray upper trim color
- New door trims
- Console tray and cardholder
- Electric parking brake
- Front cupholder position
- New seat material design
- New rear A/V vent and control
- New front center armrest
- USB Type-A & Type C ports for the second row
- New cup holders in the 2nd-row armrest
Unique features of the Xpander still include:
- Cruise control
- Power outlets in all 3 rows
- Open tray console with cardholder
- Front passenger and undertray
- Floor console storage solutions
- Seatback pockets
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The new Xpander is 120mm longer, at least 50mm taller, and has an additional ground clearance of up to 25mm compared to its predecessor. Its front & rear suspension has also been improved for a less bouncy and more comfortable ride. Additional safety features included in the GLS AT variant are Active Stability Control (ASC) + Traction Control (TC), as well as Hill Start Assist. It is still powered by the 1.5 MIVEC DOHC 16-valve engine that delivers 104 PS of power and 141Nm of torque, paired with either a manual or automatic transmission.
Mitsubishi dealerships are now accepting reservations for the New Xpander that will be offered in three variants: GLX 1.5 MT (Php 1,030,000); GLX 1.5G AT (Php 1,090,000); and GLS 1.5G AT (Php 1,160,000). Available colors include Jet Black Mica, Graphite Gray Metallic, Quartz White Pearl, Red Metallic, and the new Blade Silver Metallic.
For more information about the new Mitsubishi Xpander or to reserve a unit, visit https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.ph/new-xpander.
Special thanks to South Lake Village, Eton City, in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, for hosting our shoot location.
Read more about Mitsubishi Philippines here:
- https://ignition.ph/news/mitsubishi-ph-offers-new-xpander-for-reservation-ahead-of-may-launch
- https://ignition.ph/news/mitsubishi-ph-opens-newest-dealership-in-talisay-city-negros
- https://ignition.ph/news/now-available-mitsubishi-strada-athlete-in-jet-black-mica
- https://ignition.ph/news/mmpc-launches-new-slogan-commits-to-making-life-better
- https://ignition.ph/features/the-new-mitsubishi-mirage-g4-is-a-looker