Lyna Mohammad
Known as a family-friendly crossover spacious multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) built with the capability to carry seven people comfortably on the road, the all-new Mitsubishi Xpander is designed for those whose lifestyle is defined by their goals and dreams, and want to drive an MPV with a look that stands out from the rest.
The Xpander series, developed in pursuit of owners’ needs, has not only gained popularity in the ASEAN region and other regions such as the Middle East, Latin America and Africa, but has also grown to become one of the most important models for Mitsubishi Motors since its debut.
The latest addition to the Xpander line-up is a seven-seater featuring a refreshed design on exterior and interior functionality, and also best-in-class interior space and a layout that enables easy entry and exit of passengers.
The Xpander’s bold statement begins with its dynamic shield design, giving a powerful first impression that projects confidence and protection with the wide flared fenders naturally adding toughness to its powerful SUV-inspired design, while the horizontal bumper gives an impression of a low centre of gravity and a three-dimensional skid plate are newly adopted.
The new Xpander is built with an increase of 120 millimetres from the previous model, giving a total length of 4,595 millimetres while the width stands at 1,750 millimetres. The height is also increased by 20 millimetres, due to the new 17-inch alloy wheels, to now stand at 1,750 millimetres tall, where for the high-end trim level, 17-inch wheels and tyres are newly equipped, with the round-rim type alloy wheels featuring a robust and progressive machine-finished two-tone design.
To create proportions with a high-class feel, the front overhang is extended by 75 millimetres and rear overhang by 45 millimetres, and height raised by 15 to 20 millimetres, while high ground clearance of 220 to 225 millimetres is secured, which is a top-level in its class and at the same time improving off-road performance.
As a new generation headlight unit shape and to secure good forward visibility by providing a wide coverage of illumination, new T-shaped headlights are incorporated, and the headlamp is equipped with halogen lights as well as fog lights on the bottom.
With a progressive design that extends to the tailgate, it enhances safety by improving visibility to road users as the rear design produces a wide and stable appearance with a new generation light shape and a horizontally styled rear bumper.
T-shaped tail lights with homogeneous lighting are newly adopted, with a combination of LED tail lights and back lights to improve visibility at night.
Designers also added a new body colour option, new Blade Silver Metallic, which creates a powerful impression with a realistic metallic feel, along with the other five colours of Quartz White Pearl, Graphite Grey Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Red Metallic and Deep Bronze Metallic.
For most drivers, among the important things to look for when choosing a car are the interior settings and features, and this includes entertainment options. This is where the seven-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto comes in, along with Bluetooth and USB compatibility. Users can also access their favourite apps such as Waze and Spotify through the capacitive touch-screen without a need for a phone holder.
Another comfort feature fitted in the cabin is the rear air circulator for passengers to enjoy a cool ride and rear passengers get to control their own fan speed with the four-speed fan adjusters, while the second row seats offer side pockets and cup-holders to allow items ranging from drink bottles to small containers to stay firmly in place.
The third row passengers also get a space to store and charge their phones with a 12V socket and a drink holder at the side pocket.
There is also a space to keep phones or other items with USB ports and a charging port within close proximity as well as a centre console box with sliding lid to store more things or safely keep valuables from watchful eyes outside that also comes with a 12V socket to power up devices. There is also a cargo floor box with lid to store wet or soiled items without taking additional boot space.
A horizontally sculpted instrument panel is featured for the interior of the higher trim levels that provides a feeling of spaciousness with seats that are equipped with high grade fabric and redesigned with a new pattern of diamonds.
On the performance side, the new Xpander is powered by 1.5-litre MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) engine with four-automatic speed, which has enhanced quietness and fuel efficiency while the front and rear suspension is improved by adopting slightly larger absorbers, resulting in a flatter and comfortable ride.
Three passengers can sit comfortably on the wide second row seat and the vehicle also adopts a tumbling system for folding the second row seats to make access to the back row easier, with seatbacks in the second and third row that can be folded down with a simple operation to arrange the seats and luggage in various combinations.
The armrest in the second row can be folded down to allow long loads and passengers to be carried at the same time, which is unique in the class. Even with seven occupants taking up the seats, the Xpander still has enough luggage space to hold four gallon water bottles or a standard stroller.
The Xpander scored a 4-star safety rating in the New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP). Its safety features include dual Airbags (driver and passenger), rear view camera via digital video recorder (DVR) camera, immobiliser system to enhance car safety from theft and the standard of anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD).
Seatbelt safety features have been improved with pre-tensioner seat belts with force limiter and the new Xpander is built with a RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body whereby the structure of the car is made from high tensile steel to enhance passenger’s protection in event of collision. It also has an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), which is an alert given to rear vehicles when a sudden brake is applied to avoid rear end collision.
