Mitsubishi officially launches all-new Xpander MPV

After a number of teasers, slight reveals, and nameless releases, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) finally and fully revealed their next-generation 7-seater multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) — the all-new Xpander.

The Xpander’s name is as bold as its design, but you already know that just by looking at the images, so let's cut the chase and move on with the details.

Aside from looking like a Montero Sport on facial steroids, the Xpander is equipped with LED daytime running lights, located at the top of its fascia. In case you're wondering, the huge lamps that are positioned low are the car’s headlights, which MMC claims to maximize vision during rough road conditions. The rear combination lights are also LED so yes, it’s like a Montero Sport in a new form.

Inside, the seats are configured in the usual 2+3+2 arrangement. The 2nd row can be folded in 60:40 fashion, while the 3rd row is at 50:50 split. These seat order can be configured in a number of ways to accommodate whatever the owner would like to use the car for.

When it comes to size, the Xpander is set to target the mini-MPV segment, locally-populated by the Suzuki Ertiga, Honda Mobilio, and Toyota Avanza. However, it’s important to take note that the Xpander is substantially bigger than its mentioned rivals — at least 89mm longer, 55mm wider, and 5mm taller.

The size difference says a lot about the Xpander’s interior space, which is its primary selling point as an MPV. But, that also makes us wonder how its 105-hp 1.5L MIVEC gasoline engine (almost same output as the Avanza) will be able to pull the additional weight.

The Mitsubishi Xpander was revealed at the 25th GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show in Jakarta and will be initially sold in that country. Good news is, MMC mentioned that their plan is to expand its offering throughout the ASEAN region by early 2018.

Prices for the Indonesian market has also been disclosed, but if we are to directly convert them, price tag for the 5MT variant starts at around P700,000, while the range-topper 4AT is at around P900,000. Take note, though, that the Xpander will be produced in Indonesia so importation/shipping rates may or may not apply when it finally hit our shores.

Now, let’s go back to the same question on our previous release about Mitsubishi’s next-generation MPV. Will this be the Adventure’s replacement in the local lineup? We certainly think so.

However, will the Xpander have the same fate of the now-discontinued Fuzion MPV? We’ll see about that.