Mitsubishi Xpander 2019

The model was first launched in August 2017, in Indonesia. The Xpander managed to win many awards during its first year in the Indonesian market including the FORWOT Car of the Year 2018. Mitsubishi launched the small MPV in the Philippines almost a year later, on March 2, 2018, where it became one of the best selling models on offer from MMPC. 

The Xpander comes with the NC1W gasoline engine from Mitsubishi. The MPV is capable enough and it has a four-cylinder motor under the hood which means engine noise and vibration will be kept to a minimum. Mitsubishi employed a 1.5-liter DOHC gasoline engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC). This four-cylinder can produce a total of 105 hp with 141 Nm of torque and comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. 

The platform of the Xpander is based on a sedan. The front suspension system is a MacPherson strut, while the rear comes with a torsion beam suspension setup. Pair this with a monocoque chassis, and the MPV can tout quiet performance with good behavior going over less-than-perfect roads. 

When behind the wheel of this small MPV, one can expect refinement and better-than-average handling thanks to the unibody chassis that this car comes with. The engine will bring the car up to speed without too much urgency, and once up to speed, the vehicle will return good NVH insulation with stability to boot. 

The Xpander comes with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with Bluetooth connectivity, AUX, and Smartphone Mirroring options. Audio can be output to a system that can feature up to 6-speakers for the cabin. You can also see what’s behind you when in reverse, thanks to a backup camera that comes standard on higher variants. You also get the benefit of cruise control 

Mitsubishi took its dynamic shield design language and brought the concept to the Xpander. The MPV’s iteration is quite possibly one of the more outgoing in the Mitsubishi lineup; and shares several design cues with the latest versions of the Montero Sport. The front bumper not only housed the front foglamps, but also the headlights and turn signals. The DRLs can be found where one expects the headlights to be and is one of the traits that helped define this MPV. In GLS Sport variants, the Xpander can be had with extra body kits that add a chin to the front fascia. 

The rear is more subdued than the front half. LEDs and halogens make up the lighting cluster. You may also find a rear fog light at the bottom of the rear bumper along with a diffuser that makes the car’s stance seem lower. 

As an MPV that will be taking many duties on the road as a mini-people hauler, its interior is laden with durable plastics with cloth seats. Opting for the top trims will merit a leather-wrapped steering wheel and different panels as compared to GLX variants with their use of polyurethane for the steering wheel. The dashboard is laden with a faux-leather texture complete with faux stitching. 

Cabin space is more than ample for its class. Space is adequate up to the second row, with the third row being better-reserved for children and smaller individuals. Occupants can enjoy a plethora of cubby holes and storage space options. Thanks to the flat loading bay, and a minimal loading lip, the Xpander transforms from being a family hauler to a capable cargo vehicle if need be. 

Because the vehicle rolls on a chassis that is very similar in construction to that of a sedan, the Xpander boasts a comfortable and refined ride that is achieved by other crossovers and sedans though a monocoque chassis. Cruise control and navigation are also features that not every small MPV comes with. To cap off some of its standout traits, the storage space is excellent for its class. 

On a more critical note, the Xpander does come with a rather dated transmission with only four gears. While it gets the job done, the unit may take some time to shift up or may return less-than-stellar fuel economy figures. The look of the Xpander is also not for everyone, as not a lot of people would opt for the uber-futuristic look. To end, a diesel motor would have been a very welcome addition to this model.