It won’t be instantly apparent should you’re within the Klang Valley, however the Mitsubishi Xpander has been a profitable mannequin for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM). Launched right here in late 2020, the seven-seater MPV has chalked up gross sales and CKD native manufacturing of 40,000 models over 4 years. That’s nearly 10,000 models every year, ok to make it the best-selling non-national MPV in that interval.
It’s time for a refresh, and the 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift is now open for reserving with an estimated worth of RM115,000, which is described as a limited-time introductory worth. The launch will occur later this month. This automotive has been on Indonesian roads for a while now, however it is a case of higher late than by no means, because the Xpander has quietly proved that there’s some demand for a non-national reasonably priced MPV.
That is in distinction to Honda Malaysia, which determined that the BR-V didn’t deserve a sequel, opting to channel concentrate on a smaller, extra life-style mannequin as a substitute (WR-V). For individuals who can’t settle for the Alza’s native badge, the Xpander’s solely rival on the town is the RM95,000 Toyota Veloz, which is in fact a better-equipped twin of the Alza.
That is fairly an enormous facelift and it’s obvious from the bolder Dynamic Defend entrance finish with sideways T-shaped decrease headlights (projector LEDs) and thicker chrome bars. On the again, there’s an enormous tailgate spoiler, new taillights with graphics that mirror the headlamps, plus a extra angular rear bumper with vertical reflectors. New blade-style two-tone alloys (nonetheless 17s) full the outside modifications. By the way in which, that is the common physique and never the cladded Xpander Cross.
Inside, there’s a brand new and extra straight-cut dashboard that includes brown leather-based trim items (additionally on the door playing cards), a free-standing infotainment touchscreen and a brand new (extra easy) steering wheel with a spherical horn pad. Additionally new are the digital show for the aircon (laborious buttons, toggles for fan pace and temp), wi-fi charger, and an digital parking brake with auto maintain.
The latter replaces a handbrake, which frees up area for a centre entrance armrest. There are additionally entrance and rear dashcams.
Like these in entrance, center row occupants now get to share a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders. Behind the brand new entrance armrest are charging ports for the centre row – one USB-A, one USB-C. As traditional, there’s a rear blower on the roof with adjustable pace.
Beneath the hood is similar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 105 PS and 141 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Energy from the 4A91 DOHC MIVEC unit is distributed to the entrance wheels by way of a four-speed automated gearbox.
That 4AT can be unchanged, which signifies that Malaysia doesn’t get the CVT gearbox that the facelifted Xpander has moved on to in different markets. Is that this a superb or dangerous factor? Maybe MMM is aware of its buyer base nicely? A hybrid model exists elsewhere, but when the usual automotive is RM115k, the HEV may be too costly for our market.
No distinction within the chassis division as nicely, which doesn’t deviate from class norms. Entrance MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam, entrance ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes, EPS and 205/55 R17 rubber with the already-mentioned new wheels.
It won’t be obvious, however floor clearance is now listed at 225 mm, which is 20 mm greater than earlier than. Which means the Xpander can lay declare to the best GC in its class, besting the Perodua Aruz by 5 mm. The Veloz and Alza have floor clearances of 190 mm and 160 mm respectively, which signifies that the category GC vary is a considerable 65 mm – some prefer it excessive, some prefer it low, the place do you stand?
We transfer on to tools. The Xpander facelift comes with automated LED projector headlamps, LED daytime operating lights, entrance fog lamps, welcome/coming dwelling lighting, LED flip alerts on the facility fold/modify wing mirrors, LED back lights, auto wipers and a shark fin antenna. The wheels are 17-inch dual-tone gadgets, as talked about.
Different normal tools embody keyless entry and push begin, 4.2-inch color multi-info show (between two analogue dials), 4 USB ports (two entrance, two rear), three 12V sockets (entrance, centre console, third row), auto local weather management with rear air circulator, and tilt/telescopic steering with audio/cruise management buttons. The pinnacle unit is a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, reverse digital camera and a 360-degree digital camera.
Security smart, the Xpander persists with two airbags and no ADAS, which is beneath par these days. As for colors, apart from the pink hero color, one can select from Quartz White Pearl, Diamond Black Mica or the brand new Graphite Grey, which you’ll be able to take a look at within the gallery beneath.
A be aware on the practicality facets of this MPV – the seven seats are in typical 2-3-2 formation and the center row seats have a one-touch tumble fold operate. The third row folds flat 50:50, and when they’re down, cargo quantity is a beneficiant 495 litres. With the center seats folded, it grows to 837 litres.
Should you’re at full capability, boot area with all seats erect is comparatively first rate and there’s underfloor storage too. Notable in-cabin storage areas embody varied pockets behind the entrance seats and a tray underneath the entrance passenger seat.
Regionally assembled in Pekan, the Xpander facelift is now open for reserving with an estimated introductory worth of RM115,000. The point out of ‘restricted time solely’ hints at the next RRP later. The primary 500 clients who e book and register the Xpander by way of the its on-line showroom will obtain a Naturehike Tenting Wagon price RM400. Earlier than you ask, RM115k a bounce from the pre-facelift’s asking worth of RM100,980 on-the-road with out insurance coverage.
So, what do you consider the Xpander’s new face and package deal?
GALLERY: Mitsubishi Xpander facelift in Malaysia
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