It may not be instantly apparent if you happen to’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 virtually 10,000 models each 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 RM115k, 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 deal with a smaller, extra way of life mannequin as a substitute (WR-V). For individuals who can not settle for the Alza’s native badge, the Xpander’s solely rival on the town is the RM95,000 Toyota Veloz, which is after all a better-equipped twin of the Alza.
That is fairly a giant facelift and it’s obvious from the bolder Dynamic Protect entrance finish with sideways T-shaped decrease headlights (projector LEDs) and thicker chrome bars. On the again, there’s a giant 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 adjustments. 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 air conditioning (arduous 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 normal, there’s a rear blower on the roof with adjustable pace.
Beneath the hood is identical 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. The transmission can also be unchanged, which implies 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 unhealthy factor? Maybe MMM is aware of its buyer base nicely? A hybrid model exists elsewhere, but when the usual automotive is RM115k, the HEV is likely to 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 may not be obvious, however floor clearance is now listed at 225 mm, which is 20 mm greater than earlier than. Because of this the Xpander can lay declare to the very 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 implies 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 residence lighting, LED flip alerts on the facility fold/regulate wing mirrors, LED taillights, 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 digicam and a 360-degree digicam.
Security smart, the Xpander persists with two airbags and no ADAS, which is beneath par at the moment. As for colors, other than the purple hero color, one can select from Quartz White Pearl, Diamond Black Mica or the brand new Graphite Grey, which you’ll be able to try within the gallery beneath.
A be aware on the practicality points of this MPV – the seven seats are in typical 2-3-2 formation and the center row seats have a one-touch tumble fold perform. 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. 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, Pahang, the Mitsubishi Xpander facelift is now open for reserving with an estimated introductory worth of RM115k. The point out of ‘restricted time solely’ hints at the next RRP later. MMM says that the primary 500 clients who ebook 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 leap from the pre-facelift’s asking worth of RM100,980 on-the-road with out insurance coverage. What do you consider the Xpander’s new face and bundle?
GALLERY: Mitsubishi Xpander facelift in Malaysia
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