Since its debut three years ago, Mitsubishi Xpander MPV has become a popular nameplate in the ASEAN region, especially in the Philippines. Despite not having a diesel option, the Xpander was able to fill the shoes of the now-defunct Adventure AUV well, combining the versatility and practicality of its predecessor with the car-like handling and agility of its own platform.
The Xpander Cross (left) and Xpander may soon be joined by a third variant
It comes as no surprise that the Japanese carmaker will further capitalize on the success of its mass-market people carrier. The SUV-styled Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is the first (albeit superficial) step, but a bolder move would be to introduce the Xpander with an electrified powertrain as part of the model’s mid-cycle refresh.
That’s exactly what Mitsubishi did, confirming the hybrid electric Xpander in July 2020 as part of its “Small but Beautiful” mid-term plan.
Based on the carmaker's roadmap, the hybrid Xpander is already in the pipeline
Turns out that Mitsubishi has set a pretty lofty goal for itself in aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2050, which is just three decades away.
The carmaker plans to do this in increments, going for a 40 percent reduction in emissions within the next 10 years by improving its internal combustion engines and promoting electric models, with a focus on plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV).
It had previously announced plans to abandon further diesel engine development, phasing out the option on its models by the end of 2021 and scaling down its diesel lineup.
The hybrid MPV could run on Nissan's e-Power technology
Now, the upcoming e-Xpander may not be a PHEV, but it still plays an important part in Mitsubishi’s ASEAN product strategy on electrification. There are at least two ways this can be achieved.
One involves a souped-up version of the current 4A91 1.5L engine, paired with a single electric motor. The other (which we prefer) takes advantage of Mitsubishi’s alliance partnership with Nissan, by sourcing the latter’s series hybrid technology currently found on the Nissan Kicks e-Power crossover.
That setup uses a 1.2L gasoline engine to continuously charge an onboard battery powering the electric motor which turns the drive wheels. Considering that Nissan benefited from basing its own Livina MPV on the Xpander for the Indonesian market, the reciprocity simply makes more sense.
Nissan's Indonesia-exclusive Livina MPV uses the Xpander platform
Nikkei Asia reports that the hybrid Xpander will be launched sometime between April 2022 and March 2023. However, note that this upcoming model is merely a stopgap, as the current platform needs to be modified to accommodate the electrified powertrain.
The real test is with the next-generation Xpander’s arrival farther down the pipeline, with an architecture specifically dedicated to the onboard hybrid technology.
Does the prospect of a hybrid Xpander electrify you?
If the only reason you haven’t gone for the Xpander so far is that it lacks a diesel, will the upcoming, more efficient hybrid version change your mind?
Look over the horizon for future automotive trends with Philkotse.com.
Know more about Mitsubishi Xpander 2024
The 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander is a seven-seater MPV for the Philippine market. As of the 2024 model year, there are three available variants for this model. There’s the Xpander GLX 1.5 MT, the Xpander GLX 1.5 AT, and the Xpander GLS 1.5 AT. These range in price from Php 1,068,000 to Php 1,266,000.
Size-wise, the Xpander has a length of 4,595mm, a width of 1,750mm, and a height of 1,750mm. It also has a wheelbase that spans 2,775mm, and a ground clearance of 225mm.
Under the hood, this Mitsubishi MPV uses a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that’s capable of producing up to 103 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. It then uses a front-wheel-drive layout. Depending on the trim, it either gets a four-speed automatic gearbox, or a five-speed manual transmission.
>>> New and used Mitsubishi Xpander 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Mitsubishi Xpander Launch
The updated 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander was introduced to the Philippine market in May 2022. It comes with some slight exterior, interior, and mechanical changes. Available variants for this model include the Xpander GLX 1.5 MT, Xpander GLX 1.5 AT, and the Xpander GLX 1.5 AT.
Mitsubishi Xpander Exterior
On the outside, the Xpander for the 2024 model year gets an updated front grille and bumper design. It now incorporates a mesh, as well as a black-colored slatted grille. It also gets a pair of T-shaped daytime running lamps on the front and a pair of new T-shaped on the rear. It then rides on a set of 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels.
Mitsubishi Xpander Interior
Inside, the updated Xpander now comes with a redesigned dashboard which also hosts a sleeker control cluster for its air-conditioning unit. It also gets a center armrest. Likewise, its steering wheel also received a redesign.
Being a facelift, it does retain the same generous interior space, as well as its ability to fit up to seven passengers. The driver is also provided with a tilt and telescopic steering column, a push-to-start button, and cruise control, among other features.
Technology & Safety Features
On the dashboard of the 2024 Xpander is a seven-inch headunit. This infotainment system, which is now standard across all trims, now has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is then linked to a six-piece speaker system.
Safety-wise, it comes with dual front airbags, anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, etc.
Mitsubishi Xpander Platform & Chassis
The Mitsubishi Xpander is a five-door compact MPV that uses a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. It then gets a MacPherson strut for the front and a torsion beam suspension for the rear. Braking is then handled by front disc brakes, a rear drum brake, and a manual hand-operated parking brake.
Mitsubishi Xpander Engine & Drivetrain
Standard on all Xpander trims is a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine that can produce up to 103 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque. The GLX may come with a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic gearbox. The top-spec GLS meanwhile exclusively uses a four-speed automatic transmission.
In the Philippine market, the Mitsubishi Xpander has three different color options. These are Graphite Gray, Sterling Silver Metallic, and Jet Black Mica.
Mitsubishi Xpander 2024 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Xpander 1.5 GLX MT | ₱1,068,000 |
| Mitsubishi Xpander 1.5 GLX AT | ₱1,128,000 |
| Mitsubishi Xpander 1.5 GLS AT | ₱1,216,000 |
Mitsubishi Xpander FAQs
1. How many variants does the Mitsubishi Xpander 2024 in the Philippines have?
In the Philippines, the Mitsubishi Xpander 2024 is available in 3 variants GLX MT, GLX AT, and GLS AT.
2. How to start the Mitsubishi Xpander?
The Mitsubishi Xpander GLS gets a push-to-start button, while the GLX trims come with a turn-key ignition system.
3. Is the Mitsubishi Xpander an SUV?
Technically speaking, the Mitsubishi Xpander is a unibody MPV.
4. How much do all 3 variants of the Mitsubishi Xpander 2024 cost?
The GLX MT, GLX AT, and GLS AT are priced respectively at P1,068,000; P1,128,000; and P 1,216,000.
₱ 1,068,000 - ₱ 1,198,000
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