Mitsubishi invests in Indonesia to build, export Xpander Hybrid

Updated Mar 18, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Mitsubishi is further strengthening its base in the ASEAN region.

A report from a reputable news source confirms that Mitsubishi is investing in Indonesia for the said country to build hybrid models.

It has come to light that Mitsubishi is making huge moves in Indonesia. According to a report from CNN Indonesia, the Japanese carmaker is pumping a total of IDR 11.2 trillion (around Php 37.7 billion) into the aforementioned country by 2025.

This is to fund the company’s efforts in increasing its Indonesian-based factory’s capacities, as well as the development of two new hybrid cars.

One of these cars is the Xpander, which is currently one of Mitsubishi’s best-selling models in the South East Asian region. It was introduced in the Philippines several years ago, and has since enjoyed success due to its futuristic looks as well as offering a spacious seating capacity for up to seven occupants.

>>>Related article: Will a Mitsubishi Xpander hybrid make you buy an electrified vehicle?

A picture of the PT Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha in Indonesia

The PT Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha in West Java Indonesia

The second model that Mitsubishi is hoping to build in Indonesia is the Outlander PHEV. Currently, the said vehicle is being imported into Indonesia. According to the country’s industry minister Agus Gumiwang however, this investment will allow the country to turn the tables and thus export the Outlander PHEV instead. 

The investment is also intended to increase the brand’s production capacity. According to the report, it will help pump up the Mitsubishi Indonesia plant’s total production numbers from 220,000 to 250,000.

Once finished, the project will enable Mitsubishi Indonesia to export products to nine more destinations. Currently, the car maker’s facilities in the said country are catering to 30 countries. With this, it is apparent that Mitsubishi is seeking to further strengthen its presence in the ASEAN region.  

As mentioned before, the Xpander is already a popular car in the Philippines. In February 2021, the said model even saw a spike in sales numbers. To be specific, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines has sold a total of 5,072 Xpanders in February, a 44 percent increase compared to the previous month.

A picture of the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross

The current Philippine-spec Mitsubishi Xpander Cross

In connection to the planned Xpander Hybrid, it might make sense to introduce the future model into the Philippine market. It’s already one of the most popular MPVs in the market today, and a hybrid version might attract a lot of takers.

For the latest automotive news, car reviews, and helpful car maintenance tips, keep reading here on Philkotse.com

Know more about Mitsubishi Xpander 2024

Mitsubishi Xpander

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. 

Mitsubishi Xpander Cross vs Toyota Veloz | Philkotse Spec Check

>>> 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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Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

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