The Mitsubishi Xpander 2021 is a seven-seater MPV in the Philippines, currently assembled and imported from Indonesia. It is currently offered in three variants, comprising the base GLX trim, the midrange GLS, and the GLS Black Series. Even as it replaces the Adventure AUV, the Xpander is built on an all-new unibody chassis, with a suspension system based on the Lancer Evolution X. All Xpander variants are powered by a 1.5-liter gasoline engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
The Xpander measures 4,475mm long, 1,750mm wide, and 1,700mm high (1,695mm for the GLX). A wheelbase of 2,775mm is standard across the range. Mitsubishi Xpander prices in the Philippines range between Php 1,008,000 and Php 1,138,00, with the GLX manual offering the lowest monthly amortization of Php 12,149 on a downpayment of 50 percent and payment terms of 60 months. Among the Xpander’s rivals in the MPV segment are the Avanza and Rush from Toyota, the Honda BR-V, and Suzuki Ertiga.
Launch
The MPV made its debut on August 2017 at the Indonesia International Motor Show, based on the XM Concept that was previewed at the event the previous year. Although manufacturing is done in Indonesia for ASEAN markets since 2018, the Xpander has also been assembled as a complete knocked-down (CKD) unit in both Vietnam and Malaysia beginning in 2020.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines brought the Xpander to Filipino customers in 2018, the same year that the Adventure was discontinued locally. This was the second attempt by Mitsubishi to replace the long-running AUV, following the entry of the Fuzion compact MPV in 2007 which was sold until 2016.
In 2021, Mitsubishi Philippines introduced the all-new Xpander Black Series.
Exterior
Like most models in its class, the Xpander sold in the Philippines sports a wagon body style, measuring 4,475mm long, 1,750mm wide, and up to 1,700mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,775mm. The Dynamic Shield fascia features a wedge-like profile, with LED daytime running lights placed on the front corners of the hood. The LED headlamps incorporate the turn signals and are recessed within housings on both sides of the front bumpers, while the foglamps are situated at the bottom, flanking the faux skid plate.
The squared-off fenders house 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels (15-inch monotone alloys on the base GLX). At the back, the Xpander sports twin L-shaped LED combination lamps that surround the tailgate, accompanied by a high-mount third brake lamp above the rear glass. A single rear foglight can be found at the center of the rear diffuser.
The new Xpander Black Series, as the name implies, is an entirely-black colored trim of the model. Like the GLS, it rides on a set of 16-inch wheels, but its set are colored in black. It also gets a black version of the Dynamic Shield front fascia.
Interior
Up to seven occupants can settle down on fabric seats inside the Xpander’s cabin. The first two rows feature manual slide and recline adjustment (with seat height adjustment on the driver’s seat) while the third-row backrests have a recline option. The dimensions allow for generous head- and leg-room, as well as ample space for cargo even with all seats occupied. All seats behind the first row can be folded down, providing the vehicle with a versatile cargo configuration.
The Philippine MPV's multi-function steering wheel features tilt and telescopic adjustment. A manual air-conditioning system cools the interior, using large dials on the center stack. Rear occupants use ceiling-mounted air vents with blower control. The plastic dashboard rendered in a faux leather design features dual-layer compartments in front, a long pocket on top of the glove compartment, as well as a console box between the front seats. A removable storage tray can be found under the front passenger seat, while the rear compartment also features underfloor storage with dividers.
Technology & Safety Features
Large and legible analog gauges surround a multi-information display on the instrument panel. The Xpander in the Philippines is equipped with three 12-volt power outlets, allowing passengers in all seating rows to plug in their electronic devices. A 2-DIN radio tuner with USB and AUX input is standard on the GLX, while the rest of the range gets a 7-inch touchscreen head unit which adds Bluetooth and smartphone mirroring for connectivity, as well as built-in offline navigation.
The lineup brings a number of standard safety features such as dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, and an emergency stop signal. All seven seats feature 3-point ELR seatbelts, while ISOFix mounting points are also included. A seatbelt reminder flashes a warning when front occupants are not buckled down. The touchscreen head unit also serves as a monitor for the reverse camera.
Platform & Chassis
Compared to the Adventure’s light truck platform, the Philippine-spec Xpander rides on a dedicated monocoque chassis that’s lighter and more agile. MacPherson struts accompany coil springs and a front stabilizer in front, while the rear features a torsion beam suspension. The dampers on its suspension system use valves adapted from the Lancer Evolution X, featuring a thicker base that helps prevent overcompression when the vehicle is negotiating turns and going over potholes. A rack and pinion steering system with electronic assist gives the Xpander a 5.2-meter turning radius.
Engine & Drivetrain
Powering all Xpander variants in the Philippines is a 1.5-liter 4A91 16-valve gasoline engine equipped with dual overhead camshafts and Mitsubishi’s Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) technology, generating 103 hp and 14 Nm of torque. The engine can be started via rotary ignition on the base GLX, or through a push start button on the GLS and Black Series trim. Power is sent to the front wheels through a choice of a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox, the latter featuring a driver-actuated overdrive button on the shift lever.
