Mitsubishi Xpander 2021

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 and GLX Plus, or through a push start button on the GLS 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.