Right on the heels of the 2023 Xpander MPV, Mitsubishi Motors has released the 2023 Xpander Cross. The refreshed model made its home market debut at the 2022 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), displayed alongside the new Xpander.
Mitsubishi has enhanced the Xpander Cross for the 2023 model year
“Launching the latest model of our flagship product, the New Xpander Cross, will be one of the exciting activities that we have been waiting for,” said Naouya Nakamura, President Director of PT Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Sales Indonesia (MMKSI).
“The perfect combination of SUV aggressiveness and top-grade feeling, balanced by excellent driving ability and improved control and safety systems, which will give you more energy and power to increase your confidence and pride even more,” he added.
For the Indonesian market, Mitsubishi has endowed the latest Xpander Cross with the tagline ‘”Rise to Your Life’s Adventure,” boasting enhancements that are expected to bolster its position against its rivals in the crossover-styled 7-seater segment such as the Toyota Veloz, Suzuki XL7, and Honda BR-V.
Exterior
The 2023 Xpander Cross stands 95mm longer than its predecessor at 4,595mm, yet retains the 1,750mm height and 225mm ground clearance. However, the new model shaves off 10mm from the 1,800mm width of the outgoing version. We’ll get to the reason why shortly.
The T-shaped LED headlamps have been carried over from the new Xpander
Out in front, there’s still the Dynamic Shield fascia featuring the Mitsubishi emblem set against a revised grille with serrated slats, this time flanked by the same T-shaped LED headlamps found on the updated Xpander. The blocky appearance is emphasized by a revised bumper extension and faux skid plate, now housing rectangular fog lamps.
We mentioned the width reduction on the new Xpander Cross, and that’s on account of a key design decision to scale back the size of the overfender cladding. Those are now slimmer and less conspicuous, retaining the vehicle’s sporty character without being visually overbearing.
Gone is the rear fog lamp found on the previous Xpander Cross
The rear area has also been redone, now adopting the revised LED tail lamps of the Xpander while featuring a more sculpted rear diffuser with horizontal reflectors. A set of new 17-inch alloy wheels rounds off the look.
Interior
The 2023 Xpander Cross carries over the streamlined dashboard of the refreshed Xpander. It still features three-row seating for seven occupants, with the same flexible configuration that allows for a balance between carrying passengers and cargo.
The new Xpander's dashboard design makes its way here
Front passengers still get under-seat luggage trays, and just as with the new Xpander, the latest Xpander Cross now has a new center bin that integrates an armrest, along with cupholders on the second-row center console. The digital climate control features micron air filtration to prevent allergens from reaching the cabin.
Tech & Safety
Instead of sharing the Xpander’s three-spoke steering wheel with the round central hub, the new Xpander Cross dives into the Montero Sport parts bin for the latter’s four-spoke tiller, which is mounted right in front of an 8-inch all-digital LCD instrument panel. Connectivity is courtesy of a large in-dash touchscreen monitor that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and in addition to USB ports, the new Xpander Cross also offers wireless charging.
An all-digital instrument clsuter is standard
Standard safety features include dual airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, cruise control, stability control, hill-start assist, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold. However, two additional features are expected to make the new Xpander Cross even more desirable.
The new Xpander Cross gets the Lancer Evolution's Active Yaw Control (AYC) feature
The first is the Active Yaw Control (AYC) that controls braking force between the left and right wheels for stability; Mitsubishi fans will recognize this as a standard feature on the Lancer Evolution series of performance sedans. The second is a 360-degree surround camera system that reduces blind spots for both lane merging and parking.
Engine & Drivetrain
What has not changed much is the powertrain, which still comprises a 1.5-liter 4A91 gasoline engine with Mitsubishi’s MIVEC variable valve timing technology, producing 103 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque.
Indonesia-spec releases get a CVT as one of two transmission options
As with the first Xpander Cross revision, the enhanced model ditches the 4-speed torque converter automatic for a CVT in delivering power to the front wheels. A 5-speed manual transmission variant is also offered.
Price
The 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross will retail for IDR 309,500,000 (Php 1.17 million) for the manual variant, going up to IDR 335,750,000 (Php 1.27 million) for the top-spec CVT Premium Package.
Could a Philippine release follow in the next few months?
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines (MMPC) is keeping mum on whether this will follow the new Xpander in our market, but the new Xpander Cross’ recent debut could mean that a Philippine release is not too far away. Fingers crossed.
Keep tabs on the latest models making their debut in our region at Philkotse.com.