After a while of waiting, the popular Mitsubishi Xpander seven-seater MPV has finally received an update. That's right, it's already in the Philippines, and the pre-selling period for this updated MPV has already started.
2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Facelift: What’s New? (w/ Driving Impressions) - Philkotse Quick Look
Like the Indonesian and Thai versions that were introduced earlier, this new Xpander for the Philippine market comes with vast improvements to its exterior, as well as its interior. It also received some mechanical improvements.
Exterior
Starting off with dimensions, it is apparent that the new Xpander has grown a fair bit. Its new overall length now spans 4,595mm, which translates to a 120mm difference over the old model. It is also a bit taller at 1,750mm, and it has more ground clearance at 225mm.
It looks sleeker than ever before
The exterior design of this MPV was also refined. For instance, it now features a pair of T-shaped LED lamps. The front bumper itself gets a more open arrangement by way of a new mesh just below the black-colored grille slats. Below that is a new 3-dimensional skid guard, as well as a pair of front fog lamps.
From the sides, the Xpander now rides on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels. It also comes with a larger side sill. The taillights then mirror that front of the vehicle, as they also come in a striking T-shaped design.
The updated Xpander from the rear
Interior
Inside, the 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander gets a more premium-feeling cabin with the addition of more soft-touch surfaces. The new dashboard also comes in what Mitsubishi calls a “Horizontal Axis” design, which the brand describes as having a “robust SUV taste”.
Check out the updated Xpander's cockpit
The center stack of the updated Xpander was also improved in terms of ergonomics. Gone is the manual handbrake positioned nearer to the passenger side, as it was replaced by an easy-to-reach electronic parking brake with an auto-hold function.
Like the old Xpander, the passengers of the new Xpander also have access to power outlets for all three rows. New though are USB type A and C ports on the rear console, and second-row cup holders.
Going back to the front cabin, Mitsubishi also added new digital air-conditioning controls, which replaced the dial-type controls on the old model.
A peek inside the updated Xpander's second row
The driver is then provided with an armrest, a tilt and telescopic steering column, a push to start button, cruise control, among others.
Tech & Safety
As of the 2023 update, all the Xpander’s trims including the GLX MT now come with a seven-inch headunit. Prior to this, the aforementioned entry-level Xpander variant only came with a 2-DIN system.
The said touchscreen can now connect to phones with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has Bluetooth, and it is still linked to a set of six speakers.
Safety-wise, the new Xpander retains pretty much the same features as the pre-facelift model. Among these features is anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, stability control, traction control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, dual front airbags, among others.
Engine & Drivetrain
Like the old model, the new Philippine-spec Xpander for the model year 2023 uses the 1.5-liter 4A91 inline-4 gasoline engine. At the most, this four-banger can make up to 103 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque.
A closer look at the updated Xpander's gear shift lever and electronic parking brake switch
It also retains the same four-speed automatic gearbox, and it’s still front-wheel-drive. Then again, Mitsubishi provided this new version of the Xpander with revisions to its rear suspension. Specifically, it was given larger shock absorber cylinders, as well as high-performance valves.
Related Article: 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander First Impressions Review
Through these changes, the Xpander might be able to provide a stabler ride with less body roll.
Pricing
As mentioned, the pre-selling period for the updated 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander has already started. For more details, do contact your nearest Mitsubishi Philippines dealership. Do note though that the specs we've mentioned above might change before the said model's official launch in May.
For your benefit, here are the prices of the updated Xpander:
| 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Variants | Price |
| GLX 1.5 MT | Php 1,030,000 |
| GLX 1.5G AT | Php 1,090,000 |
| GLS 1.5G AT | Php 1,160,000 |
For more Mitsubishi Philippines promo 2022 and the latest automotive industry updates, keep it here on Philkotse.