Mitsubishi Xpander

Compared to the other global versions of the Mitsubishi Xpander, the Malaysian version gets an all-black cabin, which makes the cabin look a bit dull. However, the infotainment system and lower centre console get the satin silver finish on either side, which somehow tries to make the cabin look not so basic. Because it is a five-year-old design, the cabin has now started to show its age and lacks the modernity one seeks in a new-generation vehicle.

Seats and upholstery

The only variant in which the Mitsubishi Xpander is available gets black leather seats as standard. The Xpander gets a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a one-touch tumble feature with sliding and folding function for the second row of seats, and reclining and flat-folding functionality for the third row of seats. Despite having compact dimensions, the Xpander offers an ample amount of space and flexible seating configurations including all three rows.

Comfort and convenience

While the Mitsubishi Xpander doesn’t break any ground by offering first-in-segment features, it impresses with the presence of all the essential features that one now expects in a vehicle of this class and price. The Xpander is decently equipped with a few modern features, which add to the comfort and convenience of the people seated inside it.

The cabin of the Xpander gets features like a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, which gets audio and Bluetooth buttons on it and has both tilt and telescopic functionality. While the analogue dials and 4.2-inch TFT MID in the middle of the instrument console look basic, the latter offers a wide range of data on display.

The manual air conditioning system is accompanied by large AC vents on the dashboard and roof-mounted AC vents for rear-seat passengers for faster and optimal cooling for the cabin. Other features of the cabin of the Mitsubishi Xpander which make the lives of drivers and passengers easier are the push start-stop button, cruise control and a 6-speaker audio system.

Entertainment, information and communication

The most modern-looking highlight of the cabin of the Mitsubishi Xpander happens to be the large 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which sits at the top of the centre console as a standalone unit. This screen might have a dated-looking user interface but is adequately packed with modern amenities like Android Auto, Apple Carplay and Bluetooth connectivity. The Xpander also misses out on modern telematics connectivity systems, which is not a big concern for the target audience. 

Storage

The Mitsubishi Xpander impresses massively with the amount of small and big storage spaces in its cabin. Apart from the conventional closed glovebox with double compartment and boot space, the Mitsubishi Xpander gets innovative storage spaces like smartphone storage in the centre console, hidden storage space in the centre console with lid, second row and third-row side pockets with cup holders, under-seat multi-purpose storage, second-row back seat pockets and cargo floor box with lid.

When the Mitsubishi Xpander arrived on the block for the first time in 2017, it appeared to be leagues ahead of other compact MPVs due to its radical exterior design. It is the aggressiveness of this design that despite being a four-year-old design and the debut of facelifted version in other markets, the Malaysian-spec pre-facelift Xpander still looks very much relevant.

The best profile to look at the Mitsubishi Xpander happens to be that of the front, where the Xpander has a very unique X-shaped layout for the front fascia. This fascia comprises a slim-looking grille with horizontal chrome slats, which stretch towards the angular and slim-looking split strips of daytime running LEDs. 

The chrome garnishes below the daytime running LEDs stretch towards the lower-positioned vertically-aligned headlamps in a C-shaped wraparound manner, thus making the front look very aggressive and wide. The vertically-laid trapezoidal headlamps are all-LED units, with clear lens turn indicators placed at the bottom of them. The lower part of the front bumper looks rugged with the presence of a silver skid plate, with rounded fog lamps placed on either end of the skid plate. 

For an MPV, the Mitsubishi Xpander looks striking from the side as well, as it gets squared and broad wheel arches, a thick crease flowing through the door panels till the edge of the tail lamp, blacked-out D-pillar and chrome accents on the door handles and window beltline. Even the 16-inch dual-tone alloy wheels play a major contribution in making the Xpander look premium from the side.

The rear profile of the Mitsubishi Xpander might not be as striking and aggressive to look at, but it still manages to go well with the overall design of the MPV neatly. The inverted T-shaped headlamps with sweptback designs and LED inserts to make the rear of the Xpander look cool. Here also, the bumper has a neatly integrated silver skid plate.

The Mitsubishi Xpander measures 4,475 mm long, 1,750 mm wide and 1,730 mm tall, which makes it neither too big nor too small for an MPV. The healthy wheelbase of 2,775 mm means that the Xpander has a lot of room on the inside, particularly for the second row of seats. 

The Mitsubishi Xpander gets a suspension combination of Macpherson struts with coil springs, a stabilizer bar and built-in strut bar at the front and a torsion beam with coil springs at the rear. Matching the credentials of an MPV, the overall suspension setup of the Xpander is tuned on the plusher side to make the ride quality feel plush and sorted, even over sharp undulations and bumps. The 205/55 R16 tyres of the Xpander also contribute to the overall plush ride quality of the MPV.

While the length of 4,475 mm might lead to an impression of a long vehicle which is difficult to drive for new drivers, that’s not the case with the Mitsubishi Xpander. The turning radius of 5.2 meters and the light steering setup make driving the Xpander as easy as any other large hatchback or a compact sedan.

Like the Mitsubishi Xpander sold in other international markets, the Malaysian-spec Xpander also is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine as the standard choice of powertrain. Here, this engine is offered with a 4-speed automatic gearbox as the only transmission option.

With a maximum power output of 105 PS and a peak torque output of 141 Nm, this 1.5-litre petrol engine is not something which will be revered by driving enthusiasts. Where it shines out is its refinement and fuel efficiency. With this automatic transmission, the Mitsubishi Xpander claims a fuel economy of 22.94 kmpl, which easily makes it the most fuel-efficient automatic compact MPV on sale in the country.

The Mitsubishi Xpander might not be equipped with the modern-day range of ADAS features, though it is healthily equipped with all the necessary features for a compact MPV of its price. The list of standard safety features on offer in the Mitsubishi Xpander includes dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, active stability control, traction control, brake override system, rest reminder, hill start assist, 360-degree parking camera, reverse parking sensors and ISOFIX mounts for child seats. 

Warranty

For the Xpander, Mitsubishi is offering a standard warranty of 5 years or unlimited kilometres as standard, which is easily the best standard warranty on any production vehicle on sale in the Malaysian car market.

Mitsubishi Xpander vs the competition

The only variant of the Mitsubishi Xpander on sale in the Malaysian car market is priced at RM 93,318 OTR, which makes it priced near three of the other high-selling and solidly reputed compact MPVs, which are as follows:

Toyota Rush – What started as a sub-compact SUV has evolved into a three-row rugged-looking MPV for the masses, it is how Toyota Rush’s journey has been. The edgy-looking Toyota Rush is as well-equipped, spacious and reliable as the Mitsubishi Xpander, and like the latter, it is also available with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine and a four-speed automatic gearbox. The engine of the Rush makes 105 PS of power and 136 Nm of torque.

Honda BR-V – The Honda BR-V began its life as a rugged-looking version of the Mobilio, which gets heavily-restyled front and rear profiles compared to the former. This rugged-looking compact MPV from Honda also gets a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine, which churns out a maximum power output of 120 PS and a peak torque output of 145 Nm. This engine is available with a smooth CVT gearbox. 

Proton Exora – The Proton Exora might not be the most modern-looking and equipped MPV in its class. It looks dated and gets only bare essential features on offer. But when compared to all the other compact MPVs mentioned above, it costs the lowest with a significant margin. The Proton Exora is available in two variants, both of which are powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine. This engine produces 140 PS of power and 205 Nm of torque – figures which make it the biggest and most powerful engine in the compact MPV category. The CVT is the only choice of transmission on offer for both variants. 

Final words

The compact MPV category was earlier seen as a utilitarian space, as the target audience usually had comfort and reliability as the only requirements in the erstwhile days. However, the Mitsubishi Xpander is one of those offerings which have raised the expectations of people from compact MPVs in every sense. The reasons behind the game-changing abilities of the Mitsubishi Xpander are its striking design, functional and practical cabin, a decent list of new-age features and exceptional fuel economy. It surely carries a slight premium over other compact MPVs for the price to package ratio it possesses. However, the Xpander is easily one of the most complete packages in the compact MPV space.