Mitsubishi absolutely shattered the people-mover/MPV segment when it introduced the Xpander compact seven-seater MPV around the middle of last year. The new Xpander may be late to the game—following the Toyota Avanza (and its crossover sibling, the Rush), the Honda Mobilio (and its crossover alter ego, the BR-V), and the Suzuki Ertiga—but it totally redefines the genre with its space-age styling and highest-in-class levels of smoothness and refinement. This despite it sharing the same template as its rivals: compact size, unit-body (monocoque) construction, front-wheel drive, independent coil spring suspensions (front MacPhersons struts/rear torsion beam), and transversely mounted 1.5-liter gasoline engines.
Still, the Xpander is notably bigger in every dimension compared to the Suzuki and Honda, making it the roomiest in its class.
Dynamic styling
Viewed from the front, it projects the same second-gen Dynamic Shield design as the latest versions of its Strada and Montero Sport siblings. Razor-thin LED signal lamps flow into a sleek metal louvre-like grille that opens up to a boldly gaping lower air intake to form Mitsubishi’s X-shaped Dynamic Shield front end. Further accentuating the very compelling front end design are huge side openings that house the headlamps, while the foglamps are mounted even lower at the bottom edge of the bumper. It’s easily one of the most compelling front ends in automobiledom now—bar none.
The side and rear views are more grounded compared to the front. It’s a typical two-box MPV design, highlighted by strong character lines that run across the front fender and from the front door all the way to the rear light clusters—the latter sporting the now-popular scalloped look. Flattened, flared out, and squared off fender openings give the Xpander a muscular SUV-like feel. The partially glazed-in rearmost pillar is a nice touch, adding visual interest to the rear three-quarters.
The rear end looks very upscale, thanks to L-shaped LED taillamps that wrap around to the side of the vehicle, go up towards the roof, and spreads inward to the tailgate. Subtle sculpting of the tailgate, a nicely curved and shaped backlight, and the de rigueurrear spoiler with third brake light complete the stylish rear end.
Spacious, refined, versatile
The Xpander rides on a generous 2,775mm wheelbase—again, the longest in its class. Inside the well-crafted and very refined cabin, car-like front seats and a flowing dashboard and console project a spacious and luxurious feel. The Xpander offers two grades of fabric seating with leather used only on the steering wheel.
The seatbacks in the second and third rows easily fold down in 60:40 and 50:50 splits, respectively, to create multiple people and cargo carrying configurations. Both can also be folded flat to create a large, flat cargo area without bumps or gaps. The center backrest of the second row can also be folded down to create a wide armrest or to clear space for long and narrow items like a rolled carpet or a ladder. Needless to say, there is an abundance of large and small storage spaces to accommodate everything from oversized suitcases to smartphones and coins. There is even a concealed box in the dashboard and an underseat tray beneath the front passenger seat. The Xpander has a total of 16 bottle holders in the door trims and center console. It also has power outlets in all three rows as well as a 12V power outlet in the center console box.
Refinement comes from a hushed ride, and the Xpander achieves this thanks to a special windshield made from thick, high-quality soundproof glass laminated with an extra sound-absorbing layer to block out noise. Inner body panels also have vibration- and sound-absorbing materials. Even the airconditioner (eight positions in the front and four in the rear) is designed to operate silently even at max setting.
High connectivity
A very modern-looking (that word again) multi-info LED display works with an Eco-Drive indicator to keep the driver fully informed. Infotainment is via 7-inch touchscreen with AM/FM/CD/ MP3/Aux/Bluetooth/Mirrorlink/USB/GPS connectivity and four or six speakers.
Robust drivetrain and chassis
Under the Xpander’s sleek hood is a 1.5-liter 16-valve DOHC MIVEC four-cylinder engine developing 105ps and 141Nm of torque—not overwhelming but par for the course compared to its similar-engined compact MPV rivals. Nonetheless we got reasonably peppy performance, despite only having four speeds for the automatic transmission. More importantly, riding comfort is impressively high. No surprise really, as the Xpander borrows the platform from the sweet-riding Lancer EX. Its high-performance shock absorbers actually came from the legendary Lancer Evolution X.
The Xpander’s advanced body construction uses high-tensile-strength steel and Mitsubishi’s advanced RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) monocoque body structure for high levels of rigidity and collision protection. It even has a built-in strut bar connecting the front strut towers—something usually seen on sports or racing cars. There are dual airbags for the front as well as three-point seatbelts for all seven occupants.
Electronic safety features include ABS for the front disc/rear drum brakes, ASC (Active Stability Control), Brake Assist, Hill Start Assist, and Emergency Stop Signal System. The Xpander also has cruise control. The Xpander, which measures 4,475 x 1,750 x 1,700mm, boasts an SUV-like 205mm ground clearance.
Our Opinion:
All things considered the Xpander has expanded the envelope in compact MPVs. It looks great, goes well, is highly equipped, extremely versatile, and is priced right. It’s arguably the best in the game.
Specifications:
L x W x H (mm): 4,475 x 1,750 x 1,700
Wheelbase (mm): 2,775
Engine: 105ps/141Nm 1.5-liter 16-valve DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Suspension: MacPherson struts/Torsion beam
Brakes: Front discs/rear drums with ABS, EBD
Tires: 205/55R16
Safety features: ASC, TCL, HAS
Price: P1,110,000 (GLS AT variant)
