The new 2020 Mitsubishi XPANDER is finally getting its Malaysian launch soon. The compact MPV, with Crossover looks was initially launched over in Indonesia mid-2017 and it finally sees its debut here. The official distributors of Mitsubishi here, MITSUBISHI MOTORS MALAYSIA (MMM), have stated that bookings are now open at all authorised dealerships and they have also revealed full product specifications of the Xpander. Its official launch is targeted for November2020. It will also be locally assembled over at Pekan, Pahang for Malaysia.
The Mitsubishi Xpander is a seven-seater crossover with crossover/SUV looks. It definitely looks better in real life than in the photos. The first time I saw it was photos of it when it was first unveiled. It looked all front end and nothing else. This was my first impression of the new Mitsubishi compact MPV. But then, sometime in 2019 I actually had a chance to view one in the flesh, or metal since its a car. It actually looked quite good in terms of its proportions and how it looks - Definitely not all grille or Transformers looking front end but actually contemporary in terms of styling. Quite fresh in terms of compact MPV styling and actually modern looking for what is an entry level people carrier.
Anyway, the Xpander is powered by a 1.5-litre MIVEC petrol engine which makes 105 PS at 6,000 rpm and 141 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. It is front wheel drive and gets its power transmitted via a four-speed automatic transmission optimized for power and fuel economy. This is the norm in terms of compact MPVs here in the region especially if cost comes to mind (Editor - there is officially no 5speed automatic option anywhere else in the world even if you wanted one.). The Xpander weighs between 1220-1275kg depending on specification and sits in its class segment pretty well in terms of performance.
Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, Tomoyuki Shinnishi said this on the new Xpander, “The XPANDER is a significant model for MMM and we are optimistic that it will be a favourite among many Malaysians for its design is more than just aesthetics. Today, we are pleased to reveal the full-specs of the new XPANDER to all. We understood that Malaysians now want a car that matched their aspiration for a more active lifestyle and practicality and as such, the XPANDER is customized to meet Malaysians preference.”
So you heard it from Shinnishi San that it should come with features that will suit the Malaysian market. Note that the Xpander is sold regionally with Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, Bangladesh, Vietnam and over at Brunei. Ours will come with a dark interior which is better received here. Over in Indonesia, there is a cream coloured interior, something which is liked over there. It is good that MMM took note on local tastes. What works over there will not work here (Ed - This came to mind when the Suzuki Ertiga was sold here as a Proton and it came with a cream interior which did not work out with Malaysian buyers).
He added, “At Mitsubishi Motors, we want to offer a more price competitive model with better specifications, hence the move to locally-assembled. We want to provide our customers with more convenience and comfort and subsequently allowing them to live an adventurous life beyond limits.”
All in all, quite an interesting proposition this Mitsubishi Xpander. This is made a little bit more interesting due to the fact that last year, Mitsubishi actually announced that the Xpander will compete in the Asia Pacific Rally Championship AP4 Class. Interesting choice of a car to enter rallying with!
Photo Description both AP4 photos herein - English: Mitsubishi Xpander AP4日本語: 三菱 エクスパンダー AP4Date 22 July 2019, 13:08:32 Source オーバードライブ83
Stay tuned to MMM’s official website for any official announcements on the official launch
https://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my/
and social media pages
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MitsubishiMotorsMalaysia/
and
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mitsubishimotorsmalaysia/
for more upcoming events soon.
Official 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander Product Summary (Malaysian Spec)
Exterior
The new XPANDER never fails to impress with it’s a striking futuristic design. The XPANDER follows the iteration of the ‘Dynamic Shield’ front design concept, which is incorporated in every newly launched Mitsubishi car. The ‘Dynamic Shield’ expresses high performance and a sense of protection for the passengers and pedestrians.
Aesthetically, the XPANDER comes with a few impressive kit list including LED Headlamps, Crystal blocks LED position lamp and L-illumination LED Tail Lights. The new XPANDER also comes with 16 inch dual-tone alloy wheels. Customers may also explore more adventurous places with the XPANDER’s high ground clearance of 205mm.
Interior
Moving inside, the XPANDER gets best-in-class spacious cabin with overall height of 1,730mm and overall length of 4,475mm. The new XPANDER is with a 2,775mm wheelbase and 1,750mm width offering more legroom for all its passengers.
The XPANDER is the only car in its class with fold-flat second and third rows seats providing full luggage space and car-like boot that makes it easier to load larger or longer items. The XPANDER is also fitted with under-seat multi-purpose storage, cargo floor box with lid, third row side pocket and cup holder, centre console box with sliding lid, multiple storage compartments and glove box with double compartment to store all the items needed for a perfect weekend getaway.
Furthermore, the XPANDER also comes with four roof-mounted air vents for better air distribution towards each passenger promising faster cooling effect for hot days. For entertainment, the XPANDER comes with 9-Inch Audio System with Apple Carplay and Android Auto Ready.
Safety
Safety features includes dual SRS airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distributor (EBD), Active Stability Control (ASC), Brake Assist System (BA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Rest Reminder, Brake Override System (BOS) among others.
Last but not least, the XPANDER also comes with 4.2-inch high contrast meter cluster with important information display such as engine coolant temperature gauge, and warning display for cruise control or low battery in the car key.
MMM’s Authorised Dealer Package
To further enhance the value of the vehicle, a MMM authorized dealer package is introduced. The MMM authorized dealer package will include features such as All Round Monitor (ARM), Driving Video Recorder (DVR) and Leather Seats.
ARM uses multiple cameras around the vehicle to create a 360 Degrees bird’s eye view to aid parking and maneuvering.
For added peace-of-mind driving, the DVR captures every moment or incident in front of the vehicle while on the move.
Last but not least, the stylish black leather seats further complements the vehicle design and ride comfort for the driver and passengers.
All these accessories are tested and verified by MMM to be in compliance with Malaysia’s local regulation requirement.
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