Monday, November 8, 2021

First Impression Mitsubishi New Xpander: More Powerful, More Sophisticated

November 2021 is certain to be a very hot month for the competitive MPV market. This time it was Mitsubishi's turn to give a refresher to their favorite MPV, namely the Mitsubishi New Xpander.

From the name, we know that this latest Xpander comes as a facelift version. so the engine and platform is still the same as the old one. However, let's discuss what changes Mitsubishi has made to this new Xpander and what is detikOto's impression after seeing it firsthand? Check out our review this time!


The Design Is More Stylish

As we know, Mitsubishi first released the Xpander at the end of 2017. Now, after four years since its appearance, Mitsubishi has brought back a new version of the Xpander which is both more muscular and modern in appearance.


The front view is clearly different from the old one. The grille model is now bigger and wrapped in black chrome or the contemporary language, piano black. The Mitsubishi logo now looks even more sophisticated, clamped by the LED DRL which also functions as a turn signal.



In addition, it is clear that the new model is the main lamp. Now Xpander uses a main lamp whose model is like the letter T in a sleeping position, or Mitsubishi calls it the term 'T-Shape'. Interestingly, now the position of the number plate has been moved further down, so that the grille looks even bigger.


At the front, what is also new is the bumper model. Previously, the Xpander used a large front bumper model that looked muscular like an SUV, now the bumper model is more modern with round fog lamps that still use a yellow halogen bulb.


From the side, this new Xpander looks similar to the previous version. The body still looks muscular with curves and transverse lines. But now, the Xpander is equipped with 17-inch two-tone rims. In addition, the side sill garnish model was updated.


Moving on to the back, the look of this new Xpander is also getting tougher. Now the Xpander is equipped with a new, more modern taillight model, Mitsubishi calls it the 'New LED Rear Combination Lamp'. In addition, like the front bumper, the latest Xpander also gets changes to the rear bumper design. In general, the rear looks more muscular and also seems denser.


Entering the cabin, the atmosphere of the newest Xpander is not much different from the old one. However, Mitsubishi provides a new color choice for the interior, so now there are two color combinations, namely Black & Brown and Black Dark Beige. In addition, for comfort and a more luxurious appearance, Xpander is now equipped with a soft touch panel touch on the dashboard and door trim.


Our first impression of seeing the new look of this Xpander, it's really amazing. By design, Xpander makes the MPV competition map hotter. It looks more modern, fresh, and also much more attractive than the old Xpander.


Advanced New Features

As a car that has received a facelift, the Xpander certainly still relies on the old features that are its superiority. However, there are several features that have now become the new flagship of Xpander to provide resistance in the MPV car market.


Mitsubishi is now equipping the Xpander with an electric parking brake which is located right next to the shifter. This electric parking brake is also equipped with the Auto Hold feature, making its use more fun and efficient. The presence of this electric parking brake also changes the layout of the Xpander center console, now there is no longer a parking brake lever that crosses the middle.


In addition, what is visible to the eye is that Xpander is now equipped with digital AC settings. There are no longer three AC rotary knobs that look 'old-fashioned' on the center console. Mitsubishi also provides a new entertainment screen. Now Xpander uses a 7-inch touch screen for the GLS and Exceed types, while the Sport and Ultimate types are equipped with an 8-inch touch screen.


Mitsubishi also embeds new features such as Speed ​​Sensing Door Lock and also Auto Stop and Go. This feature is claimed to make cabin safety better and also fuel efficient. However, to conclude the usability and workings of this feature, of course we can only conclude when we have tested the car directly.


A minor feature that is also new is that Xpander now uses a colored cluster instrument screen and a new steering wheel design. Mitsubishi also provides two USB charging ports type A and C in the passenger cabin area.


Same Engine, New Transmission

This latest Mitsubishi Xpander still uses the same engine and platform from the old one. Mitsubishi Xpander is powered by a 1,500 cc engine. This car is equipped with an engine coded 4A91 MIVEC DOHC 16-valve 1,499 cc. The engine is capable of spraying power up to 105 PS at 6,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 141 Nm at 4,000 rpm.


However, if previously the engine was mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission, now Mitsubishi has embedded a CVT transmission into the latest Xpander. This CVT transmission is claimed to make the engine work more efficiently, softer and also better in terms of acceleration.


On paper, it is true that the use of a CVT transmission is proven to be more efficient than a conventional automatic transmission, but to find out what the impression of this new transmission will be, of course it can only be concluded after driving tests.


Mitsubishi also claims to improve the silencer in this latest Xpander. It seems that this is no less interesting to find out, how much different it is from the previous Xpander.


In terms of the legs, the latest Mitsubishi Xpander is claimed to come with a better suspension setting, making it more comfortable to drive. But in terms of specifications, this latest Xpander still carries MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring front suspension and Torsion Beam rear suspension. For braking, there are disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear.


New Mitsubishi Xpander Availability and Price

The latest Mitsubishi Xpander comes in four types or variants and six color choices. The cheapest type is GLS, while the most expensive is the Ultimate type. All types except the Ultimate, are available in CVT and manual transmission options. But not all colors are available in all types.


Here are the details of the color combination, transmission, and type in the latest Xpander:

- Quartz White Pearl (White)

Ultimate CVT

Sport CVT & M/T

Exceed CVT & M/T

GLS CVT & M/T


- Jet Black Mica (Black)

Ultimate CVT

Sport CVT & M/T

Exceed CVT & M/T

GLS CVT & M/T


- Blade Silver Metallic (Silver)

Ultimate CVT

Sport CVT & M/T

Exceed CVT & M/T

GLS CVT & M/T


- Deep Bronze Metallic (Brown)

Ultimate CVT

Sport CVT & M/T


- Red Metallic (Red)

Ultimate CVT

Sport CVT & M/T


- Graphite Gray Metallic (Grey)

Ultimate CVT

Sport CVT & M/T


Although it has been launched, the price of the Mitsubishi New Xpander has not been announced. The MMKSI party said it would announce the official prices for these two cars at the 2021 GIIAS event. The President Director of MMKSI, Naoya Nakamura, stated that the prices for the New Xpander and New Xpander Cross were deliberately kept secret, because the two cars were considered special products.

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