It’s been a lengthy time coming, however the facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander has lastly made its option to Malaysia. It was launched right here a few weeks in the past, however a current media drive gave us a chance to pit the up to date MPV in opposition to to the unique, launched again in 2020.
We’ve seen a lot of feedback in regards to the worth of the brand new mannequin, however we should always level out that the outgoing Xpander went by a number of worth will increase within the intervening years, and finally depend it retailed at RM100,980. As such, the facelifted automobile’s worth is definitely decrease than earlier than, at RM99,980 for the bottom mannequin and RM109,980 for the brand new, higher-specced Plus – with revised appears to be like and a brand new inside in addition.
4 years have previous for the reason that Xpander was launched in Malaysia, and it definitely appears to be like it – we had been wowed at first with its daring Dynamic Protect face, however familiarity and a scarcity of visible updates meant the automobile regarded a reasonably drained as 2024 rolled alongside. The facelift has redressed the steadiness – and the way.
It’s onerous to overstate simply how trendy the brand new entrance finish – which borrows cues from the Outlander – makes the Xpander look. The broader all-black grille is sleeker and, when mixed with the brand new five-segment LED higher daytime operating lights, offers the automobile a cleaner aesthetic. You additionally get thicker Dynamic Protect chrome bars, hanging T-shaped LED headlights (now with projectors) and a redesigned fog gentle/air consumption meeting.
Additionally simplified in design are the two-tone turbine-style alloy wheels, and for those who thought they give the impression of being bigger than the previous 16-inch rollers, that’s as a result of they’re – they now measure 17 inches in diameter. Across the again, the taillights at the moment are LEDs with a light-weight signature that mirror the T form of the headlights.
These lamps prolong additional into the tailgate and have truly necessitated the creation of recent sheetmetal and rear windscreen to accommodate this. The redesigned tailgate has fewer shut traces, once more making for a cleaner look. Beneath this sits a extra angular rear bumper design with vertical reflectors and a bigger ornamental skid plate, whereas the Plus mannequin’s sizeable roof spoiler is mounted up prime.
The wholesale redesign continues on the within, the place the Xpander receives a complete new dashboard, ditching the previous automobile’s odd curved design for a horizontal one. With the brand new two-tone maroon color scheme, the automobile now appears to be like extra upscale, plus you now get fake leather-based seats within the um, Plus.
By way of tech, you continue to get a nine-inch infotainment touchscreen, however that is now an OEM system as Mitsubishi’s regional arm has caught up with Malaysia. It’s functionally the identical nevertheless – it nonetheless comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and pipes music by six unchanged audio system.
Additionally revised is the centre console, which now incorporates computerized aircon with digital controls and an digital parking brake. The latter frees up area for a brand new centre armrest with built-in storage and tissue field holder, with a corresponding armrest with twin cupholders now additionally discovered on the second row. Final however not least, the brand new steering wheel has a round airbag boss, bringing to thoughts the Lancer Evolution X.
In any other case, commonplace equipment is unchanged and contains keyless entry, push-button begin, a 4.2-inch multi-info show, auto lights and wipers, a rear air recirculator with built-in vents and a reverse digital camera. The Plus provides a brand new 360-degree digital camera system and Qi wi-fi charger, entrance and rear sprint cams and facet sill scuff plates. Sadly, the Xpander nonetheless solely will get twin airbags and stability management, with no driver assists to talk off – inexcusable at this worth and on this age.
The Xpander retains its sensible nature, which is without doubt one of the explanation why it’s the best-selling non-national MPV. You get a one-touch tumble fold operate on the second-row seats to realize entry to the third row, plus an honest 495 litre boot with the third row stowed. Fold down the second row and baggage room grows to 837 litres, and there’s additionally useful underfloor storage with a separator.
No change to the engine – a 4A91 1.5 litre MIVEC naturally-aspirated petrol four-cylinder producing 105 PS at 6,000 rpm and 141 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, mated to a four-speed computerized gearbox. We don’t get a CVT like different markets do, with Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) citing reliability and speedy response as causes for sticking with a slushbox, though the brand new stepless transmission is being thought of for the longer term.
There have been a number of tweaks made below the pores and skin, nevertheless. The retuned suspension not solely bumps the bottom clearance up by 20 mm to 225 mm, however the bigger rear dampers are additionally claimed to enhance journey consolation. A revamped NVH bundle that features elevated sound insulation must also lead to markedly higher refinement.
GALLERY: 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander Plus facelift
GALLERY: 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander
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