Seen as a way to stave off Toyota Avanza launch
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) announced last May 5, the start of reservations for the new Xpander two days ahead of the launch of Toyota’s all-new Avanza.
Launched in Indonesia last year, Mitsubishi offered test units to select members of the media as part of a campaign to broaden the attention to the sleek MPV and highlight its features and prowess. Automotive pundits see the move as a clever way of staving off too much attention to the Toyota MPV, which is a direct competitor and closest challenger in the compact MPV segment. The Xpander however, bigger in size is the class leader and has edged out the Avanza in sales almost since its introduction six years ago.
“Came as no surprise to us that the Xpander helped MMPC deliver a strong retail performance. It checks all the boxes when it comes to the qualities that our customers look and yearn for in an MPV,” MMPC President and CEO, Takeshi Hara said.
The Xpander was first introduced in the Philippines in 2018 and since then has steadily become the company’s best-selling model. Last year, it accounted for 54.40 percenrt market share further imposing its number 1 position in its category. Toyota’s challenge this year comes in the form of an Avanza with a 1.5-liter engine with a CV transmission.
Proportion-wise, the Xpander is longer, wider, and roomier. A refreshed exterior still highlights the powerful front grille, enhancing further the “dynamic shield” concept to create a more advanced SUV styling than the Avanza. The new signature T-Shape head and tail lights, redesigned horizontal front bumper, larger 17-inch wheels and side sills complete the package, which when viewed from the side is both unmistakably Xpander, familiar yet new and innovative.
It is in the insider where the Xpander really beats the competition silly. In the upcoming model, a more refined interior quality is to be expected. It shows off a more robust SUV starting with the adoption of Mitsubishi’s Design Identity of Horizontal Axis in the dashboard, strong straight lines cushioned by soft padding accents. Add to that the 7-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for a complete revamp.
Under the hood is the same reliable 1.5-liter MIVEC inline-4 producing 105 PS and 141 Nm torque coupled to a conventional four-speed automatic transmission. Mitsubishi says it offers enhanced utility and drivability that enables a “flatter and more comfortable ride due to the addition of high-performance valves in the front and rear suspension while still keeping its best-in class ground clearance of 225 mm” which is higher than the previous version. The retuned suspension to improve comfort according to reports from the media afforded an early viewing and test drive of the vehicle.
There are six different colors for the 2022 Xpander — Jet Black Mica, Graphite Gray Metallic, Quartz White Pearl, Red Metallic, Sunrise Orange Metallic, and the new Blade Silver Metallic.
Mitsubishi also announced it will come in four variants. The Xpander GLX MT at P1.030M, GLX AT at P1.090M, GLS AT at P1.160M, and Cross AT but no pricing yet as of the moment.
“Aside from local recognition, it continuously garners awards from different parts of the world which is a testament to how outstanding it really is. These were part of the inspiration for the newest Xpander, which will actually be already offered in advance to our Filipino customers. But it doesn’t just end there, we also have a special pre-selling treat in store before the month ends,” Hara concludes.
