It’s been a lengthy time coming, however the facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander has lastly made its solution to Malaysia. It was launched right here a few weeks in the past, however a latest 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 numerous feedback concerning the value of the brand new mannequin, however we must always level out that the outgoing Xpander went by a number of value will increase within the intervening years, and eventually rely it retailed at RM100,980. As such, the facelifted automobile’s value 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 besides.
4 years have previous because the Xpander was launched in Malaysia, and it actually appears to be like it – we have been wowed at first with its daring Dynamic Defend face, however familiarity and an absence 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 fashionable 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 working lights, provides the automobile a cleaner aesthetic. You additionally get thicker Dynamic Defend 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the two-tone turbine-style alloy wheels, and in the event you thought they give the impression of being bigger than the outdated 16-inch rollers, that’s as a result of they’re – they now measure 17 inches in diameter. Across the again, the taillights are actually LEDs with a light-weight signature that mirror the T form of the headlights.
These lamps lengthen additional into the tailgate and have really necessitated the creation of latest sheetmetal and rear windscreen to accommodate this. The redesigned tailgate has fewer shut strains, once more making for a cleaner look. Under 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 high.
The wholesale redesign continues on the within, the place the Xpander receives an entire new dashboard, ditching the outdated 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 nonetheless – 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 automated air conditioning with digital controls and an digital parking brake. The latter frees up house 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 consists of 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 digicam. The Plus provides a brand new 360-degree digicam 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 value and on this age.
The Xpander retains its sensible nature, which is among the the reason 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 helpful 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 automated gearbox. We don’t get a CVT like different markets do, with Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) citing reliability and rapid response as causes for sticking with a slushbox, though the brand new stepless transmission is being thought-about for the long run.
There have been a number of tweaks made beneath the pores and skin, nonetheless. 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 trip 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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