Mitsubishi Xpander : Mitsubishi Motors finally kicked off with lower class MPV or Low MPV

Mitsubishi Motors finally kicked off with lower class MPV or Low MPV with a capacity of seven passengers, Mitsubishi Xpander. Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Sales Indonesia (MMKSI) as the Brand Holder Agent, no longer call it Mitsubishi Next Generation MPV.

The model, admittedly, deserves four thumbs up. Once introduced to the media crew some time ago, we feel Avanza and Xenia look ancient, while Ertiga and Mobilio directly drowned behind the design of Xpander.

The officials of MMKSI who visited Otaks editorial, once said the production version of the design, not much different from the concept version called XM Concept. Just a little different. And the fact is, at first glance different wheels and side mirrors. Even the design lines on the body side was not too changed.

Talking about features and specifications, the engine capacity of 1.5 liters MIVEC technology. This machine can generate power up to 105 ps with gasoline. Honestly, on paper, this number is somewhat disappointing, because the competitors have more power. Honda Mobilio became its king in this field with 110 ps.

But if talk ground clearance, then the first Xpander. With 205 mm, the driver can pass through a light offroad field without having to worry about the lower deck stuck.

Xpander is available in three variants: Ultimate, Sport, Exceed, GLS, and the bottom of GLX. In addition to GLX and GLS type, Xpander equipped with two transmission options are automatic and manual. About the price, Xpander dibanderol ranging from 189 million to Rp 245.5 million. The price really knocks the ruler of the market, Toyota Avanza, to the variant Veloz.

Now, after the success of more than 11 thousand orders, Mitsubishi Xpander ready to dieskspor. The first destination country is the Philippines, and will then also expand to Malaysia and other ASEAN countries. The target, 20,000 Xpander every month will enter this export market.

Domestically, Xpander will begin delivery to the fastest consumer by the end of September 2017. The delivery process is also linked to the production capacity of the Mitsubishi plant in CIkarang, West Java, which is around 3,000 units per month.

Mitsubishi continues to expand its pelayann network. Until this week (Early September 2017), no less than 93 Mitsubishi dealers special passenger cars are ready to serve customers. This addition is part of MMKSI's commitment to serve Xpander consumers who will boost the brand population bearing three diamonds in the country.

To penetrate the market deeper, MMKSI even introduces Mitsubishi Xpander directly in several big cities in Indonesia such as Pekanbaru, Medan, Bandung, and there will be more cities.

Unfortunately, Xpander's journey seems unlikely to be smooth. Because this car into the market spotlight, do not be surprised if there is a slight mistake so crowded. After a long inden, this car is now reportedly hit by idle problems (stationary / lamsam) which sometimes rise too high, so the car was jumping. 

Interior & Features

Although the feature is nothing too special, in addition to the star / stop button in high variants, but the supporters are quite qualified. There is plenty of storage space. It is very clear from the brochure or when introduced some time ago. Cup holder scattered in every row, storage pockets also spread in some places such as on the back of a chair, door and so on.

Even under the seat was still provided a drawer that can be used to store shoes. In addition, behind the luggage floor, also available storage space. In short, this car seems to support the practicality of driving.

Xpander equipped with two interior colors, beige and black. The latter specially used Xpander with Sport variant. The rear seats can be folded to increase the luggage capacity. And thus, this car can also provide a variety of seat configurations

Exterior

Paras Xpander embraces the Dynamic Shield design, as it is also applied to Pajero Sport. At Xpander, the most dominant thing on the face, the main light house that extends down to the center, as if pressing the grille. For information, the main light is below, not the top. The lights above serve as DRL (Day-Time Running Light).

Speak the grille, visible to form the silhouette of the letter X and separated by the bumper rod. The bottom grille seems more functional, because it has a larger and wider cavity. In the ultimate variant, this grille is chrome plated.

On the side, alloy wheels with contemporary, black and polish silver colors. The size is 15 inches and 16 inches, depending on the variant. While the rear lights, L-shaped design that extends to the side and door of the trunk.

The trunk door features a tail spoiler at the top, confirming Xpander's sporty impression. Impression confirmation is also presented by a kind of airdam at the bottom of the front. Apparently, this accessory also serves as a cover to protect the bottom of the machine.

Honestly, we had trouble finding the design flaws of this car. Low MPV market must react vary. But the majority definitely agree, Xpander's design provides something new for its class.

Control & Drive

Ground clearance of this car is high (205 mm). So if you think the car will sway, of course not too wrong. But the Mitsubishi engineers also do not just make high cars. The suspension is set in such a way that the car remains stable, although the passengers inside feel the effects unsteady. So no need to worry the car will 'spill' when maneuvering. One more thing, this car is also equipped with auxiliary devices of stability in Sport and Ultimate variants.

Fuel Machine & Consumption

As mentioned earlier, Xpander drive system centered on a 4-cylinder gasoline engine with a capacity of 1.5 liters. With MIVEC technology to regulate ignition for more efficient fuel consumption, Xpander seems quite promising. Output generated 105 ps with torque of 141 Nm.

For the size of a low MPV, the output quantity is quite acceptable. Not too big and not too small. But among its competitors, Xpander became the bottom. Avanza 1.5 engine has power up to 107 ps. Mobilio is even larger, 110 ps, ​​with the same engine capacity.

Braking

For active safety features, it looks like Mitsubishi does not really differentiate between variants. This is evidenced by the presence of ABS and EBD devices. Behind it, on Sport and Ultimate added Brake Assist, which as the name suggests, is useful to help braking. With this feature, although the brakes are not stepped on the maximum when the sudden deceleration, the brakes remain grip.