Mitsubishi is performing very well this year in terms of sales despite the pandemic, with the carmaker placing second place overall next to Toyota. One of the vehicles responsible for Mitsubishi’s excellent passenger vehicle sales is the 2021 Mitsubishi Xpander, as it seems to possess the right ingredients to make it pandemic-proof in terms of sales.
The Mitsubishi Xpander model is a seven-seater MPV launched by Mitsubishi Motor Philippine Corporation (MMPC) back in March 2018. It replaced the brand’s main AUV which is the Mitsubishi Adventure. The Philippine versions of the Xpander are all manufactured in Indonesia where the model is well-loved and praised.
On the outside, the car’s “Dynamic Shield” design looks like something out of a Transformers movie, making its exterior pretty polarizing – you either you like it or hate it. It’s really a strange design as the front bumper houses the headlights and turn signal lights instead of just fog lights. Also, the DRL is located where the headlights should be, so it’s kind of unique as well.
The rear end is more conventional-looking – thanks to a sporty diffuser that gives the car a handsome stance despite being a bit tall. A fog light at the bottom nicely accentuates the diffuser. They also added LEDs to the taillights to match the futuristic design.
Moving on to the interior, the Xpander’s cabin is nothing fancy but it does the job. While Mitsubishi used a lot of durable plastic on the interior, it doesn’t look cheap and they’re nicely textured. The same goes for the seats, despite being made of fabric, they don’t look cheap in any way. The dashboard is made of faux leather complete with faux stitching. The Xpander also comes with a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, AUX, and Smartphone Mirroring options. Getting the top-variant will give you a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a backup camera, a push-start button, and a cruise control system.
The most important thing about the Xpander is its capacity for hauling people. It’s spacious inside and it can sit up to 7 people, although the third-row seats are best for children only. Moreover, the Xpander can also function as a cargo vehicle, thanks to its flat loading bay and minimal loading lip at the back.
As for power, the 2021 Mitsubishi Xpander comes with the latest NC1W engine. It’s a 1.5-liter DOHC gasoline engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC). This engine makes the Xpander capable enough with 105 hp and 141 Nm of torque and comes mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Interestingly, the platform of the Xpander is based on a sedan, which is why it uses a McPherson strut at the front and a torsion beam at the back. For the brakes, there are 15” ventilated discs at the front and 9” drum brakes at the rear.
There’s nothing worrisome about the Xpander safety-wise. It has received a 4 star rating from the ASEAN NCAP and this small MPV boasts high levels of adult and child protection. It’s not surprising considering it’s equipped with ISOFIX tethers to accommodate child seats, two airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), hill start assist, and traction plus stability control system.
Overall, the 2021 Mitsubishi Xpander is a good family car. It has a spacious cabin despite being categorized as a small MPV. This MPV is very car-like due to its car platform although it has its own advantages, too. The Xpander is agile, responsive, and comfortable to drive while being able to sit 7 and having an ample ground clearance or ride height. Moreover, Mitsubishi has equipped the Xpander with a sound-absorbing roof, floor, walls, and windshield that all together improves cabin insulation for a comfortable ride. It’s really a car your family members would love.
2021 Mitsubishi Xpander Price Philippines:
Mitsubishi Xpander GLX MT – P1,008,000
Mitsubishi Xpander GLX Plus AT – P1,088,000
Mitsubishi Xpander GLS AT – P1,128,000
Mitsubishi Xpander GLS AT Quartz White Pearl – P1,143,000
