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 latest media drive gave us a possibility to pit the up to date MPV towards to the unique, launched again in 2020.
We’ve seen numerous 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 eventually depend it retailed at RM100,980. As such, the facelifted automotive’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 besides.
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 an absence of visible updates meant the automotive seemed a reasonably drained as 2024 rolled alongside. The facelift has redressed the steadiness – and the way.
It’s arduous 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, provides the automotive a cleaner aesthetic. You additionally get thicker Dynamic Protect chrome bars, hanging T-shaped LED headlights (now with projectors) and a redesigned fog mild/air consumption meeting.
Additionally simplified in design are the two-tone turbine-style alloy wheels, and when you thought they give the impression of being bigger than the outdated 16-inch rollers, that’s as a result of they’re – they now measure 17 inches in diameter.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 recent sheetmetal and rear windscreen to accommodate this. The redesigned tailgate has fewer shut strains, 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 high.
The wholesale redesign continues on the within, the place the Xpander receives a complete new dashboard, ditching the outdated automotive’s odd curved design for a horizontal one. With the brand new two-tone maroon color scheme, the automotive now appears to be like extra upscale, plus you now get fake leather-based seats within the um, Plus.
When it comes to 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 computerized air conditioning 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, customary package 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 aspect 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 a good 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-about for the longer term.
There have been just a few 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 experience consolation. A revamped NVH package deal that features elevated sound insulation must also end in markedly higher refinement.
GALLERY: 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander Plus facelift
GALLERY: 2020 Mitsubishi Xpander
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