Weeks after it was teaser, the hybridized versions of the Mitsubishi Xpander and Mitsubishi Xpander Cross has been revealed. The two new MPVs have the potential to shake up the subcompact MPV market because of one huge reason.
Instead of mild-hybrid tech, Mitsubishi has given these two models full hybrid technology. That means these electrified Xpanders have the ability to run on electric power alone.
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With that, Mitsubishi is the first to the market with full hybrid power. It’s not just an Xpander with an electric motor attached to it. The company did a whole to of changes to make it happen.
For starters, the 1.5-liter is gone and replaced by a larger 1.6-liter Atkinson Cycle engine. It’s then paired with a 1.1kWh battery that charges up the single electric motor. Total system output is rated at 114hp and, more importantly, 255Nm of torque.
With the new powertrain, the Xpander gains seven driving modes. There’s charge, EV priority, normal, wet, gravel, tarmac, and mud. The Xpander also gets Active Yaw Control that was first used in the Xpander Cross.
To accommodate the additional hardware, both Xpander and Xpander Cross hybrids have a unique suspension arrangement. It still retains struts at the front and a torsion beam at the back, but these have been re-tuned to retain ride and handling characteristics from the standard model.
You’ll need sharp eyes to spot the differences between the gas-powered models with the hybrids. For the Xpander, it gets thin blue stripes around the bottom of the MPV and an e:Motion EV badge on the front doors. It’s even tougher to spot hybrid cues on the Xpander Cross with the only clues being the door badges and a blue highlight on each of the wheels.
Inside, there are more visible changes for the electrified Xpanders. These models come with a fully digital instrument cluster that adds more info for the hybrid system. It then gets an electric gear selector, replacing the mechanical unit.
At the moment, it’s unknown if Mitsubishi Motors Philippines will offer this locally. That said, we wouldn’t be surprised if it’s already in its planning stages. Prices in Thailand range from 933,000 to 961,000 baht (912,000 to 946,000 baht introduction price), which is roughly around P1.48-M to 1.52-M
