It’s pretty much confirmed that we can expect the next-generation Mitsubishi Xpander in a year or two. It’s a much-needed full model change, too, as this MPV is fast approaching the decade mark.
But the all-new model is still a quite some time away, and Mitsubishi needs the current model to hold the fort in the meantime. In the face of newer, fresher competition, the Xpander responds with yet another facelift.
Yes, another one. In this case, it’s minor compared to the last model update from a few years ago. Still, it gets fresher looks and a little more safety equipment, the latter being quite significant.
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Starting with the exterior, the new Xpander gets a new grille design with vertical slats. Along with that is a redesigned apron that houses the repositioned foglights. The rear also gets a refreshed bumper design, and there are also a new set of wheels available.
Inside, it adapts the digital instrument cluster lifted straight from the XForce. That said, lower variants retain the classic analog gauges. Additional driver information readouts are featured in the new infotainment screen, again, from the XForce. The screen itself is also bigger, now at ten inches.
What’s the important safety update, you ask? That would be the availability of six airbags. With that, the Xpander finally gets side airbags at the front, as well as curtain airbags on each side. Also, the 360 cameras get a higher resolution, and even standard versions benefit from the Xpander Cross’ Active Yaw Control system to help it corner tighter.
Also getting the same updates is the higher-riding version of the popular MPV, the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross. From the outside, it gets a bolder grille design to give it more presence. Complementing it is a new bumper design for both front and rear, and there’s also redesigned wheels to top it all off. Interior feature updates are simiar to the Xpander, and it also gains more airbags and clearer camera displays.
Carried over from before is the engine. It’s still the familiar 1.5-liter MIVEC mill with no additional power. That means 103hp and 141Nm with power being sent to the front wheels. For the Indonesian market at least, it shifts with a CVT instead of a four-speed automatic.
