At long last, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has confirmed that the Xpander is finally, finally coming to Malaysia. The seven-seat MPV-cum-SUV will be launched later this year with its eyes firmly set on taking on its biggest rival, the Honda BR-V – so we thought it would be a good idea to compare the specifications of the two cars.
Let’s get some housekeeping out of the way first. We don’t have any details of the local Xpander as yet, so the figures you see here are based on the Indonesian model. Pricing is still an unknown quantity for the Mitsubishi, but we expect it to be in a similar ballpark to the Honda, which retails at RM86,726 for the 1.5 E and RM93,420 for the 1.5 V.
If you’re looking for the bigger car, then Mitsubishi scores first blood. The Xpander is slightly larger than the BR-V in every dimension – 18 mm longer (4,475 mm), 15 mm wider (1,750 mm) and 23 mm taller (1,700 mm), with a 113 mm longer wheelbase (2,775 mm). This should translate into a roomier interior, and the Xpander also boasts a much larger boot with the third row folded, at 781 litres versus 539.
Speaking of folding the seats, Mitsubishi claims that the Xpander is the only car in its class with fold-flat second and third rows, whereas the BR-V’s seats are positioned above the floor and need to be tumbled out of the way to get full luggage space. This gives the Xpander a more car-like boot that makes it easier to load larger or longer items.
However, the Xpander has a less powerful engine to lug the larger body. Despite the 1.5 litre MIVEC four-cylinder having double overhead cams versus the Honda’s single-cam i-VTEC mill, it produces less power and torque at 105 PS and 141 Nm, against the BR-V’s 120 PS and 145 Nm. However, peak power and torque are produced lower in the rev range in the Mitsubishi, at 6,000 and 4,000 respectively, which should make for a less stressed engine.
Elsewhere, the Xpander has a minimally taller ground clearance at 205 mm, as well as a slightly tighter turning circle at 5.2 metres, versus 5.6 metres for the BR-V. On to the specs, and the Xpander again edges ahead with LED headlights introduced on the facelift, compared to projector halogens on the BR-V. It also gets telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel, rather than only tilt adjustment for the Honda.
Both the Xpander and BR-V are available with seven-inch infotainment touchscreens, although MMM may add its own aftermarket system that could redress the balance – an Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-compatible system, as seen in the Outlander and Triton, would hand the Xpander a huge advantage. It’s also level pegging in the safety department, with both cars being offered with dual airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, stability control, hill start assist and ISOFIX child seat anchors on the second row.
Given our conservative market, the Xpander will likely be offered with a black interior, whereas Indonesian models are also available with a beige colour scheme.
GALLERY: Mitsubishi Xpander facelift in Indonesia
GALLERY: Honda BR-V facelift in Malaysia
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(Like) Xpander
(Dislike) BRV
Would like to try to drive this Mitsu Xpander for first time. That will be feel good
Xpander look like size of Toyota Rush but it looks amazing and exciting too. Bring it on!
Love Mitsubishi brand, the favorite of power brand. Yum yum
Should have compared to the Aruz/Rush instead. Spec by spec, price notwithstanding. They are much closer.
But if it comes with 2 airbags, can forget about it already.
I have been told by a Honda salesman, what was I expecting for 90k? When I asked why only 2 airbags when the BRV was launched. FWIW, Honda can go to hell.
Im sure Honda is still very proud of thier NVH performance.
Probably the only car in the segment that makes BRV looks like Scarlet Johansson.
Alamak, far from matching to Toyota Rush, safety features and specification.
7airbags, Blind spot monitor, smart Tag, 360camera, DVR, Unibody 5 star crash test strengthened with ladder frame double chasis for off-road, and most importantly – AEB!
Nice Car
Crampy vehicles too high for children reach
Why oh why still 2 airbags only at that price range?? millennium years already what??
Absolutely agree with you!! They still got the nerve to sell us low tech safety at high price.. (eyeroll)!!!
No 6 airbags no buy
People still looking for cars equipped with only 2 airbags & no AEB for this price bracket? Aiyo
3rd world products for our consumer.
Bigger, heavier and more underpowered than BR-V. Somehow don’t think the brand badge can challenge the big H either. And, it’s launch too late.
Don’t think it’ll be much of a success.
The Mitsu xpander has more of a Honda Jazz look than how the Jazz compares to its brother, the BRV.
Both cars have similar torque output with Mitsu giving at lower rpm.. This provides better driveability.
How many MPV owners thrash their cars to max bhp?? Answer is almost none.
Any MPV use in track racing?? Zero.
For Honda to put such a high output engine in a car is only for marketing gimmick – in other words it’s rubbish.
The difference of driveability is like Waja with 4G18 1.6 SOHC engine (103hp) and S4PH 1.6 DOHC (110hp).
The SOHC powerplant has a more linear and relaxed power delivery.
Not everything has to have high output. Unless the aunties take these cars to track after coming back from tesco.
it’s always better to have the additional output on tap rather than don’t have. you can use it whenever you need it. if you don’t have the extra punch, you’ll need to do ECU tuning to squeeze out the extra juice.
Should compare against Toyota Rush as well. If price it correctly, should have better response than BR-V for it latest modern exterior look. And, BR-V third row is just too cramp and the seat cushion is too thin. Some people that like Toyota Rush are so reluctant to buy Rush because of Perodua Aruz that copied exactly the same. If these people do not wish to buy national car, Xpander will be their choice despite the 2 disadvantages of BR-V that I mentioned earlier on.
Good alternative to Proton Ertiga and Proton Exora too
With only 2 airbags, it is a good alternative to a coffin.
That BR-V’s 120PS 1.5 engine truly class leading.
Price will tell exact difference
Should include Toyota Rush as well
Indonesian here, good to know that Malaysia will also get the Xpander. This car is the biggest and most comfortable car in its class, the suspension and cabin insulation is really good.
o
Mitsubishi claims the suspension of this car adopt from EVO X, and that’s not a joke. Proven by Indonesia Rally Racer Rifat Sungkar who built this car into an AP4 rally car that easily installed AWD from EVO X.
This modification process was carried out by the New Zealand Rally Art which was the initiator of AP4 Class.
Rally suspension? This car is going to have rock hard ride. Don’t buy if you don’t want your balls to jiggle all the way.
I drove this car for a year in Indonesia (I’m a Malaysian) and was impressed by its handling, very smooth suspension and great drive. It will definitely unseat the Aruz, Rush, Avanza, Ertiga and the rest in its class.
But Brian, I think your balls will still jiggle anyway and end up in your brian-brain, definitely already loose judging by your penile comment.
base on the spec list on the picture above (kecuali DOHC), this product are basically from 1990 jual at 2020 era
The car is good looking. But the name is really awkward. As a true Malaysian, I can’t ignore that the Xpander name sounds really similar to the sound ‘spender’ which mean underpant in Malay spoken slang.
I will buy if got 6 airbag only. Mandatory
Is brv still a good Buy? E spec 78k after discount is around new alza av spec. Any advise on this .