It’s been a long time coming – nearly three years since it made its debut in Indonesia – but the facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander is finally going to be launched in Malaysia soon. A bevy of the refreshed MPV has been spotted on a trailer almost certainly headed towards dealers, as visible in these spyshots in the Mitsubishi Xpander Owners Club (MXOC) Facebook group.
The cars are uncovered, so the visual changes are clear to see – a bolder Dynamic Shield front end with T-shaped lower headlights (a graphic mirrored in the revised taillight graphics) and thicker chrome bars, plus a more angular rear bumper design with vertical reflectors.
Unlike in other markets, the facelift’s more prominent front, side and rear skid plate inserts are finished in black here. New 17-inch turbine-style two-tone alloy wheels are also visible.
No extra badging on the outside apart from “Xpander” (covered on the left side), so this is definitely the petrol model and not the new HEV version with a 116 PS electric motor. There’s also no sign of the more rugged Xpander Cross, so this is likely still the only look we’ll get.
The interior is obviously not visible here, but there are even bigger changes in store here. A new horizontal dashboard design is outfitted a freestanding nine-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital air-con controls (still single-zone) and an electronic parking brake. There’s also a new three-spoke steering wheel with a round airbag boss.
More revisions abound under the skin, including a new external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for the 105 PS/141 Nm 4A91 1.5 litre four-cylinder petrol engine that improves fuel efficiency. This is paired with an Eco-Dynamic CVT that replaces the old four-speed automatic gearbox.
Unfortunately, there are no changes to the safety kit, which still consists of just two airbags and stability control, with no driver assistance systems – not even autonomous emergency braking to speak of. Expect a slight price increase over the outgoing Xpander, which currently retails at RM100,980 on-the-road without insurance.
GALLERY: Mitsubishi Xpander facelift at BIMS 2023
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Just keep this away from Malaysia. Until now Malaysia government still haven’t update it’s minimum safety specifications for new car launches. Tidur semua, tak buat kerja.
Mana X-force
New car with 2 airbags in 2024? Especially when it nearly passed the RM100k price tag? I hope this sad abomination of an automaker got nuke too along with the ap holder
still goreng with 2 airbags…???
Poorman Rally wannabe
What market is this actually trying to cater to?
Design, power, safety feature, screen size & price, all fail.
I guess bcos the interior space is a bit wider than typical B segment mpvs (Alza, Veloz). Almost as wide as the interior of the Serena/Stepwgn. Sit inside & u know why.
the “i want MPV but i dont have much money, i also dont want local brand or used car” market bro…
The HEV model is pretty cool
If mitsu is able to conjure 4wd version of that,
Then that could be the new sole trim and powertrain for the next xpander & xforce
2 airbag atau 4 utk i tak kisah, tapi kete over rm100k belakang bagi drum brake apa lah?
No ADAS for a 100 k car ? What is Mitsubishi trying to prove? Don’t underestimate the Malaysian market .
Meanwhile:
Geng Alza, Veloz, Brv – Welcome to the LEMAU cvt bapak-bapak cruising backlaid team!
The airbags should be added for rear passengers. The design is becoming more aggressive and sleek, pleasing to the eye. The price isn’t much higher than the previous one. It is likely to become a favourite in the family car segment.