2024 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift launched in Malaysia – 1.5L 4AT instead of CVT, 2 variants, CKD fr RM100k

The 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift is now officially launched in Malaysia, a week after order books opened. There are two CKD locally-assembled variants on offer – a regular one that’s simply called Xpander, and the higher-spec Plus, priced at RM99,980 and RM109,980 respectively, on-the-road excluding insurance. This is an introductory price for registrations in 2024.

It may not be very obvious for those in the Klang Valley, but the Xpander has been a success for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) – since its debut here in late 2020, the seven-seater MPV has chalked up CKD local production of 40,000 units over four years. As no Xpanders are exported from Pekan, we’re looking at local sales of almost 10,000 units a year. In that period, it was the best-selling non-national MPV.

The Xpander started life here as a rival to the Honda BR-V, which second generation Honda Malaysia decided not to sell. Since then, Perodua has given us a new Alza, which has a pricier Toyota Veloz twin. P2 also has the older Aruz in a budget seven-seater class that bid farewell to the Proton Exora last year.

This Xpander facelift has been on Indonesian roads for some time now, but this is a case of better late than never, as Mitsubishi has quietly proved that there is worthwhile demand for a non-national affordable MPV.

What’s new?

We’re looking at quite a big facelift that’s dominated by a bolder Dynamic Shield fascia with sideways T-shaped lower headlights (projector LEDs) and thicker chrome bars. At the back, you’ll find new taillights with graphics that mimic the headlamps, plus a more angular rear bumper with vertical reflectors at the edges. New 17-inch blade-style two-tone alloys (one-inch larger) complete the exterior changes.

The Plus variant is distinguished by silver trim on the front and rear lower bumper sections, as well as on the side skirts (versus full black). There’s also a prominent tailgate spoiler and door visors on the range-topper. By the way, this is the regular body and not the more rugged-flavoured, cladded Xpander Cross.

Inside, there’s a new and more straight-cut dashboard featuring brown synthetic leather trim pieces with stitching (also on the door cards), a free-standing infotainment touchscreen and a new (more simple) steering wheel with a round horn pad. Also new are the digital display for the air con (hard buttons and toggles for fan speed and temp) and an electronic parking brake with auto hold.

The latter replaces the pre-facelift car’s handbrake, which frees up space for a centre front armrest without sacrificing the cupholders. Flip it up and you’ll find a handy tissue holder. Middle row passengers get a new fold-down centre armrest with cupholders. Behind the new front armrest are charging ports for the centre row – one USB-A, one USB-C. As usual, there’s a rear blower on the roof with adjustable speed.

Mitsubishi claims better ride comfort delivered by a retuned suspension setup and larger rear dampers.

What’s unchanged?

What’s under the hood is unchanged. We’re getting a familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 105 PS and 141 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Power from the 4A91 DOHC MIVEC unit is sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox. The latter is unique to Malaysia as other markets received a CVT for the facelift. Is this a good or bad thing?

A CVT is more efficient and would most probably provide better fuel economy, but there are some who are still opposed to the stepless transmission, so perhaps MMM knows its customer base well? MMM CEO Shinya Ikeda cites reliability and immediate response as reasons, but adds that the CVT is in consideration for the future.

Mitsubishi sells a hybrid version in other markets, but looking at the price of the NA car in Malaysia, the HEV would be way too expensive for our market.

The chassis hardware doesn’t deviate from class norms – you get front MacPherson struts, a rear torsion beam, front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes, EPS and 205/55 R17 rubber with the already-mentioned larger wheels. However, Mitsubishi can now claim the highest ground clearance in its class – 225 mm is 20 mm more than before and 5 mm higher than the Aruz’s GC, although this advantage isn’t apparent with the naked eye.

Speaking of ground clearance, this segment has something for everyone with a GC range of 65 mm. The Veloz and Alza have ground clearances of 190 mm and 160 mm respectively; the latter is deliberately car-like as Perodua already has the Aruz for those who like a taller ride. A lower centre of gravity has benefits in ride and handling, plus easier access. A taller car counters with better wading/kerb climbing capability and a more commanding vantage point – which do you prefer?

Kit, safety and practicality

The Xpander facelift’s list of standard equipment includes automatic LED projector headlamps, LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, welcome/coming home lighting, LED turn signals on the power fold/adjust wing mirrors, LED tail lamps, auto wipers and a shark fin antenna. The wheels are 17-inch dual-tone items, as mentioned.

Inside, you’ll find keyless entry and push start, a 4.2-inch colour multi-info display (between two analogue dials), four USB ports (two front, two rear), three 12V sockets (front, centre console, third row), auto climate control with rear air circulator, and tilt/telescopic steering with audio/cruise control buttons. The head unit is a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, six speakers and reverse camera.

The Plus adds on a 360-degree camera with guide lines, front and rear dashcams, wireless charger, leatherette seats and scuff plates. Safety wise, the Xpander persists with two airbags and no ADAS, which is below par in 2024.

As for colours, aside from the Red Metallic hero shade, one can choose from Quartz White Pearl (a RM300 option), Diamond Black Mica or the new Graphite Gray, which you can check out in the gallery below.

A note on the practicality aspects of this MPV – the seven seats are in typical 2-3-2 formation and the middle row seats have a one-touch tumble fold function. The third row folds flat 50:50, and when they are down, cargo volume is a generous 495 litres. With the middle seats folded, it grows to 837 litres.

At full capacity, boot space with all three rows of seats up is relatively decent and there’s underfloor storage too. Notable in-cabin storage areas include pockets of different sizes behind the front seats and a tray under the front passenger seat.

Locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang, the 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift starts from RM99,980 for the standard variant, rising by RM10k to RM109,980 for the Plus. For context, the pre-facelift’s sticker price was RM100,980. The first 500 customers who book and register the Xpander via MMM’s online showroom will receive a Naturehike Camping Wagon worth RM400. The factory warranty is for five years, unlimited mileage.

Join us on a walk-around tour of the refreshed seven-seater below and browse the gallery to see every feature in detail. What do you think of the Xpander’s new face and package? Bear in mind that these ‘Low MPVs’ – as Indonesians call them – aren’t for everyone. Some will scoff at how ‘basic’ they seem, but the space offered and low running costs are precisely what some customers need. In fact, MMM is looking at increasing its MPV segment market share (from 12-13% to 14%, according to CEO Shinya Ikeda) with the facelift.

GALLERY: 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander

GALLERY: 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander Plus

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