The Mitsubishi Xpander facelift was launched today, and the refreshed MPV comes with the usual enhancements found in a midlife model change exercise – new fascia, lighting, dashboard design and extra equipment. However, one item – or rather the lack of it – stood out.
In other ASEAN markets where the Xpander facelift is already on sale, a CVT replaced the four-speed automatic transmission for the facelift. However, the Malaysian-market Xpander – which is locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang – continues with an unchanged powertrain. This means that the MPV’s 105 PS/141 Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine carries on with its old partner, the 4AT.
We asked Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) why we’re not getting the CVT, and CEO Shinya Ikeda cited reliability, durability and driving response as factors.
“We believe that for this category of vehicle, with this environment (local conditions), reliability and durability. Sometimes the CVT might not give a sharp response, but we are considering the introduction of the CVT in the future,” he said at the sidelines of the Xpander facelift launch.
Compared to a torque converter automatic, especially one with just four forward ratios, a CVT would be more efficient and would most probably provide better fuel economy (the Perodua Myvi facelift, which went from 4AT to D-CVT in 2021, claimed 5% better FC with an unchanged engine), but there are some who are still opposed to the stepless transmission, so perhaps MMM knows its customer base more than most observers.
The Xpander is after all the best-selling non-national MPV in Malaysia, and MMM has sold an average of 10,000 units per year since the model’s introduction here in late 2020. This is despite some viewing the car as pretty ‘basic’. In truth, these ‘Low MPVs’ – as Indonesians call them – aren’t for everyone, but the space offered and low running costs (compared to a used higher-end MPV) are precisely what some customers need.
In fact, with the Xpander facelift, MMM is looking to increase its MPV segment market share from 12-13% to 14%, Ikeda said. With Honda Malaysia’s decision to discontinue the BR-V, the Xpander only has the Toyota Veloz for company in the non-national budget MPV class. The latest Alza – priced from RM62,500 to RM75,500 – is the market leader, but it seems that there’s a sizeable group of buyers who want a Japanese badge on their seven-seater.
The Mitsubishi Xpander facelift is priced from RM99,980 to RM109,980, on-the-road without insurance. Full details, specs, images and walk-around video here.
GALLERY: 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander
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4AT dinosaur never extinct!
Bcoz Malaysian buying customers mentality are still stuck in the 90s, stubbornly insist to keep ancient tec. P1 tried to change that with mass market Saga but still had to revert back to 4AT GB and that was when the sales increase.
Ask them why only 2 airbags
Already answered before
“This design only 2, cannot add more. Their customers only want 2. No need for more.” By their designer.
If you want more than 2, you’re not their target customer.
You can search back past Expander articles. PT asked in there.
Mitsubishi CEO argument doesn’t make sense. they chose the 4AT because CVT is not so responsive and reliable. Yet in future, they will consider to give a less responsive and reliable CVT?
You same as Perodua (before Ativa). Stubborn as hell. Still use 4AT. Still use 2 air bags. However, I like the new design.
Paultan should do an in-depth interview with the owners of the new expander on why in the world they would buy a more expensive car than before in the era of 2024 with no improvements in safety.
Maybe you wont believe this but most Xpander buyers are working in government agencies bcos MMM give extra discount to public servants as well as full loan at up to 10 years tenure.
Will still buy just for the badge. Old car also 4AT, what’s the issue?
Did anyone ask them about the Delica
When XForce model enter Malaysia market..?? Indonesia, Vietnam & Philippines alrdy advance from us… Malaysia market when..??