While Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) isn’t launching any new cars at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) – having long since introduced both itsnew models for the year – the company is still putting on quite an exhibit. You certainly won’t miss the show-stopping Triton “rally truck” – a replica of its 2024 Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) racer – mounted on an incline that greets visitors as they walk into the hall.
For a more garang appearance, some red lighting has been added to the grille, and the LED daytime running lights up top have also been tinted red. Completing the look are Rotiform AeroDisc wheels wrapped in super-sticky Yokohama Advan Neova AD09 tyres. Overkill for an MPV with a 105 PS 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated engine, that’s for sure.
We thought that was the end of that, but then two people turned up and started painting the bonnet of the car. It turned out that the Xpander was actually serving as a blank canvas for Malaysian artists Nas Suha and Izzati Suza, who would be turning the people carrier into an art car over the course of the show. That’s really cool.
Nas, who hails from Terengganu, is a illustrator, doodler and painter who has created several large-scale murals across Malaysia, having already collaborated with the likes of A&W, Samsung and Zus Coffee. Meanwhile, Setia Alam-based Izzati is known for her “Bibir Besar” artwork, which she sells on her store, Kedai Suza; she has partnered with companies such as Aeon and even Nike.
So far, the duo have only worked on the front of the car, with the anticipation that the entire piece will take three days to complete, only finishing this Saturday, December 7. Thus, there’s plenty of time for you to witness the live “work in progress” in action at KLIMS, which runs from today until next Wednesday, December 11 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
Following the launch of the all-new Mitsubishi Triton and facelifted Xpander a few months ago, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is now previewing a range of genuine accessories specifically designed both models at the ongoing Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS).
We’ll start with the Triton which can be had with a styling bar or sports bar, each packaged together with an under-rail bedliner. In addition to these, individual accessories showcased include a tailgate assist system, window visors, illuminated LED scuff plates, side door garnish, a spare wheel lock and door handle protectors.
As for the Xpander, the accessory line-up consists of a chrome exhaust finisher, a fuel lid cover, a model emblem for the bonnet and a tailgate spoiler. For the interior, options include a wireless charging pad and a boot tray. The display vehicle is also fitted with a bodykit that adds front and rear bumper spoilers, along with matching side skirts.
For now, MMM is merely previewing these Triton and Xpander accessories, with no official pricing being confirmed. The public are invited to KLIMS to check out the display vehicles for themselves and speak with experts on the topic of modifying Mitsubishi vehicles.
GALLERY: 2024 Mitsubishi Triton with genuine accessories
GALLERY: 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander with genuine accessories
It might not be immediately obvious if you’re in the Klang Valley, but the Mitsubishi Xpander has been a successful model for Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM). Introduced here in late 2020, the seven-seater MPV has chalked up sales and CKD local production of 40,000 units over four years. That’s almost 10,000 units per annum, good enough to make it the best-selling non-national MPV in that period.
It’s time for a refresh, and the 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift is now open for booking with an estimated price of RM115,000, which is described as a limited-time introductory price. The launch will happen later this month. This car has been on Indonesian roads for some time now, but this is a case of better late than never, as the Xpander has quietly proved that there is some demand for a non-national affordable MPV.
This is in contrast to Honda Malaysia, which decided that the BR-V didn’t deserve a sequel, opting to channel focus on a smaller, more lifestyle model instead (WR-V). For those who cannot accept the Alza’s local badge, the Xpander’s only rival in town is the RM95,000 Toyota Veloz, which is of course a better-equipped twin of the Alza.
This is quite a big facelift and it’s apparent from the bolder Dynamic Shield front end with sideways T-shaped lower headlights (projector LEDs) and thicker chrome bars. At the back, there’s a big tailgate spoiler, new taillights with graphics that mirror the headlamps, plus a more angular rear bumper with vertical reflectors. New 17-inch blade-style two-tone alloys (one-inch larger) complete the exterior changes. By the way, this is the regular body and not the cladded Xpander Cross.
Inside, there’s a new and more straight-cut dashboard featuring brown leather trim pieces (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, toggles for fan speed and temp), wireless charger, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold.
The latter replaces a handbrake, which frees up space for a centre front armrest. There are also front and rear dashcams.
Like those in front, middle row occupants now get to share a 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.
Under the hood is the same 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.
That 4AT is also unchanged, which means that Malaysia doesn’t get the CVT gearbox that the facelifted Xpander has moved on to in other ASEAN markets. Is this a good or bad thing? Perhaps MMM knows its customer base well? A hybrid version exists elsewhere, but if the standard car has an intro price of RM115k, the HEV might be too expensive for our market.
No difference in the chassis department as well, which doesn’t deviate from class norms. Front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam, front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes, EPS and 205/55 R17 rubber with the already-mentioned larger wheels.
It might not be apparent, but ground clearance is now listed at 225 mm, which is 20 mm more than before. This means that the Xpander can lay claim to the highest GC in its class, besting the Perodua Aruz by 5 mm. The Veloz and Alza have ground clearances of 190 mm and 160 mm respectively, which means that the class GC range is a substantial 65 mm – some like it high, some like it low, where do you stand?
We move on to equipment. The Xpander facelift comes with 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.
Other standard equipment include keyless entry and push start, 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, reverse camera and a 360-degree camera.
Safety wise, the Xpander persists with two airbags and no ADAS, which is below par in this day and age. As for colours, aside from the red hero colour, one can choose from Quartz White Pearl, 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.
If you’re at full capacity, boot space with all seats erect is relatively decent and there’s underfloor storage too. Notable in-cabin storage areas include various pockets behind the front seats and a tray under the front passenger seat.
Locally assembled in Pekan, the Mitsubishi Xpander facelift is now open for booking with an estimated introductory price of RM115,000. The mention of ‘limited time only’ hints at a higher RRP later. The first 500 customers who book and register the Xpander via the its online showroom will receive a Naturehike Camping Wagon worth RM400. Before you ask, RM115k a jump from the pre-facelift’s asking price of RM100,980 on-the-road without insurance.
Join us on a walk-around tour below and browse the gallery to see every feature in detail. What do you think of the Xpander new face and package?
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.
The Mitsubishi Xpander has been around for a while, but in February, the MPV received a new hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) option in Thailand. This version made its first public debut at the 2024 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) and we got a closer look at it – both in standard and Xpander Cross forms.
Obviously, the biggest change is under the bonnet, where you’ll find an electric motor that does the heavy lifting in powering the car. It produces 116 PS and 255 Nm of torque and is juiced by a lithium-ion battery and an Atkinson-cycle version of the 1.6 litre 4A92 MIVEC naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine. The latter produces 95 PS at 5,100 rpm and 134 Nm at 4,500 rpm.
Mitsubishi’s new e:Motion hybrid system works in a similar fashion to Honda’s e:HEV system. Most of the time, the car is driven by the electric motor, with the engine only serving to generate electricity. At higher speeds, the engine can clutch in to power the car more efficiently, assisting the electric motor.
Mitsubishi Xpander Cross HEV
This, together with Mitsubishi’s first ever electric water pump, allows for a claimed 10% reduction in fuel consumption (on the NEDC cycle) compared to the petrol model, rising up to 34% in city driving.
In order to maximise the hybrid system’s effectiveness, the Xpander HEV features three drive modes, including a normal mode, a charge mode that presumably engages the engine more to keep the battery topped up, as well as a full-electric mode.
There are four additional drive modes for specific conditions – Wet, Gravel, Tarmac and Mud. The car also features Mitsubishi’s famed Active Yaw Control (AYC) torque vectoring, although unlike the trick differential of Lancer Evolutions of old, this one functions by braking the wheel with the least grip.
Mitsubishi Xpander HEV
Based on the facelifted Xpander, the HEV model continues to feature that car’s updated looks, including new T-shaped lower headlights, a more intricate Dynamic Shield grille design and a beefier skid plate. At the rear, the T graphic is repeated in the redesigned taillights, while the rear bumper is all new with vertical reflectors and a wider skid plate. There’s also a new turbine design for the 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels.
The HEV can also be had as an Xpander Cross, replete with lots of black body cladding, chunky front and rear skid plates, roof rails and unique two-tone alloys. Both HEV models are differentiated through the HEV badges at the front and rear, a Hybrid EV badge on the front doors and blue accents on the leading edge of the front bumper and the wheels.
Inside, the HEV benefits from a new eight-inch digital instrument display, a three-spoke steering wheel from the new third-generation Triton, a stubby electronic gear selector and an electronic parking brake with auto brake hold.
Mitsubishi Xpander Cross HEV
This is paired with the improvements introduced with the facelift, including a new horizontal dashboard design, a freestanding nine-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and digital air-con controls (still single-zone). Both the Xpander and Xpander Cross come with two-tone interiors, with the accent colour being brown and blue respectively.
As before, the Xpander HEV is a seven-seater, equipped with synthetic leather upholstery with heat rejection technology, front and third-row 12-volt sockets and second-row USB-A and USB-C ports. The hybrid drive battery is located under the front seats, so passenger and luggage room should be identical to the standard Xpander.
Mitsubishi Xpander HEV
Other bits of standard kit include keyless entry, push-button start, tilt and telescopic steering adjustment, auto lights and wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and six speakers. Unfortunately, you still only get two airbags and stability control, and the Xpander still cannot be had with driver assists such as autonomous emergency braking.
Prices for the Xpander HEV are 933,000 baht (RM121,100) for the standard model and 961,000 baht (RM124,700) for the Xpander Cross HEV. These represent increases of 21,000 baht (RM2,700) and 15,000 baht (RM1,900) respectively over the equivalent Xpander GT and Xpander Cross petrol models.
GALLERY: Mitsubishi Xpander HEV at BIMS 2024
GALLERY: Mitsubishi Xpander Cross HEV at BIMS 2024
The facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander will make its Thailand debut at this year’s Bangkok Motor Show, which is scheduled to take place from tomorrow (March 22) until April 3. The refreshed seven-seat MPV was first revealed in Indonesia last November, and after Thailand, we should expect it to come to Malaysia as well.
In terms of design changes, the latest Xpander boasts a new Dynamic Shield front fascia featuring redesigned LED position lights, a new intake and grille setup as well as T-shaped main headlamps. The circular fog lamps have also been better integrated into the lower apron and they have a body-coloured trim surround as well.
Other items include a reprofiled tailgate with new LED combination taillights, accompanied by a new rear bumper. These revisions result in a front overhang that is increased by 75 mm at the front and 45 mm at the rear – the ride height is said to remain a class-best 220 mm according to Mitsubishi’s press release.
As for the interior, the quality of the cabin is said to be upgraded by using soft pads for the armrest and door trim. There’s increased convenience too, including additional storage spaces like a larger open tray for the centre console, while selected trim levels with the armrest can house up to four 600 ml drink bottles in the Indonesian-spec Xpander.
Additional features available on the Indonesian-spec Xpander include an electronic parking brake with auto brake hold function, an eight-inch touchscreen display (current Malaysian models get nine-inch units), single-zone automatic climate control system with digital display, and a new steering wheel design with a more modern centre boss.
Under the bonnet, the new Xpander launching soon in Thailand is expected to retain the current model’s gasohol-compliant 4A91 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder MIVEC engine. The mill makes 105 PS at 6,000 rpm and 141 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm currently, but instead of a four-speed automatic, there’ll be a new CVT instead.
Mitsubishi Thailand has yet to reveal pricing for the facelifted Xpander, but the outgoing model retails from 789,000 baht (RM99,144). In Malaysia, the Xpander received its official pricing back in November 2020 and is currently available in a single variant that sells for RM92,349.80 on-the-road without insurance and inclusive of the full sales tax exemption – the latter because it’s a locally-assembled (CKD) model.
After some teasing as well as a leaked image, the Mitsubishi Xpander facelift has been unveiled ahead of its debut at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) that is scheduled to commence this week on November 11.
To be manufactured Mitsubishi Motors-Krama Yudha plant in Bekasi, West Java in Indonesia, the facelifted MPV will first go on sale in Indonesia ahead of being rolled out for other markets in the ASEAN region. The facelifted model takes its bow four years on from the debut of the original, which made its premiere also at the GIIAS of that year.
The Japanese manufacturer’s Dynamic Shield visual signature gets evolved, here still featuring the LED position lamps, though these are now joined in this iteration by main headlamps of T-shaped orientation which succeed the trapezoidal block enclosures of the pre-facelift model; higher trim levels receive LED units.
Also in front, the lower skid-plate look assembly gets refined to gain a singular, broad intake in place of the original quartet, which continue to be bookended by foglamps on the same tier. At the back, the tail lamp assembly with LED main lights are joined by LED brake lights to improve visibility.
The top trim specification receives 17-inch alloy wheels in a machined, two-tone finish. Revisions to the bodywork see the Xpander facelift grow its front overhang by 75 mm and its rear overhang by 45 mm in order to “create proportions with a high-class feel,” says Mitsubishi. Height has been increased, too, with an additional 15 to 20 mm gained over the outgoing model, thus giving ground clearance of 220 to 225 mm – the greatest in its class – while also improving its off-road performance, says the automaker.
Mechanically, Mitsubishi the Xpander facelift receives a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in place of the pre-facelift’s four-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The CVT has been adopted for improved fuel efficiency, while the 105 PS/141 Nm 4A91 1.5 litre petrol inline-four cylinder engine receives an external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system to further aid fuel efficiency.
In terms of chassis, Mitsubishi says the Xpander receives improved rigidity for its front strut mounting, while the rear dampers are equipped with larger cylinders. Meanwhile, new high-performance damper valves are used at both front and rear ends to improve ride quality, says Mitsubishi.
Inside, the higher trim specification levels receive a horizontally sculpted instrument panel to add visual width and add to the feeling of spaciousness, in place of the pre-facelift iteration’s dashboard with a diagonally curved character line that meets the top of the curved instrument binnacle.
The infotainment unit is now a nine-inch touchscreen item, while the driver now gets a redesigned wheel with a smaller airbag housing. Below the central air-conditioning vents in the same position is the redesigned air-conditioning controls, which have replaced the pre-facelift model’s rotary controls with toggle units and LCD displays.
The manual, hand lever parking brake of the pre-facelift Xpander has been replaced by an electric parking brake, which in addition to freeing up valuable space on the centre console, also brings the added function of automatic brake hold when the vehicle is stopped in traffic.
To that end, the centre console has been redesigned to accommodate a larger open tray to hold a smartphone, while selected trim levels with the armrest can house up to four 600 ml drink bottles. Further conveniences are added to the rear seats, with USB Type A as well as Type C outlets located in the back of the centre console on versions with the centre armrest. Here, the second row armrest also gains cupholders.
Added to the palette of exterior colours for the Xpander facelift is Blade Silver Metallic, which now joins Quartz Metallic Pearl, Graphite Grey Metallic, Jet Black Mica, Red Metallic and Deep Bronze Metallic.
Upon pricing confirmation, the Malaysian CKD Xpander started from RM91,369 on-the-road without insurance, with the sales tax exemption in place for 2020. The Xpander for the Malaysian market receives quilted leather seats, a nine-inch head unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 360-degree camera system and dashcam; all unique to Malaysia for the pre-facelift.
