All-new Mitsubishi Xpander 7-seater brings SUV Style and MPV practicality.
The twilight seven-seater multipurpose come sport-utility vehicle market is a busy place in South Africa. Offering an ideal answer to everyone from the larger family to the small business and even the uber operator who picks up a few customers each time, there’s a healthy demand for this kind of a car. And healthy supply too. Now it’s just got healthier as Mitsubishi wades into the fray with its sharp — and quite appropriately branded all-new Xpander.
MPV PRACTICALITY, SUV APPEAL
Combining the traditional versatility and practicality of a MPV and rugged, sporty SUV looks, the all-new Tri Star seven-seater has been a hit everywhere it has been introduced so far. Designed to cater to the active lifestyles of modern families, the new Mitsubishi Xpander has an impressive standard comfort and safety spec. And while its 100% MPV inside delivers an ideal commuting, family fun and leisure activity environment, its stylish rugged and practical SUV looks, certainly set it apart.
“Our much anticipated Xpander will broaden your horizons,” top Mitsubishi SA suit Nic Campbell promises. “This most exciting addition to our model line-up strengthens our position in both the local MPV and compact SUV segments, while broadening dynamic family customer lifestyle choices with something a little different to the rest of the crowd.”
Based on the edgy 2016 Indonesian Auto Show XM Concept that generated 11,000 pre-orders on first sight, causing Mitsubishi Indonesia to double its output, Xpanda has proven a runaway success. It is hugely popular everywhere, from the Philippines to Nepal, Thailand and Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Bangladesh; Bolivia, Egypt and Sri Lanka. And now Indonesia’s 2017 and 2018 Car of the Year and its most exported car, the multiple award winning Xpander is available in South Africa too.
A PERKY TWIN CAM 16-VALVE ENGINE
Xpander comes to SA in both five-speed manual or four-speed automatic versions of the same dependable Mitsubishi engine. Typically Mitsubishi robust, the perky multipoint fuel injected all-aluminium 77 kW 141 Nm 1.5-litre Intelligent Innovative Valve Timing Lift Electronic Controllrd DOHC 16-valve delivers handy performance. And sips a claimed 6.9 litres per 100 km in manual get-up, and 7 litres per 100 km in the automatic.
The wieldy new Mitsubishi has a hatchback-like 5.2 metre turning circle for impressive agility in tight spaces, while its solidly reinforced suspension enhances driving comfort too. That is further enhanced by Xpander’s standout quality advanced all-direction collision reinforced impact safety evolution body construction and comprehensive anti-noise and anti-vibration measures.
Boasting Mitsubishi’s edgy and distinctive Dynamic Shield nose, crisp and clear headlights, daytime running lights and L-lit LED taillights extending onto the tailgate, the Xpander certainly casts a muscular stance. Its flared fenders sporting smart and sporty alloy wheels – 15-inch alloys on the manual and 16-inch on the automatic, and a tall SUV-like 205 mm clearance set it apart while adding a most practical character.
OMOTENASHI ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Step inside to an automatically air-conditioned Omotenashi space. That’s how the Japanese describe paying finest attention to detail in anticipation of their guests’ precise needs. The Xpander provides ample space for up to seven adults to travel in splendid comfort and style. Its flexible seating system can be configured to suit a variety of needs, from carrying passengers and luggage to transporting lifestyle-focused items.
With power windows all round, both Xpanda’s manual overhead cooled second and third-row seats have 60/40 splits. The third row can be folded completely flat and stowed to create extra cargo space in the cargo area. A boot floor also features a safe floor storage box for smaller items under a secure lid. Add a USB port up front, 120 Watt power sockets in every row and clever storage compartments under the seats.
Safety stretches from that solid RISE chassis structure to driver and front passenger airbags, force-limited pre-tensioner seatbelts and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Add ABS braking with electronic brake force distribution and even coming-home and welcome lights enhance the overall safety, security and practicality.
FULLY MITSUBISHI BACKED TOO
Backed by Mitsubishi’s three-year 100 000 km warranty and a two-year/30 000 km service plan at 15 000 km or annual intervals with five-years and unlimited mileage roadside assistance, find your Xpander at your local Mitsubishi dealer now.
Mitsubishi Xpander Pricing 1.5L Manual: R299K 1.5L Automatic: R319K
