THE first batch of the all-new Mitsubishi Xpander units finally landed in the country and Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) thought it was finally time to share the vehicles to the media for its first-ever drive event.
Since most of us haven’t encountered the vehicle yet, expectation was high as to what this highly anticipated vehicle has to offer. The destination was at the historic province of Bataan via the stretches of freeways passing through Subic Freeport and challenging zigzags of SBMA-Morong Road going to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar. Commissioned to us were 10 fresh units of the Xpander in varying editions. I was teamed up with fellow motoring scribe Aries Espinosa as we boarded the GLX Plus A/T variant.
At a glance, the all-new Xpander exudes that Mitsubishi Motors’s Dynamic Shield design concept exhibiting a unique and striking fascia. The luxurious grille along with the super slim positioning lights and the bumper headlamps are all positioned in a striking X-shaped pattern. Likewise, those LED position lamps arranged in a crystal-like blocks and the unique headlight design with improved illumination convey that unmistakable innovative look. Considered first in its class are those L-shaped LED tail lamps with rear combination lamps extending onto the tailgate. The overall adventurous and futuristic exterior guise is further enhanced by the 16-inch two-toned allow wheels. Exclusive to the top-of-the-line GLS Sport A/T are add-on kits, such as front and rear bumper skirts along with the contrasting side skirts.
When it comes to the interior, the design itself was a product of putting together customers’ thoughts, needs and desires according to Mitsubishi Motor Corp. Corporate Vice President for Design Tsunehiro Kunimoto. Everything inside was conducive from the well-crafted dashboard layout, panels and versatile seat configuration. Impressively, leg room in the first and second rows were generous enough even for tall passengers. The third row, meantime, also offers enough room for adults thanks to the adjustable second-row benches.
In fact, we were amazed by how easy it was to access the third-row seats. Ingress and egress was definitely a walk in the park. Moreover, by collapsing the second and third row you’ll have a voluminous cargo bay for gears. We also liked the 7-inch capacitive touchscreen equipped with GPS Navigation System, MP3 player/Tuner with Auxiliary-in, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and Easy Link feature.
Power-wise, the 1.5-liter petrol engine with Mivec system is just enough to easily propel the vehicle. Generating 105 hp and 141 N-m of maximum torque, these figures are more than substantial for your daily urban dwellings and out-of-town jaunts with the family. Another notable element is the mated four-speed conventional auto transmission for the top and mid variants. Its longer gear ratios match the engine’s torque delivery. It was steady and even unrelenting when we had to push hard during our climb in the twisting road of Morong, Bataan.
On the road, one of the Xpander’s high points is its spacious, quiet and comfy ride. You’ll also appreciate the vehicle’s body frame design. We felt the ride more behaved and planted. Also noteworthy was how soft the damping was, as if you’re driving and riding a midsize sedan. This provided enough tranquility inside the cabin, especially during our long stretches on the freeways. With the cruise control enabled, that part of our drive was the most relaxing and stress-free. You can also add to the overall convenience the ample cup holders everywhere. But that’s not all as there are also extra compartments and enough 12-volt power outlets for gadgets and smartphones.
Steering, meantime, was soft enough at full stop but with good feedbacks on curves and you’ll begin to feel that stiffness as the speed increments for better control. Our assigned vehicle, the GLX Plus A/T, despite not being equipped with active functions such as the stability and traction controls, still impressively went through the challenging winding roads like a car. With the help of some good braking, steering control and constant engine braking, the vehicle managed to maneuver with less body rolls, as if it’s not standing tall at 205-mm ground clearance, curve after curve. Meanwhile, rear passengers definitely won’t complain about ambient temperature as there are enough ceiling-mounted air vents.
As for safety, the body itself is fortified with Mitsubishi Motors’s proprietary RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) to absorb the impact of a collision. Also, there’s the standard front SRS airbags (driver and passenger), antilock braking system with electronic brake force distribution, Isofix, and tether anchors are standard across the board. Moreover, in order to prevent rear collision, the ESS (the Emergency Stop Signal System), during sudden hard braking, activates and automatically flashes the hazard lamps to warn the drivers behind. Exclusive to the top spec model are the active stability control, traction control and hill start assist functions.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino