MITSUBISHI Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) recently hosted motoring scribes to its first-ever XPANDER media drive after its release last summer. Anticipation was high as this was also the first thorough encounter with the brand’s all-new cross multi-purpose, sport utility vehicle for most of us. After the first batch of units finally landed in the country, MMPC thought it was finally time to share to the media this exciting vehicle.
Everything started on an early assembly at the DCT Mitsubishi dealership in Balintawak, Quezon City. Commissioned were ten fresh units of the XPANDER in varying editions. The drive was set to traverse through the stretches of NLEX and SCTEX freeways going to Subic Freeport, then go through the challenging zigzags of SBMA-Morong Road going to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan. Teamed up with fellow motoring scribe Aries Espinosa, we boarded the GLX Plus A/T variant.
At a glance, the all-new XPANDER, exudes that Mitsubishi Motors’ DYNAMIC SHIELD design concept exhibiting a unique and striking fascia. The luxurious grille alone is highlighted by an X-shaped pattern highlighting both the super slim positioning lights and the bumper headlamps. Overall, the entire exterior conveys an adventurous and futuristic guise. 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. Indeed, we found everything conducive inside. From the well-crafted dashboard layout, panels and versatile seat configuration. Fold the second and third row and you’ll have a voluminous cargo bay for gears. We were also amazed by how easy to access the third row seats. Ingress and egress was definitely a walk-in-the-park.
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 your family. Another good move by Mitsubishi was to pair the engine with a four-speed conventional auto transmission (top and mid variants). Torque delivery was more 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 highpoints is its spacious, quiet and comfy ride. This provided enough tranquility inside the cabin during our long stretches in the freeways. Steering 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. Rear passengers definitely won’t complain about ambient temperature as there are enough ceiling-mounted air vents. We also liked the ample cup holders everywhere and extra compartments for gadgets and smartphones.
As for safety, the front SRS airbags (driver and passenger), anti-lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution, ISOFIX, and tether anchors are standard across the board. Exclusive to the top spec model are the active stability control, traction control, and hill start assist functions. Price for the all-new XPANDER starts at P955,000.
View Xpander 360 photo: https://theta360.com/s/lu0mA4WD0r1aWl85vhM17eKSS?utm_source=app_theta_android&utm_medium=referral