KUALA LUMPUR: Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has upgraded the Xpander multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with new features and sportier looks.
Available in two variants, the Xpander and Xpander Plus come with introductory on-the-road without insurance prices in Peninsular Malaysia of RM99,980 and RM109,980 respectively.
The introductory prices are valid for registration before Dec 31.
The first 500 customers who book and register the Xpander lineup via the Mitsubishi Online Showroom will receive a Naturehike Camping Wagon worth RM400.
The Xpander is the top-selling non-national MPV for three years in a row.
The Dynamic Shield face of the refreshed Xpander now comes with newly adopted horizontal bumper and 17-inch alloy wheels with a robust and progressive machine-finished two-tone design.
The headlights are now arranged in a "T" pattern and features a higher trim level with LEDs for improved visibility.
The rear comes with redesigned "T" taillights shape with LEDs.
Powering the Xpander lineup is a 1.5-litre Mivec petrol aluminium block engine that produces 105PS and 141Nm of torque paired to a four-speed automatic transmission.
The vehicle also gets a best-in-class ground clearance of 225mm which is 20mm higher over the previous model for better crossings on rough or flooded roads while providing a higher eye-point for the driver.
Inside, there are the instrument cluster with a 4.2-inch colour display and a 9-inch centre touchscreen with six speakers and USB, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Other new features include an air conditioning panel with a liquid crystal display that makes it easy to check the fan level and temperature settings at a glance.
The redesigned sporty steering wheel comes with audio and cruise control buttons as well as a restyled grip size and shape to allow a secure hold by the driver.
Also included are a ceiling-mounted air circulator for rear passengers and an electric parking brake with auto hold function.
The second-row seats are the tumble-and-fold-type to make access to the third row easier and luggage capacity is 495 litres with the third-row seats folded.
The Xpander comes with fabric seats while the Xpander Plus gets leatherette upholstery.
The higher-trim Xpander gets soft pads with synthetic leather and real stitching on the armrest and door trims.
The Xpander is also equipped with reverse camera with sensors while the Plus variant gets All Round Monitor (ARM) and a front and rear Driving Video Recorder (DVR), a first in its class.
Other additional items for the Xpander Plus are bumpers with silver accents, side sills, wireless charger, door visors, interior scuff plates and tailgate spoiler.
Standard features for both varints include a rigid RISE body, Side Impact Door Beams, two airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Active Stability Control (ASC), Traction Control (TC), Hill-Start Assist (HSA) and Rest Reminder.
Warranty is five year with unlimited mileage.
MMM chief executive officer Shinya Ikeda said the newly updated seven-seater Xpander crossover is meticulously crafted to ensure exceptional customer satisfaction with an SUV-like driving experience.
"From its sleek design to its versatile capabilities, the Xpander is crafted to meet the diverse needs of modern families and adventurous individuals alike," Ikeda said.
"Since its open-for-booking announcement on Sept 12, the Xpander has received positive response.
"We will try our utmost effort on production to honour these early bird customers as much as possible," he said.
Ikeda said MMM is currently represented by 61 showrooms (with eight being 4S) and 61 service centres nationside.
In East Malaysia, MMM has 16 showrooms (eight in Sarawak and eight in Sabah).
"By 2025, we plan to open four more outlets, reaching a total of 65 to meet growing demand and improve customer experience," he said.
(From left) Mitsubishi Corporation Deputy GM for Asean & South West Asia Automotive Department Gyo Hashimoto, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) chief operating officer Ilham Helmi Izzat, Ikeda and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC), Division GM, Asean Division 2 Takeshi Hara at the launch.
As part of the "Drive your Ambition Brand Festival," MMM will be hosting a series of roadshows and showroom events nationwide for Malaysians to explore the stylish design and features of the Xpander first-hand.
Venues are:
> Melaka, Mahkota Parade Sept 27-29,
> Pahang, East Coast Mall, Oct 3-6,
> Sarawak, Vivacity Mall, Oct 11-13,
> Kuala Lumpur, MITEC, Nov 8-10, and
> Kuala Lumpur, MITEC, Dec 5-11
