Mitsubishi Xpander, Pajero get recognitions from Auto Focus People's Choice Awards

MANILA: The popular multipurpose vehicle (MPV) Mitsubishi Xpander took home an Auto Focus People’s Choice Awards (AFPCA) recently as Van/MPV of the Year.

This is the second year in a row that the award-giving body has given the multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) model, launched here in 2018, an award, following the 2019-2020 selection of the auto brand’s best-selling compact MPV as the Automobile of the Year of AFPCA.

The AFPCA also named the Mitsubishi Pajero as the Best Value for Money Large SUV/Crossover this year.

The two awards were a reaffirmation of the dedication of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) to produce the most exceptional vehicles for the motoring public in terms of complete value, functionality, and quality.

MMPC President and CEO Mutsuhiro Oshikiri shared, “It is with great pride and honor that we thank the general public who voted again for the Mitsubishi Xpander as their van and MPV of choice. And to the motoring press for acknowledging the Mitsubishi Pajero as their Best Value for Money Large SUV.”

He added, “Mitsubishi remains committed to providing the Filipino family the best vehicles that not only complement their lifestyles, but also accompany them throughout their growth and journey over the years. Both the Mitsubishi Xpander and the Pajero represent the best of what the public has come to love about the Mitsubishi brand. We will continue to provide excellent quality and unparalleled value with all our models so Filipinos will continue to enjoy the rewards of mobility in everyday life.”

With 43,026 units sold since its Philippine launch in 2018, the dynamic and stylish design of the Mitsubishi Xpander, together with its three-row and seven-seater flexibility, are the key reasons for its continuous success in the industry. 

Its 205mm (225mm for the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross) ground clearance combined with its 1,630-liter cargo carrying capacity offers it a significant advantage in the MPV and compact crossover space. 

Along with safety and comfort features like keyless entry, active stability control, hill start assist, cruise control, second-row aircon vents, and the seven-inch touchscreen navigation head unit, as well as its fuel-efficient 1.5 liter DOHC 16-valve Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) engine, this seven-seater MPV delivers unparalleled performance, comfort, convenience, and value for Filipino families. 

The Mitsubishi Pajero has been a sport utility vehicle since its debut 39 years ago. Its iconic reputation as a rugged and trendy off-roader has allowed it to gain continuous admiration from car enthusiasts and buyers who place emphasis on all-round dependability and performance.

It has a powerful 3.2-liter DOHC intercooled turbocharged DI-D engine that offers a comfortable, seamless, and consistent drive.

Together with its strong road presence, the Mitsubishi Pajero offers the qualities of an efficient and large SUV that is well-admired in the country.

STV’s Motoring Today and Auto Focus Online Operations Manager and Host Ray Louis Gamboa shared, “I would like to congratulate Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation for bagging two distinctive awards for this year's Auto Focus People's Choice and Media's Choice awards.”

He added, “The Mitsubishi Pajero has captured a lot of Filipino hearts throughout the years and has taken its fame to a whole new level since then and has been turning heads for more than 30 years. Needless to say, the Pajero has come a long way since. Relatively new to the segment is the Mitsubishi Xpander, who took the MPV scene by storm and became a staple choice for the Filipino buyer as it is one of the fastest- selling MPVs in the market.”

Since 2005, Sunshine Television Ventures has been constantly conducting and organizing the AFCPA. The yearly public poll aims to target the most well-known automobile models and brands in the Philippines to aid car buyers in making the right decision for their vehicle purchase.

Public voting was done from April to November 30, 2020. This comprised 80% of the score of every model competing for the nine People’s Choice Category Awards. The remaining 20% of the points were acquired based on the annual sales as shown in the new car registration details from the Land Transportation Office in 2020.

Photos from Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation

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