MMPC highlights the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross anew

MANILA: Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) had the misfortune of scheduling the launch of the Xpander Cross, the top variant of its popular multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), just when the COVID-19 made itself felt in earnest in the country — necessitating a government’s swift lockdown of Luzon via enhanced community quarantine.

The formal, grand launch was supposed to happen last March 13 at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center of the Ayala Center in Makati City, followed by a weekend mall display. Of course, all our best-laid plans — included that one — were scuttled.

Now that auto industry has started up again — albeit cautiously — MMPC has reckoned it to be the right time to highlight the alpha trim of its Xpander nameplate. As a refresher, the MPV model was first unveiled in the Philippines in 2018 — quickly gaining traction in the then burgeoning segment. In its first year in showrooms, the model moved 13,494 units; that number has now breached 36,000. The company reported that the Xpander is the bestselling MPV in its category, and contributes a hefty 30% of MMPC’s total sales — while gaining third-party awards along the way.

The Xpander Cross, described as a “family-friendly seven-seater,” now receives SUV cues. Said MMPC Marketing Communications Senior Manager Mark Parulan to ZIGWHEELS in a previous interview: “The Xpander Cross will be the new top-of-the-line variant in the Xpander lineup. We believe that with the new features offered by the Cross model, it is a better option for our customers that are looking for a sportier and more SUV-like vehicle that does not compromise the car-like feel and affordable pricing.”

Immediately apparent in the Xpander Cross is the Japanese brand’s Dynamic Shield design that “projects the balance of powerful performance and reassuring sense of protection.” The Cross is also bestowed with a skid plate, LED headlights and fog lamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, wheel arch molding and side body garnish, and a roof rail — adding credence to its SUV qualities. “The Xpander Cross has class-leading 225mm ground clearance that is higher than some SUVs available in the market. This is a great compliment to (its) new robust design anchored on a spacious and comfortable interior, driving comfort, a tough and luxurious look, and the strong and durable reputation of the Mitsubishi brand,” added Parulan.

Powering the front-wheel-driven vehicle is Mitsubishi’s familiar 16-valve, DOHC 1.5-liter gasoline engine, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, the brand asserts that, “thanks to high-performance sound absorbing and vibration blocking materials installed in the engine, the Xpander Cross is the top level of its class (with) near 80% articulation index.” The articulation index is a measure of how much speech within the vehicle cabin can be heard while it is in operation.

The Xpander Cross cabin boasts a black dashboard with brown accents, while its seats are wrapped in two-tone leather. The MPV’s head unit features a seven-inch touchscreen with reverse camera. As with other variants, it has configurable seats — the second- and third-row seats can be folded flat with no gap — to accommodate cargo and other payload.

Underscored MMPC president and CEO Mutsuhiro Oshikiri in a company release: “With the entry of the Xpander Cross (and) its added features, we see renewed potential to the already successful Xpander nameplate.”

The Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is priced at P1.255 million and is available in White Pearl, Sterling Silver Metallic, Graphite Grey Metallic, and Sunrise Orange Metallic. For more information, visit www.mmpc.ph.

Photos from Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation

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