MPV + SUV equals Mitsubishi Xpander Cross

MANILA: By now, everyone must have heard about the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross – the new top variant of the Japanese automaker’s multi-purpose vehicle. It should have been launched over the weekend, but threat of the Covid-19 pandemic’s further spread in the metropolis finally ended the hope of the planned grand launch and display.

In an e-mail sent out to the media, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation said it “decided to cancel the scheduled Xpander Cross mall display in Glorietta 2, Activity Center. This decision is made to prioritize the health and safety of the public, our employees and dealer partners. MMPC is one with the effort of the Philippine government to contain the spreading of the virus.”

Be that as it may, we are happy to have the goods on the “family-friendly seven-seater” multi-purpose vehicle getting more SUV styling – in effect a hybrid MPV-SUV straddling the two genres. Said MMPC marketing communications senior manager Mark Parulan to this writer: “The Xpander Cross will be the new top-of-the-line variant in the Xpander line-up. 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.”

The Xpander nameplate was introduced in the Philippines in 2018, and quickly gained traction in the popular MPV segment, moving 13,494 units on its first year. That number now stands at 36,168 units, with the Xpander accounting for 30% of MMPC sales. The company also shares that the Xpander is category bestseller – garnering industry awards on its way to leadership.

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.”

Kicked off by Mitsubishi’s now familiar Dynamic Shield design, the Xpander Cross is given a skid plate, LED headlights and fog lamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, wheel arch molding and side body garnish, and a roof rail. “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.

Under the hood is Mitsubishi’s reliable 16-valve, DOHC 1.5-liter gasoline engine. 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 an automobile is in operation.

The Xpander Cross is distinguished from other variants by a black dashboard with brown accents, while its seats are covered with 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.

When asked if there will be other variants coming in the future, Parulan said, “for ways to improve our products and satisfy the needs of our customers. The development and release of new products and variants are focused on customer experience and feedback.”

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.