Looking For A Compact MPV Suitable For You? The Mitsubishi Xpander Is Your Answer!

DISCLAIMER: All opinions expressed are translated directly from Caricarz’s writer, Chan Pei Wen article.

Not long ago, the Caricarz media team got to test drive a Mitsubishi Xpander loaned by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd in Malaysia.

In terms of appearance and function, this 7-seater MPV is above the expectation. If you are currently looking for a family car, this Xpander can be included in your shopping list.

Although this Xpander was launched in October last year, the bookings were over its expectation. There is only one variant offered in Malaysia, and its price is considered affordable among MPV vehicles, priced at RM91,368.75, excluding sales and service tax (SST).

All Mitsubishi Xpander sold are locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang (CKD). It is equipped with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated MIVEC petrol engine, mated with a four-speed automatic transmission. It can achieve a maximum output of 105hp and 141 Nm of torque.

Let’s talk about the reason behind the popularity of this Xpander. After test-driving this car, this writer believes that the sporty appearance is one of the key factors, especially the Dynamic Shield design at the front of the vehicle; it makes the Xpander looks very ‘fierce’. Just like our video host Ian Cheang said, “this car is more like an SUV, with a dynamic and streamlined body, coupled with a relatively affordable price, it is undoubtedly the first choice of many people.”

Another thing that this writer must mention is the design of the headlamps. The diamond-shaped in the centre is the headlamp, and the top is the adaptive sensor light. This is different from the other cars’ headlamp designs, and it unexpectedly shows its beauty.

For its interior, it has a multi-function steering wheel, a 9-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a 360-degree panoramic camera system. It is easy to drive and gives the driver a peace-of-mind.

According to this writer, the best part of this car is the ample storage space. In addition to the luggage space at the rear, the second and third rows’ seats can be folded to make way for more space. It can even fit in a couple of adult bicycles!

Apart from that, there is other storage space like the glove compartment, the front centre armrest storage compartment and the areas by the door panels that can store all your belongings. Therefore, the storage space of this car beats most of the other models.

Another point that this writer wants to commend is the Xpander has a ground clearance of 205 mm. This provides a better driving vision, and it is an advantage for short people, especially women! On top of that, the steering wheel is also relatively ‘light’ in manoeuvring it. It is light and easy to control. Although the Xpander looks huge for most women, it is suitable for any woman to drive it.

Having said so many advantages, what are the disadvantages? This writer thinks that the safety feature’s weaknesses are that it only comes with two airbags. Apart from that, the four-speed automatic transmission is also old technology.

This writer agrees with what Ian said in its video, “It is a pity that this car does not have an active intelligent safety system, but this car is an economical and practical family car, so at this price, one can’t expect to have all the features!”

Concurrently, although this vehicle is equipped with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder naturally aspirated MIVEC petrol engine, it felt slightly underpowered when ferrying a full load of passengers.

Overall, this writer had given this car 6.5 points out of a total score of 10 because this car is an excellent choice as a family car. However, as for the advantages and disadvantages of the Xpander, this writer thinks that different people have different opinions.

If you want to know more about Mitsubishi Xpander's test drive experience, don't forget to watch our test drive video!