Mitsubishi Launches The New Xpander Cross In Indonesia

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has launched the new Xpander Cross, with a revamped, more robust design and improved driving performance in Indonesia.

The Xpander Cross is the top variant of the Xpander line-up, and will be built at Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia (MMKI) in Bekasi, West Java.

Sales of the new crossover MPV has started on 11 August, and will be rolled out sequentially to other markets centring on the ASEAN region.

Exterior-wise, at the front, the Dynamic Shield front face has evolved, combining a large grille with a trapezoid motif and a guard-bar shaped bumper to give the new Xpander Cross a robust SUV look. 

Then, the headlights get a T-shape design that gives a sense of width, while the turn signals that were formerly under the headlight unit, are now integrated into the upper position lights.

Furthermore, the front and rear overhangs have been extended by a total of 95 mm, and the engine hood has been made thicker to create proportions with more dynamism and stability.

Rolling on a set of 17-inch round alloy wheels, they feature a machine-finished two-tone design in medium grey.

Matched with the grey paint on the front and rear skid plates and door garnishes, the wheels create a 3D look to express the sporty feeling of an SUV. In addition, the roof rails are coloured in black to sharpen the overall appearance.

Flipping to the rear, the tailgate has been given a more three-dimensional design, and the number of split lines has been reduced for an enhanced sense of quality. 

Its rear combination lights have a wide, stable look with horizontally-themed T-shaped tail lights, while LED stop lights are added to the LED tail lights and back lights to improve visibility at night.

A new body colour, Green Bronze Metallic, which combines toughness with a modern sense of refinement, has been added to the line-up. 

Other available colours include Quartz White Pearl, Blade Silver Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic and Jet Black Mica.

Interior-wise, the new Xpander Cross features a horizontally-oriented instrument panel based on the Horizontal Axis concept.

Notably, it offers cabin spaciousness, easy changing of vehicle position while driving and a new large-diameter four-spoke steering wheel that evokes a sense of luxury.

To offer an advanced cabin, it adopts an 8-inch colour liquid crystal display (LCD) meter that is more intuitive and easier to use. 

By using a switch on the steering wheel, driving information such as average and current fuel economy, plus vehicle information such as AYC operation status, can be viewed on the meter.

Performance-wise, the new Xpander Cross adopts Mitsubishi Motors' AYC, which improves cornering by adjusting the braking force on the front wheels. 

Of which, uses Information such as steering angle, yaw rate, lateral and longitudinal G-forces, brake pressure, and wheel speed to accurately assess driver operation and vehicle behaviour.

By doing so, brake control is applied to perform torque vectoring between the front wheels, ensuring that the vehicle responds as the driver intends. 

When cornering on slippery roads, AYC, which brakes the front wheel on the inside of the turn, minimizes understeer and allows the vehicle to follow a line closer to that intended by the driver. 

What’s more, with the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Active Stability Control (ASC), the system supports safe, secure and comfortable driving in a variety of weather and road conditions.

Other than that, by refining the rigidity of the front strut mounting area, enlarging the cylinder size of the rear shock absorber, and using new high-performance valves in both the front and rear, the suspension provides a flat and comfortable ride even on rough road surfaces.

Lastly, power is provided by a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter petrol engine that produces 103 HP/77-kW and 141 Nm of torque.

That said, it's definitely not the fastest MPV out there, however, it's a solid choice for a family looking to buy a versatile and affordable vehicle with three-row seating.