Facelifted Mitsubishi Xpander Spotted in Malaysia – Launch Imminent?

Several units of the long-awaited Mitsubishi Xpander MPV facelift have been spotted in Malaysia. Launching soon? (Photo credit: Mitsubishi Xpander Owners Club (MXOC) Facebook group)

Several years after making its regional debut, the long-awaited Mitsubishi Xpander facelift is finally heading to Malaysia, as several units of the updated MPV model have been spotted here recently. Spotted by Mitsubishi Xpander Owners Club (MXOC) Facebook group member Putra Yahya Hashim, the fleet of the updated Xpander MPV was spotted being hauled by a trailer truck, possibly heading towards local Mitsubishi dealers.

From the photos, you can clearly see that the uncovered MPVs are indeed the facelifted version of Mitsubishi’s best-selling MPV model. Key design cues for the facelift model, such as the new Dynamic Shield front face, the new 17-inch turbine-style alloy wheels, and the redesigned rear bumper accent, can all be spotted here.

Mitsubishi Xpander HEV (left) & Xpander Cross (right)

Keen eyes will notice that none of these Xpander models carry the HEV badge at the rear, signalling that we might not get the hybrid version of this MPV model that is available in other ASEAN regional markets. Also important to note that none of these Xpanders are the rugged Cross variant, which is also available in other regional markets such as Indonesia.

Launched in Indonesia back in 2022, the facelifted Xpander brings a refreshed exterior look plus a revamped interior that harbours more tech and comfort amenities than the previous model. Included here are the new front dash layout that features a new 9-inch infotainment display that now supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital A/C control panel, an electronic parking brake, a new three-spoke steering wheel, and many more.

For the non-hybrid variant, the facelifted Xpander retains its predecessor’s 1.5-litre 4-cyl nat-asp MIVEC engine rated at 105 PS and 141 NM, which is now equipped with a new external exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system for better fuel economy. Also new on the facelifted model is the CVT automatic gearbox, which replaces the previous model’s 4AT unit.

As of writing, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is still offering the pre-facelift Xpander MPV in our market, which currently retails at RM100,980 on-the-road. Given that the Xpander has been MMM’s best-selling model for several consecutive years, while at the same time leading the non-national compact MPV segment in Malaysia, perhaps it is time for the automaker to introduce the facelifted model into our market.