Updated Mitsubishi Xpander family: CVT for everyone and old optics for the “crossover”

By Lukas Müller On Aug 31, 2022

The basic compact minivan has become larger, besides it has more ground clearance. In addition, expensive trim levels now have a different interior.

After spy photos and leaks from Mitsubishi's global office, the Indonesian division of the brand has finally officially unveiled the updated Xpander van. Recall that the model has been in service since 2017, it was Indonesia that became its debut market, where the main production site is located. By the way, at first MPV was available only in Southeast Asia, but then the sales geography expanded, and today Xpander can also be bought in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

Upgraded Mitsubishi Xpander and pre-reform compact minivan

This is the second modernization of the model, the first one that survived last year, but only the current restyling can be called completed. So, if earlier the company limited itself to replacing the radiator grille, this time Mitsubishi Xpander received new T-shaped bumpers and headlights, the diode sections of running lights located on top also changed, the front license plate was moved lower, and the chrome inserts forming the corporate “X” became thicker. In addition, the radiator grille was again replaced on the compact van (two large glossy black casts appeared). The initial versions have 16-inch wheels instead of 15-inch ones, and the expensive ones have 17-inch ones (there weren't any at all before).

Updated Mitsubishi Xpander

Thanks to the new body kit, the length of the Xpander is immediately increased by 120 mm to 4595 mm (the front overhang has become longer by 75 mm, the rear by 45 mm). The ground clearance has also been increased: 220 or 225 mm, depending on the version (was 200-205 mm).

The interiors of simple versions were not touched, but inside rich trim levels a new front panel, steering wheel, multimedia system and climate control unit were installed. In addition, the Xpander received an electric parking brake. The compact minivan is still the default seven-seater.

Updated Mitsubishi Xpander

The 1.5-liter “aspirated” received an exhaust gas recirculation system, while the engine power did not change: 105 hp and 141 Nm. The five-speed “mechanics” remained, but the old “automatic” four-speed was replaced with a variator. The suspension has also been improved: in particular, the diameter of the rear shock absorbers has been increased, and the calibrations have also been changed. Traction is still only front-wheel drive.

Updated Mitsubishi Xpander Cross

Simultaneously with the updated standard Mitsubishi Xpander, an updated “off-road” version of the Cross is introduced. It is curious that the exterior design of the cross version has not changed, but the interior is the same as that of the “simple” Xpander-2022, with the exception of black trim instead of lighting and other multimedia elements, in addition, she also took the CVT. crossover “there is no new body kit, the length is the same: 4500 mm. The ground clearance of the Xpander Cross with a CVT is 220 mm, with the “mechanics” – 225 mm (for the pre-reform cross – 225 mm, regardless of whether it is equipped with a 5MKP or 4AKP).

The updated family will celebrate its first publication at GIIAS (Gaikindo Indonesia International Motor Show), which will open its doors to the media on November 11 (no lockdown expected).

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Xpander has Nissan's sister ship Livina in Indonesia. This van looks like it will be updated soon too.