With many car buyers wanting both comfort and versatility, it is no surprise that crossovers are among the most popular body types on the road today. In the case of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC), its Xpander nameplate has been its topseller ever since its unveiling in 2018, contributing 30 percent in the company’s total sales while helping the company capture a sizable chunk of the country’s MPV market share.
With the popularity and the many awards the Xpander has achieved, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. decided to further expand the vehicle’s market allure by introducing the flagship variant called the Xpander Cross.
“The Xpander is a very important product to MMPC as it fits many of the vehicle requirements of Filipinos. It provides the reliable performance, spacious and comfortable interior, host of safety features and a very bold design. Now with the entry of the Xpander Cross and its added features, we see renewed potential to the already successful Xpander nameplate,” said MMPC president and CEO Mutsuhiro Oshikiri.
Key differences for the Xpander Cross—with an SRP of P1.255 million—is its 20mm higher ride height and slightly wider tracks (an extra 50mm of width and 25mm of length). While the rest of the Xpander variants already stand out with a 205mm ground clearance, the Xpander Cross’ 225mm ride height should be a welcome upgrade when wading through flooded streets and unpaved roads.
Same engine but improved driving feel
The Xpander Cross is powered by the same 1.5L MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) gasoline engine that generates reliable 103hp and 141 Nm of torque. it is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to high-performance sound absorbing and vibration blocking materials installed in the engine, the Xpander Cross is the most silent model in its class (near 80 percent articulation index).
Alvin Dalida, MMPC First VP for Marketing and Sales Division explained that with the tagline “Live Extra”, the Xpander Cross challenges Filipino families to break away from the regular work-to-home routine and live life to the fullest. “Now with a class-leading ground clearance and enhanced robust design, the Xpander Cross enables its owners to explore more adventurous terrains. The launch campaign of the Xpander Cross also features a celebrity family as its brand ambassadors—the Arellano family—as they best represent the modern and adventurous Filipino family. Despite their hectic schedule, both Drew and Iya are still able to balance a fun and healthy lifestyle. They both excel in their professional careers, are known for their sporty lifestyle and still manage to be amazing parents to their kids.”
Donning Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield design that projects the balance of dynamism and power, the Xpander Cross look is further enhanced with a new front grille and bumper design, LED headlights and fog lamps, 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, new fender arch and side body molding, new rear garnish and LED combination lamps, and roof rails, a white-lit high contrast instrument meter display and a 7-inch touch screen multimedia system with reverse camera.
For more driving comfort, the Xpander Cross is designed with a wide windshield and high seating position that provides good visibility for the driver and is also equipped with cruise control features to lessen fatigue during long drives.
The 7-seater Xpander Cross has a commendable spacious cabin that is complemented with versatile seats that can be configured in various positions to accommodate different space or seat requirements. The second and third row seats are capable of folding flat and with no gaps to accommodate large cargo loads.
The Xpander Cross is available in four colors: Sunrise Orange, Quartz White Pearl, Sterling Silver Metallic, and Graphite Gray Metallic. For more information one may log on to www.mmpc.ph
Photo by Jason K. Ang
