Mitsubishi Motors Philippines has officially introduced the much-anticipated new Xpander Cross. Even more noteworthy than it being the flagship variant of Mitsubishi’s bestselling Xpander line, it is also the model that will do battle in the explosive crossover/compact SUV segment.
Originally slated for introduction last March but postponed due to the community quarantine, the new Xpander Cross, which retails for P1,255,000, is a 7-seat crossover MPV that’s been given the SUV ground clearance and styling treatment. It carries over the Xpander’s easy car-like drivability as well as its spacious, versatile and well-crafted three-row interior. The Xpander was first launched in the Philippines in 2018. It immediately gained strong traction in the market as it sold 13,494 units in its first year and has since sold a total of 36,168 units. The Xpander is currently the Philippines’ bestselling MPV in its category, making up 30% of the total sales of MMPC. It has won numerous awards from highly recognized award-giving bodies.
“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.
The Xpander Cross reflects Mitsubishi’s design DNA, as seen in the Montero Sport and Strada, through its Dynamic Shield front end design that projects dynamism and power. To further exude the sporty SUV image, the Xpander Cross is enhanced with a new front grille and bumper, LED headlights and fog lamps, two-tone 17-inch alloy wheels, new black fender arch and side body molding, new rear garnish and LED taillamps, and roof rails.
The front-wheel drive Xpander Cross is powered by Mitsubishi’s smooth 1.5-liter MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) DOHC 16-valve gasoline engine mated to a proven 4-speed automatic. Thanks to high-performance sound-absorbing and vibration-blocking materials installed in the engine bay, the Xpander Cross is the quietest model in its class.
Now with a class-leading 225mm ground clearance combined with a special tuned suspension with a rebound spring, the Xpander Cross is capable of traversing more challenging terrain without compromising ride comfort.
The Xpander has always offered excellent outward visibility thanks to its large windshield and windows. This has been further enhanced in the Xpander Cross with its high seating position. It is also equipped with cruise control for a more relaxing long drive.
The Xpander Cross has a commendably spacious 7-seater cabin that is complemented with versatile seats that can be configured in various positions to accommodate various passenger and cargo requirements. The second and third row seats are capable of folding flat and with no gaps to accommodate large cargo load.
The cabin boasts a classy interior design dominated by black with brown accents and dual-tone leather seats. The ergonomic dashboard features a white-lit high-contrast instrument panel display and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera. There are charging ports and multiple storage areas for all three rows.
The launch campaign of the Xpander Cross also features a celebrity family as its brand ambassadors. “The Arellano family is the best representation of a 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,” announced Alvin Dalida, MMPC’s First Vice President for Marketing and Sales Division.
The Xpander Cross is available in Sunrise Orange, Quartz White Pearl, Sterling Silver Metallic, and Graphite Gray Metallic.