Leveled up for more adventure
Shortly after the unveiling of the new Xpander, Mitsubishi brings those same improvements to its much more rugged stablemate, the Xpander Cross.
Designed to be a fusion of MPV and SUV functionality and capability, the Xpander Cross offers more SUV-like design and characteristics with the same versatility as the MPV it is based on.
Modern design
Like the refreshed Xpander, the 2023 Xpander Cross bears the unique T-shaped LED headlights with daytime running lights (DRL) and LED fog lamps. It also carries over onto the rear taillights.
Give it a more rugged look are black wheel arch moldings, door garnishes, and side sills. These all help to give it a taller stance. They’re complemented by redesigned bumpers with integrated bull bars for a more macho look. For fans of car camping, roof rails also come as standard. It’s also fitted with enlarged rear shock absorbers for a more pliant and stable ride. The car is capped off by newly-designed 17-inch alloy wheels.
The same T-shaped motif is carried over to its interior, made by the center console and the dashboard. It’s designed to visually widen the cabin, while also improving the placement of the controls. The dashboard itself is padded in soft padded materials with real stitching.
Thoughtful interior
The driver will feel the most of these improvements, treated to a new four-spoke leather steering wheel with a design reminiscent of the Montero Sport. It come with tilt and telescopic adjustment to be suitable for a wider variety of drivers. In front of the wheel is a new eight-inch LCD digital meter cluster that allows drivers to access a variety of information. It also has customizable displays for the speedometer or tachometer.
Passengers will enjoy the new seven-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA-3) system that compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other connectivity features include Bluetooth, AM/FM radio, and USB. Below it is the new digital air-conditioning system with max cool function.
Besides these, Mitsubishi has also thrown in several handy features. These include leather-wrapped seats finished in dark navy blue with heat guard technology designed to cool off quickly even when parked in the sun. There’s an under-seat tray below the front passenger seat. rear USB charging ports (Type-A and Type-C), a rear center armrest with integrated cupholders, and a cargo under-floor organizer.
Powering the Xpander is the same 1.5-liter four-cylinder MIVEC engine. It produces 104.5-PS at 6,000 rpm and 141-Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The Xpander Cross exclusively available in a four-speed automatic gearbox that drives the front wheels.
Loaded with safety
It also comes standard with the latest safety features. These include anti-lock brakes, active stability and traction control, hill-start assist, ISOFIX child seat anchors, a reverse camera, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold.
It also comes with Active Yaw Control (AYC) — first debuted on the Lancer Evolution — which electronically stabilizes the vehicle on sharp turns and on slippery roads.
Other standard safety features include Active Stability Control (ASC), Hill Start Assist (HAS), and Traction Control (TCL).
“With the new Xpander Cross, customers can comfortably and confidently go out and experience the scenic places of the Philippines. Hence our tagline: 'Cross the Current'. Where your family can expand horizons in comfort and style. It is as if you are crossing into a new world filled with memorable experiences,” said Takeshi Hara, president & CEO of MMPC.
The 2023 Xpander Cross starts at P1.328 million when availed in Blade Silver Metallic or Graphite Gray. It’s priced at P1.338 million when availed in the two-tone Sunrise Orange Metallic. The exclusive Quartz White Pearl two-tone is priced at P1.353 million.
The new Xpander Cross is now available at all Mitsubishi dealerships.