The newly launched 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander comes with several notable changes, including an electronic parking brake, new LED headlights design, and upgraded suspension front and rear. These updates are expected to make the Xpander the dominant MPV in the Vietnamese market, putting pressure on competitors such as the Toyota Veloz and Suzuki XL7.
Within only 3 years of its launch, Mitsubishi Motor Vietnam has already sold approximately 60,000 units of the Xpander. If these cars were lined up in a straight line, their total length would exceed 268 km, which is longer than the distance from Hanoi to Vinh or from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet.
On average, Mitsubishi sells around 20,000 Xpander units per year, which means over 54 Xpander cars are delivered to customers every day. The sales staff at Mitsubishi closes contracts with more than 2.5 customers every hour.
This is an impressive achievement, especially considering the competitive nature of the affordable 7-seater MPV segment. Many competitors have struggled or been abandoned by consumers, leaving them with limited product offerings in the market.
Unlike its struggling competitors, Mitsubishi’s main challenge lies in maintaining the strengths of the Xpander while identifying areas for improvement. The goal is to upgrade the new 7-seater MPV model, surpassing competitors and preparing for any new entrants in order to continue leading the segment in the years to come. So, what is Mitsubishi’s approach?
Impressive Exterior Upgrades
The most apparent change in the 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander is its redesigned front exterior. The new “face” of the Xpander is sharper, more modern, and exudes a sense of luxury compared to its predecessor.
The LED headlights now feature a T-shape design with 3 light lenses on each side, enhancing visibility at night while giving the 2022 Xpander a more distinct and contemporary look.
In the center, the new grille retains the eye-catching Dynamic Shield style with 2 thick decorative bars instead of the previous 3 bars. The lower grille has also been redesigned, featuring a crosshatch fox eye pattern, adding a touch of luxury to the 7-seater MPV model.
The redesigned metallic gray front bumper, blending seamlessly with the “T-shape” style lights, enhances the overall aesthetics of the Xpander. The split LED turn signal light strip still incorporates blinker lights, similar to the previous generation.
The rear of the car features updated brake lights with a synchronized “T-shape” design that matches the front lighting system. The rear trunk lid has also been modified with crosshatch lines, giving the Xpander a muscular and sturdy appearance. The lower rear bumper has been revised to align with the front design language, while the concealed exhaust pipe adds an elegant touch to the vehicle.
Modern, Luxurious, and Convenient Interior
The 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander introduces a complete interior transformation with a 2-tone color scheme. The cabin of the 2022 Xpander emanates a sense of neatness, modernity, and a hint of luxury.
The most notable change is the elimination of the mechanical handbrake, creating a more spacious and uncluttered interior. Instead, the Xpander 2022 is equipped with an electronic parking brake with the Auto Hold function. This is a much-anticipated upgrade for many Xpander users.
The air conditioning knobs have been replaced by a digital control panel with sleek knobs and a modern temperature display screen. The car is equipped with a “Max cool” mode that provides quick cooling, which is particularly beneficial in tropical climates like Vietnam.
At the center of the dashboard is the upgraded central entertainment information screen, now enlarged from 7 inches in the previous generation to 9 inches. The screen integrates smart connections such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and can also display the backup camera to enhance rear visibility for the driver.
The steering wheel has undergone a sleeker and more modern redesign. The function buttons are integrated on the two sides rather than scattered as before. Behind the steering wheel, the car is still equipped with 2 mechanical speedometer and tachometer gauges, accompanied by an information display in the middle.
The dashboard is covered with leather, featuring raised stitching and adorned with metal trim panels with modern and eye-catching engravings. Areas frequently touched by users, such as door armrests, are covered with genuine stitched leather, which adds a touch of luxury compared to competitors in the same price range.
The seats have also undergone a new design with stitched leather covers. According to the manufacturer, the leather material used in the seats of the Mitsubishi Xpander 2022 has heat-absorbing properties, providing comfort for users, especially in sunny weather conditions.
Another significant improvement is the addition of a center armrest in the Xpander 2022. Under the armrest lid, there is an additional compartment designed to hold tissues, a practical detail often overlooked by other car models in the market.
Rear passengers are equipped with various power ports, including standard USB, Type-C, and even 12V outlets. The air conditioning vents are still located on the ceiling, but the design has been upgraded to resemble the larger Pajero Sport model.
With the ability to fold the second row of seats flat, Mitsubishi Xpander users have the flexibility to customize the interior space according to specific situations and needs. The overall length of the car has also increased to 4,595 mm, which is 120mm longer than the previous generation, resulting in a more spacious interior.
According to Mitsubishi’s statistics, there are approximately 45 convenient storage compartments scattered throughout the interior, including shoe trays and wet storage compartments under the auxiliary seats, book and phone storage compartments integrated behind the driver’s seat, or hidden small storage compartments under the rear cargo floor, providing additional convenience for users.
Compared to its predecessor, Mitsubishi seems to have carefully considered and thoroughly researched user feedback to make precise upgrades that meet the desires of Xpander users. This MPV model is becoming increasingly practical, convenient, and even luxurious.
Exceeding Performance Expectations
The 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander continues to be powered by the MIVEC 1.5L engine with 4 cylinders. Paired with a 4-speed gearbox and front-wheel drive, the car delivers a maximum power of 104 horsepower and 141 Nm of torque, which remains unchanged from the previous generation. This decision demonstrates Mitsubishi’s commitment to maintaining a durable and efficient engine-transmission system while focusing on improving other areas that require refinement.
Thanks to the upgraded suspension system, the Mitsubishi Xpander 2022 is equipped with larger shock absorbers featuring internal hydraulic valves. This upgrade enhances the load-bearing capacity and gives the car a more solid and stable feel compared to its predecessor.
Thanks to this suspension system, the car’s height has been raised. The 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander now measures 1,750mm in height and offers a ground clearance of 225mm, which is significantly higher than many 5-7 seater crossover models claiming to be SUVs in the current market.
Real-world testing shows a significant improvement in the suspension system of the 2022 Xpander. The car effectively dampens rebound oscillations when encountering speed bumps, providing a smooth and comfortable ride. Additionally, the higher driver’s perspective inside the car provides a more comprehensive view, similar to that of high ground clearance SUV models.
Summary: Mitsubishi Xpander 2022 deserves praise for delivering practical, useful, and satisfying upgrades to customers instead of solely chasing flashy specifications that may not be essential to their needs. Despite the upgrades, the price of the Mitsubishi Xpander remains unchanged. The Xpander AT Premium is priced at 648 million VND, the Xpander Cross at 688 million VND, and the starting price for the Xpander AT is only 588 million VND. Furthermore, there is no evidence of price gouging. Therefore, it is predicted that the Xpander will continue to experience strong sales, putting pressure on competitors in the inexpensive 7-seater MPV segment.
Phan Anh (Tuoitrethudo)
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