MMPC: More than 1,800 already lined up for Xpander

As of last week, reservations for Mitsubishi’s forthcoming small MPV/SUV cross, dubbed the Xpander, have already surpassed 1,800 units. That’s according to Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) senior manager for marketing services Arlan Reyes himself.

Guesting on the “Gear Box” radio show (airing 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays on 738 kHz AM) of Eric Tipan and yours truly, Reyes admitted he was “very happy and excited” over the obviously glowing number. MMPC had started to accept pre-bookings last January 24, and only publicly revealed the vehicle in a big way last March 2 through its “Xpander Xpo” at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. He also noted that many people had plopped down their reservation fee without even seeing the vehicle yet.

Needless to say, MMPC’s local sales expectations for the Xpander are sky high in our SUV- and MPV-enamored country, and Reyes underscored that the vehicle is up for the challenge. “We are so confident in the Xpander that we brought in the competition just for people to be able see for themselves, test-drive, and compare” he said. At the expo, potential customers had the chance to get behind the wheel of vehicles from other brands for comparison.

Powered by a 1.5-liter heart with MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) system, the Xpander blurts out a maximum of 104 horses and 141 Nm. MMPC, in a release, stressed that “its engine capacity has a good balance between performance and fuel consumption, which makes it an ideal vehicle for the Philippine market. The Xpander is made to be fuel efficient without compromising its performance.” Reyes noted that the Xpander is “not exactly the successor of the Adventure,” whose production has been halted.

Ideal for small families with kids, the executive said that the Xpander is “a vehicle that’s flexible as a five- or seven-seater, and is able to haul cargo.” He added that while it is in the class of the small SUV/MPV straddlers, the Mitsubishi vehicle’s interior dimensions are already comparable to the next-level MPVs. “It is bigger, longer, and higher inside, although narrower.” The aggressive front fascia design is borne of the Dynamic Shield concept first seen in the all-new Montero Sport.

Unofficial tests based on Department of Energy parameters were performed on a couple of units (with passengers), and both returned an impressive 20-plus kilometers to the liter (with the air-conditioner on) after running an excess of 200 kilometers.

Showroom units have recently been deployed to dealerships so you can see the Xpander for yourself – if you haven’t already. As for test drives, Reyes said MMPC is planning to go on the road with a head-to-head challenge much like the one staged at the “Xpander Xpo.”

Another thing to watch for is the Xpander’s TV ad – shot abroad and set to break next month.

All told, things are expected to be mighty busy at MMPC these days, and it’s the Xpander’s fault.