Mitsubishi Expander, the 7-seat MPV with an SUV-like look

True to the lines set by the XM Concept shown in 2016 and following the design language of the brand’s latest models, Mitsubishi is set to present a new compact MPV capable of seating up to seven passengers at the Indonesia Motor Show. It will be sold under the name Expander and aims to attract Indonesian families and challenge the Toyota Avanza, the segment leader in that market.

Aesthetically, the Expander incorporates the latest styling and design features found on the most recent models and prototypes presented by Mitsubishi. At the front, which has a very robust look, with its very large bumper and grille, the striking X formed by the sharp daytime running lights, grille and air intakes of the model stands out. The headlights sit far out at the edges, in the spaces visually created between the ends of the lines forming the X, with the fog lights positioned more centrally in the lower area.

In the side view, the prominent, bulging wheel arches and the pronounced tension lines stand out, especially the one at mid-height, which starts practically at the end of the front wheel arch and, rising upward, connects the door handles before ending at the peak of the rear lights that wraps around the side. A design that retains the strength and robustness that its front anticipated, and which is also present at the rear, where the X design appears again.

The Expander shows all the toughness and strength of an SUV body, combined with the spaciousness and room of an MPV. This is already apparent from the outside: viewed from the front, the square shapes of its outline hint at the generous interior space the model offers, thus maximising one of the brand’s guiding principles.

An SUV with three rows of seats and 7 seats

Inside, with three rows of seats and capacity for up to seven passengers, the finishes offer an interesting combination of materials and colours. Designed in three parts, the dashboard has an upper section finished in black, while the entire lower area is finished in beige. In the middle zone, certain elements in wood or brushed aluminium are inserted. A finish that is somewhat unusual but not without a certain elegance. In fact, it features interesting finishing details, such as the trim running across the dashboard from side to side like stitching, designed to evoke a leather finish, or the long tray set above the wide glovebox door in front of the front passenger seat.

In the centre of the dashboard, in the middle zone, the colour touchscreen of the on-board infotainment system sits, below which are two large air distribution vents of the ventilation system, whose controls are located in the central column framed by two elegant brushed aluminium profiles.

The driving position is good, with a large instrument cluster in which both the size of the two large dials and the information screen placed between them stand out. The steering wheel, with multifunction controls on just one of its spokes, is trimmed in leather, with plastic finished areas on the inside of the lower arc.

This is what can be seen at first glance, as Mitsubishi has revealed few further details about the model. In principle, it is known that under the bonnet will sit a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which, as can be seen in the photo, will be offered with a CVT automatic transmission.

For the time being, Mitsubishi is only planning to launch the Expander in the Indonesian market and other related markets in the region. The car will be produced at the brand’s plant in Bekasi (Indonesia) and will reach the local market this same year. Depending on how it is received, the brand could consider launching it in other markets, such as Latin America. For now, the brand has no plans to sell it in the Spanish market.