Mitsubishi releases Xpander HEV in Thailand, will it make it to the PH?

The hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) models of the Mitsubishi Xpander and Xpander Cross have debuted in Thailand, the Japanese carmaker confirmed.

Per the Three-Diamond brand, the Mitsubishi Xpander HEV and Xpander Cross HEV are locally produced and offer the Minato City-headquartered company’s trademark electrification and all-wheel control technologies to raise the appeal of the nameplate to another level.

“Newly developed based on the brand’s plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, the HEV system delivers an eco-friendly and exhilarating driving experience unique to electrified vehicles. In addition, active yaw control and other all-wheel control technologies complement the two-wheel drivetrain to enable safe, secure driving at will, and a variety of drive modes provide optimal driving on any road surface and in any weather condition. Moreover, drivers can actively choose EV driving according to the situation, such as driving in quiet residential areas early in the morning,” Mitsubishi said in a press release.

Under the hood of the Thailand-spec Mitsubishi Xpander HEV and Xpander Cross HEV is a 1.6-liter gasoline powerplant. The said engine is complemented by a generator and a motor as well as a dedicated drive battery developed particularly for these models.

Further, the MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) mill is said to have adopted a high expansion ratio cycle (Atkinson cycle) to achieve a higher level of combustion efficiency while also incorporating the first electric water pump ever used in a Mitsubishi Motors engine to reduce mechanical loss.

Mitsubishi explained that the technologies used on the new electrified powertrain resulted not only in better torque and acceleration but also improvements in the multi-purpose vehicle’s (MPV) fuel economy rating (10 percent better than a pure gasoline engine setup mated with a continuously variable transmission) and fuel consumption (15 to 34 percent better when driving in urban locations) based on New European Driving Cycle test procedures.

In addition, the new powertrain setup is accompanied by seven new drive modes to help the driver and the vehicle better adapt to various driving conditions.

Mitsubishi pointed out that these are EV Priority, Charge, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Mud, and Wet. The first two are EV-specific modes while the other five are chosen by the carmaker for different terrains and driving situations.

Further, Mitsubishi noted that the Xpander HEV and Xpander Cross HEV in Thailand gets active yaw control. For the uninitiated, the said feature made its first appearance in the iconic Lancer Evolution IV. And equipping the MPV with the said technology allows better control of “the braking force between the left and right front wheels; traction control, which controls driving force when front-wheel slippage is detected; acceleration control, which adjusts the output of the motors and engine during acceleration; and steering control, which adjusts steering response according to the speed range and road conditions.”

Thai-market Mitsubishi Xpander HEV and Xpander Cross HEV owners won’t be able to do sick rally car maneuvers with their MPVs but it definitely improves control of the vehicle when passing through or overcoming soft or slippery terrains.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines is yet to release a statement if and when the carmaker’s local wing will bring the hybrid MPVs in the country. However, with the government and the private sector’s push for local electrification, it is possible that many Filipino carbuyers will consider getting the market’s best-selling model in the segment with a cleaner, smoother powertrain setup.

Our guess? Mitsubishi Motors Philippines might preview — or launch if we’re that lucky — the hybrid Xpander at the upcoming 2024 Manila International Auto Show. A bold prediction? Let’s just keep our fingers crossed.

Photos from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

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