New Mitsubishi Expander MPV India Launch, Prices, Features And Specifications- Complete Details

The new Expander MPV crossover has a somewhat aggressive stance. Thanks to large dimensions and a crossover-ish look, the new Mitsubishi 7-seater MPV exudes dynamism and a rather athletic appeal. The new model measures 4,475 mm in length, 1,750 mm in width and 1,700 mm in height. The new MPV crossover enjoys a really high ground clearance of 205 mm (perfect for Indian roads, we say!). It’s being said that the new Mitsubishi Expander 2018 offers enough interior space to seat 7 in reasonable comfort.

The company goes on to state that its latest MPV offers an amalgam of the ruggedness of an SUV and the practicality of an MPV. In words of the company, the Expander combines “toughness of an SUV with the versatility of an MPV”.While the exterior looks sufficiently SUV-ish, the interior offers three row of seats along with a dual-tone beige-grey colour theme for the cabin. For now, the new model will go on sale with only one engine option – 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine. The engine benefits from MIVEC, which is nothing but variable valve timing technology in Mitsubishi’s speak. Transmission options for this MPV crossover include a Five-speed manual and a Four-speed automatic transmission.

2018 Mitsubishi Expander Engine Specifications
Engine 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol
Forced Induction No
Transmission five-speed Manual, four-speed Automatic

The MPV is currently available with just one engine option – a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine that benefits from MIVEC, the manufacturer’s variable valve timing system. Transmission options include a five-speed Manual and a four-speed Automatic transmission.

When it was my turn to drive, I happened to snag a manual transmission variant. I was a little disappointed, although I'm not sure why. Maybe I didn’t expect too much? But the Xpander won me over right away.

With a Japanese guide/chaperone beside me, I put the shifter into first gear and drove off. It's almost love at first drive! The clutch bit in the friendliest manner, and changing gears was almost heavenly. This wasn't a sports car's transmission; it's a bit more languid than that. I would have described it as enjoyable. This was something I wouldn’t mind using in EDSA traffic. Driving position was also good, and the tiller was nice to hold and handle.

I was apprehensive about the 1.5-liter gasoline powerplant as well, but it turned out my fears were unfounded. With 103hp and 141Nm, there’s enough power here--for two adults at least, one of which has been fed with a steady, unrelenting diet of sushi and convenience store snacks--for me to hit 140kph easily, and bank the Xpander on Mitsubishi's test track oval.

My first meet-and-drive with this anticipated MPV was a success. I was eager to try the Xpander in a more normal setting outside of a test track.

And now that day