Things You Need in a Crossover that Gives You More

Tuesday 11 June 2019 10:34
A number of criteria affect considerations when shopping for a new vehicle. They include – but are not limited to – roominess, utility, comfort and refinement, versatility, performance and efficiency, driving dynamics, safety, technology, design and price.

It would have been an impossible find if a buyer wanted the positive aspects all of the above criteria, until Mitsubishi Motors Thailand launched the ALL NEW MITSUBISHI XPANDER. Built as a crossover that embodies all motoring criteria, it created a niche and a totally new market segment in the automotive industry in Thailand. Consequently, motorists no longer have to settle for a compromise. Finally, there is a solution for drivers who want absolute versatility and every other criterion.

Combining so many criteria in one vehicle may result in a slightly higher price-point but overall it is still more affordable than a vehicle built with compromises for a cheaper price. For example, a small seven-seater car may not have the refinement, driving dynamics and go-anywhere versatility, a small car may not have the space and utility and an SUV may lack the economy, refinement and maneuverability at this price-point. If the criteria for buying a vehicle requires it to meet all criteria, then a crossover is, simply, the only answer.

When it was launched in August 2018, Mr. Morikazu Chokki, President and CEO, Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd. said: "The ALL NEW MITSUBISHI XPANDER has been designed from the ground up. It caters to an all new market segment."

According to Mr. Chokki, there is nothing like it in its class. It is an entirely new segment – a new vehicle – based on the strength, toughness and go-anywhere versatility of an SUV and expanded with performance, comfort, utility and refinement. Everything comes together as a single package and gives drivers the impression they are driving a normal sedan, but with a higher seating position.

The telling sign of its popularity is its sales. In just a short period of time since its launch, the ALL NEW MITSUBISHI XPANDER has already exceeded Mitsubishi Thailand's sales projections – a clear indication that the vehicle is capable of meeting its design brief.

Crossovers like the ALL NEW MITSUBISHI XPANDER provide drivers the best of everything in its class and price range, starting with space. Although it is a crossover, it is still easily the biggest vehicle even if you compare it to similarly sized MPVs. This translates to premium space inside with more head, leg and shoulder room for all seven occupants. With flexible seating adjustments, flat cargo floor and spacious luggage compartment, it has an interior that is both impressive yet functional.

Utility is also important for a crossover, and the ALL NEW MITSUBISHI XPANDER successfully combines the go-anywhere toughness of an SUV with top-in-class cabin space and refinement. It is finished with multi-utility storage places and individual electrical power points at every row of seats.

A crossover also needs to behave in a refined manner like a sedan, and this is where comfort and refinement come in. The ALL NEW MITSUBISHI XPANDER features what is known as 'Omotenashi' – Japanese for hospitality and attention to details. It is a principle that caters to the comfort and convenience of all occupants.

Next is the underpinning trait for a crossover – versatility. Thanks to Mitsubishi Motors' heritage, experience and in-depth knowledge in award-winning SUVs, the ALL NEW MITSUBISHI XPANDER is capable on and off the road. A class-leading ride-height of 205 millimeters ensures it can wade and clear surface undulations safely. On the road, it is comparable to any sedans on highways and a small car in urban environments.

To ensure it has good and safe driving dynamics like a proper sedan, it comes with McPherson struts, coil springs and stabilizer bar at the front and torsion beam at the rear. The suspension has been tuned to handle anything from dirt tracks and winding roads to highways and city traffic. A small turning radius aids maneuverability in urban and tight city confines.

Safety is always a priority. The ALL NEW MITSUBISHI XPANDER offers active and passive safety systems including Active Stability Control (ASC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Start Assist System (HSA), ABS and EBD with Brake Assist, Emergency Stop Signal System (ESS), Dual SRS Airbags, front ELR seatbelts with pre-tensioner and force limiter, three-point ELR seatbelts for all seats and a Rear View Camera. It also features a reinforced monocoque or RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) that absorbs energy from every direction and protects occupants with a solid cabin. It is rated four stars by ASEAN NCAP, making it one of the safest vehicles in its segment and recently awarded Car of The Year 2019 under category Best MPV under 1,600 cc from The 40th Bangkok International Motor Show.

It also does not lack in the technology department, being equipped with features like Keyless Operation System, One Touch Start button, Rear Climate Control with Air Ventilation Outlet, Tilt-Telescopic Adjustable Steering Column, and Steering Wheel Remote Control Switch. Other features include TFT color LCD multi-information screen with 3D animation, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter, cruise control, touch-screen monitor, leather seats for all three rows and ECO driving assist display.

Finally, it is down to the personal preference for design. While design is subjective, it should combine the strengths of an SUV and a sedan, where form follows function. Mitsubishi Motors' advanced 'Dynamic Shield' design language places Crystal LED position lamps and signal lights on top of the hood so the crossover is more visible to pedestrians and other motorists. Meanwhile, the headlights are placed lower than usual, so its glare does not blind oncoming drivers and pedestrians, while maximizing night vision. Shaped like a shield, the design provides real-world protection to occupants and motorists and pedestrians.

Beyond the ALL NEW MITSUBISHI XPANDER, Mitsubishi Motors Thailand's lineup is covered by the automaker's commitment to aftersales. Entitled "We take care, you just drive", it promises Genuine Service, Genuine Parts, Genuine Technicians, Genuine Performance, and Genuine Network and Accessibility. Owners can also take advantage of the M-Drive mobile application, developed to help customers take care of their vehicles via a fast, accurate and connected platform for real-time updates on vehicle status and information on smartphones.

Even better, ALL NEW MITSUBISHI XPANDER is currently available for delivery as soon as purchasing and financing processes are finalized. All things considered, the ALL NEW MITSUBISHI XPANDER crossover is clearly in a class of its own by a long measure, and presents the most value-for-money nowadays.

About Mitsubishi Motors Thailand (MMTh)

Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd., the largest plant in the MMC group and an export hub to more than 120 countries, is one of Thailand's leading automotive manufacturers committed to produce and sell a range of vehicles that are eco-friendly, high in quality, performance, safety, comfort, technology and customer satisfaction. In 2018 MMTh celebrated a total production of five million units, and officially opened Education Academy in Pathum Thani. MMTh's current range of vehicles includes the Mitsubishi Triton, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Mitsubishi Attrage, Mitsubishi Mirage, and Mitsubishi XPANDER. To ensure the highest quality, MMTh uses its proving ground in Sriracha, Chonburi to assess products from design and prototype stages to pre-production and commercialization. This ensures customers take delivery of vehicles that are second-to-none in all aspects of quality.

Please contact Mitsubishi dealers nationwide for more information and test driving, or contact Mitsubishi Call Center Tel. 02-079-9500 every day at 8:30 – 17:00 hrs.