Mitsubishi Xpander Hybrid electric MPV to come as a growth driver

The Mitsubishi Xpander hybrid electric MPV is one of the several new partially or fully electric Mitsubishi cars in the company’s pipeline. The new HEV was confirmed in late July as part of the Mitsubishi’s new mid-term plan “Small but Beautiful”.

The Xpander is one of the leading models for Mitsubishi in the ASEAN region. It does its job as a people mover convincingly that Nissan based its new Livina on it. The product strategy from FY2023 (March 2022-April 2023) involves strengthening the lineup in the ASEAN region with model refreshes and expansion.

upcoming models Mitsubishi
The Xpander is a main growth driver for the company in the ASEAN region. Expect to see the Mitsubishi Xpander hybrid in the second half of 2022.

Judging from the roadmap, the Mitsubishi Xpander hybrid will be the last major ‘intervention’ before the entry of the next-gen model. With the product roadmap showing all-new models separately, the ‘eco’ version of the current Xpander would ride on the existing platform modified to take in the electrical components and sport unique touches to the exterior and interior. Expect the new Mitsubishi Xpander hybrid to launch in the second half of 2022.

The current Mitsubishi Xpander is powered by the 4A91 1.5-litre MIVEC petrol engine, a naturally aspirated four-cylinder unit that produces 105 PS at 6,000 rpm and 141 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic are the transmission choices. The Mitsubishi Xpander range includes a more SUV-styled ‘Cross’ version as well, featured in the first picture.

Video Source: youtube.com/Mitsubishi Motors Indonesia

Nissan ‘e-Power’ tech to support the Mitsubishi Xpander Hybrid?

The current Mitsubishi Xpander is manufactured at the Bekasi plant in Indonesia since August 2017. It will be built in Vietnam as well in the future. The arrival of the new Xpander, including the first-ever Mitsubishi Xpander Hybrid, is important news for the future of the brand in South East Asia. Both standard and hybrid variants could use an enhanced version of the 4A91 1.5-litre petrol engine, with the latter featuring a single electric motor.

Another option that Mitsubishi would consider, thanks to its alliance partnership, is sourcing Nissan’s e-Power series hybrid system. On the comparable Nissan Kicks e-Power SUV, the wheels are turned by the EM57 electric motor, which draws power from a 1.57 kWh lithium-ion battery that is continuously charged by the HR12DE 1.2-litre engine.

This page will be updated as new information comes out.

When will Mitsubishi Xpander Hybrid be launched?

The Mitsubishi Xpander Hybrid launch will happen between April 2022 and March 2023.

Image Source: mitsubishi-motors.com