Because every thing must be an SUV nowadays in a technique or one other, the Mitsubishi Xpander Cross is a high-riding minivan with a considerably robust look. It was launched lower than three years in the past and is already getting a facelift. Let us not neglect that Mitsu has a protracted historical past in relation to rugged people-movers, because the Delica has been round for many years, full with all-wheel drive, whereas this sends energy solely to the entrance axle.
The facelift launched immediately brings a number of modifications, however the van on stilts seems as polarising as earlier than. Unveiled on the 2022 Indonesia International Auto Show and already on sale, the Xpander Cross has a redesigned entrance fascia with new headlights that proceed to have a cut up association however with a T-shaped structure. The flip indicators have been moved to the higher cluster to make them extra seen, whereas the hood is now thicker than earlier than.
Wearing a contemporary Green Bronze Metallic paint, the facelifted half-minivan, half-crossover has had its entrance and rear overhangs stretched by a complete of 95 millimetres (3.7 inches). The new (and nonetheless fairly small) 17-inch alloy wheels have a two-tone look with gray accents to match the entrance and rear skid plates in addition to the door garnishes. The “T” motif we noticed on the entrance is noticeable on the rear within the up to date taillights, lending the Xpander Cross a extra fashionable look.
With a minimal floor clearance of 220 millimetres (8.6 inches), the household hauler ought to be capable to simply deal with bumpy roads, however keep in mind that that is no off-roader. With the mid-cycle refresh, it does get Mitsubishi’s proprietary Active Yaw Control (YAC), nevertheless it’s clearly not an energetic rear differential such as you get on an Evo. Instead, it applies the braking drive on the entrance wheels to enhance cornering, primarily based on the steering angle, brake strain, longitudinal G-forces, yaw charge, and wheel pace.
Changes have been made inside as effectively, the place the 2023 Xpander Cross will get an electrical parking brake, a digital instrument cluster, and a bigger touchscreen now measuring eight inches. The old-school knobs of the local weather management have made manner for a display, whereas a wi-fi charging pad has been added as effectively. Shown right here is the model with the CVT, however the mannequin can also be supplied with a five-speed handbook gearbox. Fitted with a clutch pedal, the mannequin has a barely larger floor clearance of 225 mm (8.8 in).
Power is offered by a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter gasoline engine with 103 hp (77 kW) and 141 Nm (104 lb-ft) of torque, so it is undoubtedly not the quickest van on the market. However, it is a strong selection for a household trying to purchase a flexible and inexpensive automobile with three-row seating, simply so long as they do not thoughts the entrance design.