Mitsubishi, as expected, has gone ahead and unmasked the Expander (that’s our ‘best guess’ name, anyway) ahead of its planned debut at the Gaikindo International Motor Show in Jakarta next month, 7-seater MPV that takes some visual cues from the world of crossovers.
We previously caught wind that Mitsubishi were thinking along these lines when they unveiled the similarly amalgamated XM Concept last year at the same motor show. The Expander, which has yet to have its name confirmed, but its almost certain that it will be relegated (at first?) to the Indonesian market and its ASEAN neighbours and will be produced at their new factory in West Java, not far from the capital.
The ‘next-generation MPV’ as it’s currently referred to wears many of the more aggressive design details that we’ve seen on other Mitsubishis, with a very bold front end that incorporates their Dynamic Shield corporate face with a three-tier illumination array on either side.
However, aside from some sharp creases along the side and at the rear, the basic outline doesn’t stray very far from its roots as a practicality-minded people mover, with space for 7 occupants arranged over 3 rows of seats. It’s 1,750mm width, 1.7m height, and 4,475mm length from nose to tail confirms its place as a direct competitor to the likes of the popular (in Southeast Asia) Toyota Innova, despite it actually being touted as wider larger overall.
Inside, there’s obviously plenty of space, aided by the light coloured upholstery in these early reveal pictures. That said, the layout looks modern, ergonomically well-judged, and tasteful - the faux wood inserts lending a adequately believable air of sophistication to the cabin and calls, again, to the XM Concept.
Mitsubishi has also adopted the popular top placement for the infotainment unit, sitting above the central front air conditioning vents, while the actual HVAC controls, gear level and surrounds, as well as steering wheel seem to have been lifted directly form their current catalogue.
A naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre four-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine sits under the bonnet and drives the front wheels via either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. The more granular specifications such as standard convenience and safety equipment is anyone’s guess, but given the expected price point will likely be reserved for the higher-tier variants.
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