Mitsubishi Xpander

The new Mitsubishi Expander seven-seat people mover has been revealed in Indonesia, ahead of its full debut at the Jakarta motor show on August 10.

Until then, Mitsubishi will continue to refer to the model as the “next-generation crossover MPV”, although media reports out of Asia indicate the new car will be branded as the Expander, at least in Indonesia.

The Expander measures 4475mm long, 1750mm wide, 1700mm tall, and has 205mm of ground clearance. The new people mover can seat seven people across three rows of seats.

As we noted when teaser images surfaced last week, the Expander is inspired by last year’s XM Concept, and looks a lot like a stretched version of the Eclipse Cross.

While the exteriors of the Eclipse Cross and Expander share a lot of similarities, the Expander’s interior has all the hallmarks of an affordable people mover designed for the developing world with simple lines, cloth trim and a pared back technology list.

Motivation is provided by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Drive goes to the front wheels via either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

Available features include LED driving lights and tail-lights, air conditioning, electric windows, faux wood and leather trim, and a touchscreen infotainment with Bluetooth phone connectivity.

The new Expander will be produced at Mitsubishi’s plant in Bekasi, Indonesia. Sales of the new people mover will likely be restricted to developing markets in Asia.