2024 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift Malaysian review – is this still the best small MPV on the local market?

The Mitsubishi Xpander facelift made its Malaysian debut last month, four years one from the local introduction of the 2020 original.

As normally is the case, Malaysian consumers are price-sensitive particularly in the family vehicle segment that the refreshed Xpander occupies, being a seven-seater. It bears mentioning that the Xpander had sustained several price increases in the years it had been on sale, and so the last revision to RM100,980 actually sees a drop to RM99,980 for the starting point of the facelift. What’s offered for the money?

For a start, its revised front fascia draws elements from the Outlander brings a sleeker, cleaner look, while the T-shaped LED headlamp assembly now packs projector units. At the rear, the T-shape motif also applies to the tail lamps, which now extend deeper into the tailgate.

This is a revision that has required new sheetmetal and rear windscreen to achieve, and this is complemented by a revised rear bumper with vertical reflectors and a faux skid plate, while the Plus variant adds a roof spoiler.

Major revisions continue inside with a new dashboard, bringing a more horizontal look overall that shares elements with the third-generation Triton pick-up truck. Infotainment continues to bring a nine-inch touchscreen unit, albeit one that is now an OEM item, and it continues to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with audio played through six speakers.

Standard interior equipment packs eyless entry, push-button start, a 4.2-inch multi-info display, auto lights and wipers, a rear air recirculator with built-in vents and a reverse camera, while the Plus adds a new 360-degree camera system and Qi wireless charger, front and rear dash cams and side sill scuff plates. For safety kit, the Xpander facelift still offers just two airbags, and does without ADAS.

Also continuing service in the facelifted Xpander is its 4A91 1.5 litre MIVEC naturally-aspirated petrol four-cylinder that produces 105 PS at 6,000 rpm and 141 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm, in Malaysia paired with a four-speed automatic gearbox rather than the CVT employed in other markets.

What is it like? Watch as our man Hafriz Shah takes a more detailed look at the refreshed, compact seven-seater MPV in this video review.