Mitsubishi has released a teaser of the Mitsubishi
Expander, a new light MPV for South East Asia. The Expander will debut in
Jakarta at the GIIAS 2017 which runs between 10-20 August 2017.
The teaser shows the Mitsubishi Expander incorporating
elements of the “Dynamic Shield” design language at the front. The headlamps
seem to have a four-element LED lighting. While Mitsubishi has saved rest of
the exterior for the debut, we do know that affair will remain largely
unchanged from the Mitsubishi XM concept, the ethos of this MPV. A report last
year said that the production version will have 80% similarity to the concept.
The Mitsubishi Expander is said to ride on an
all-new platform, although no specific details are available at the moment.
Mitsubishi will employ a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the Expander.
There’s no word on the drivetrain layout yet. What is known, though, is that a
diesel engine and four-wheel drive system options are not planned.
The Mitsubishi Expander will head into the path of
the Toyota Avanza, Suzuki Ertiga, Honda BR-V and the Daihatsu Xenia. It will
have at least nine configurations in Indonesia. Production of the vehicle
begins at Mitsubishi’s new facility in Bekasi in October. Reports says that Mitsubishi
has plans to sell the Expander in Europe too.
A Nissan-badged version of the Japanese MPV is also
on the cards to replace the decade-old Nissan Grand Livina.