Mitsubishi officially launched the Xpander and Xpander Cross HVE or hybrid. Mitsubishi’s two flagship cars, which are now more environmentally friendly, were launched for the first time in Thailand. Here are the specs and price.
Mitsubishi says the Xpander and Xpander Cross HEV use a new engine. If the previous Xpander and Xpander used a 1,500 cc engine, now the hybrid version uses a 1,600 cc engine combined with an electric motor and battery.
Machine Specifications Xpander Cross HEV
The generator and 85 kW motor are combined with a 1,600 cc petrol engine together with a battery specially developed for this model.
The newly developed 1.6 L DOHC 16-valve MIVEC4 engine adopts a high expansion ratio cycle (Atkinson cycle) to achieve a higher level of combustion efficiency. The machine also uses an electric water pump, which was first used by Mitsubishi Motors to reduce mechanical loss.
Mitsubishi said fuel consumption was around 34 percent more efficient when driving in urban areas in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test procedure, around 15 percent when driving in urban areas and on combined routes.
Quoted from local Thai media, Autolife Thailand, the 1.6 liter MIVEC petrol engine has a maximum power of 95 horsepower with a maximum torque of 134 Nm. The total combined power of the engine and electric motor reaches 116 horsepower with a maximum torque of 255 Nm.
The hybrid system uses a 1.1 kWh battery combined with an e-CVT transmission. Power is distributed to the front wheels. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h can be completed in just 9.7 seconds. Average fuel consumption reaches 19.2 km/liter.
Xpander HEV Has Seven Driving Modes
Mitsubishi is proud of the seven new driving modes on the Xpander and Xpander Cross Hybrid. In fact, this car has an EV mode which can make the car run without consuming any petrol at all if the battery is in good condition.
The newly developed seven driving modes consist of two modes for EV driving and five modes for optimal driving control according to road conditions.
Two driving modes are provided so that the driver can choose to drive the EV at will, according to the situation. EV Priority mode drives the motorbike with power from the battery without activating the engine. Because this mode is very quiet and also environmentally friendly, it frees the driver from worrying about the surrounding environment when driving in environments such as residential areas in the morning.
If the remaining battery is low, switching to Charge mode will allow charging so that driving in EV mode can be enjoyed again. Charge Mode can be activated while the vehicle is moving or stationary.
Five other driving modes provide optimal control and driving power according to road conditions. Based on a two-front-wheel drive system, various integrated controls are available such as Active Yaw Control (AYC) which controls the braking force between the left and right front wheels; traction control that controls driving force when front wheel slippage is detected; acceleration control that regulates motor and engine output during acceleration; and steering controls that adjust steering response according to speed ranges and road conditions.
Normal mode has good balance for everyday driving. Next there is Tarmac mode which offers agile driving and precise handling on winding roads. Then there is Gravel mode which reduces the effect of skidding and provides safe handling on unpaved roads. Next is the Mud mode which provides powerful road handling even on muddy, rough roads. Lastly, Wet mode which reduces tire slippage and provides high stability even in heavy rain.
Exterior
From its appearance, this car is still the same as the previous Xpander and Xpander Cross. However, the exterior of this car is equipped with a ‘HEV’ badge on the front grille and trunk door, plus ‘Hybrid EV’ writing on the front door.
A blue accent color is added to the bottom of the front side as well as the side garnish, rear bumper and wheels. New White Diamond was added as a body color to express the clean character of the electrified vehicle with its stark yet radiant and bright color. Other color choices are Blade Silver Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic, and Jet Black Mica. For the Xpander Cross HEV model, Green Bronze Metallic is also available.
The Xpander and Xpander Cross HEV have dimensions of 4,595 mm in length, 1,750 mm in width and 1,750 mm in height. The wheelbase reaches 2,775 mm with a ground clearance of up to 205 mm.
Interiors
The interior is equipped with an 8-inch color LCD instrument cluster, with various information displayed on the screen for ease of use. Information specific to the HEV is displayed, such as a power meter showing status in sync with the accelerator control, energy flow information, EV driving efficiency and remaining battery. When switching driving modes, the selected mode is displayed as a graphic in the center of the screen to make it easy to select the driving mode even while driving. According to preference, the display can be set to fine-tuning mode with advanced nuances, or to classic mode that replicates analog gauge configurations.
For comfort, the Xpander and Xpander Cross HEV are claimed to be quieter because they prioritize EV driving. Additionally, sound-absorbing and soundproofing materials have been added in key locations to keep the interior quiet not only when driving the EV but also when the engine is active during acceleration or when driving at high speeds. This allows conversations to remain stress-free in the passenger cabin.
New gear lever that adopts Shift-by-Wire technology. The gear comes with a modern design that increases ease of use and ease of operation.
To accommodate the HEV system, the drive battery is positioned under the floor of the front seats, thus maintaining a three-row interior space that is roomy enough for seven passengers. The engine compartment floor and around the battery have been changed, and the battery has been covered for protection, increasing body rigidity.
Price Xpander Cross HEV
The Mitsubishi Xpander HEV and Xpander Cross HEV are still being offered at launch prices. The Xpander HEV is sold for 912,000 baht (Rp. 405 million), while the Xpander Cross HEV is priced at Rp. 946,000 baht (Rp. 420 million). However, this price is valid until April 7 2024. The normal price for the Xpander HEV is 933,000 baht (Rp. 414 million), while the Xpander Cross is 961,000 baht (Rp. 426 million).