Xpander HEV and Xpander Cross HEV World Premiere in Thailand, Featuring Safe, Secure and Exhilarating Driving Experience of Electrified Vehicles

BANGKOK – February 1, 2024 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that new hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) models of the Xpander and Xpander Cross made their global debut and went on sale in Thailand today. This marks the first time in Thailand that an HEV system is integrated with the body of a small multi-purpose vehicle to deliver the Mitsubishi e:MOTION, the new emotional driving experience full of power and confidence on all roads. Featuring three of Mitsubishi Motors’ most advanced technologies which perfectly combine the power of electric motor with a new engine, the HEV models are produced at the Laem Chabang Plant of Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

The Xpander combines the comfort and versatility of an MPV with the bold styling and road performance of an SUV. After its debut in Indonesia in 2017, it was subsequently rolled out in the ASEAN region, Latin America, the Middle East, and other markets, with the Xpander Cross added in 2019 as the top variant of the series. Driving the growth of the company as a global strategic vehicle, the Xpander series sold over 130,000 units¹ globally in fiscal year 2022, which was third-highest of all Mitsubishi models behind the Triton² and Outlander. In total, more than 650,000 units were sold since it was first launched. Specifically, more than 64,000 units of Xpander and Xpander Cross have been sold in Thailand since it was launched in August 2018.

The newly-added HEV models combine Mitsubishi Motors’ trademark electrification and all-wheel control technologies to raise the appeal of the Xpander series to another level. Newly developed based on the brand’s plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), the HEV system delivers an eco-friendly and exhilarating driving experience unique to electrified vehicles. In addition, Active Yaw Control and other unique all-wheel control technologies complement the two-wheel drivetrain to enable safe, secure driving at will, and a variety of drive modes provide optimal driving on any road surface and in any weather condition. Moreover, drivers can actively choose EV driving according to the situation, such as driving in quiet residential areas early in the morning.

Key highlights: Mitsubishi e:MOTION

Mitsubishi e:MOTION is the integration of the electric motion with new emotional driving experience, offering the perfect driving experience full of power and confidence on all roads. Mitsubishi e:MOTION consists of:

• HEV system: An eco-friendly, exhilarating, dynamic and powerful motor drive made possible by an HEV system derived from PHEVs
• 7 Drive Modes: Seven newly developed drive modes for EV driving at will and for safe, secure road performance in various weather and road conditions
• Active Yaw Control (AYC): Mitsubishi’s unique technology provides safe and confident driving dynamics especially during cornering

Additionally, the Xpander’s uniqueness is further strengthened with an even more comfortable cabin space for driving with family and friends, plus a dedicated exterior accent for a distinctive look.

Product overview (Thailand specifications)³

HEV System: An eco-friendly, exhilarating and powerful motor drive made possible by an HEV system derived from PHEVs

The newly developed HEV system features EV driving, hybrid driving and regenerative braking. High fuel efficiency and a powerful, exhilarating motor drive is achieved by having the system automatically switch to the optimal driving mode according to the driving conditions and remaining drive battery.

When starting and driving at low speeds, the vehicle is powered by the motor using electricity from the drive battery alone for EV driving (Figure 1). The system switches to hybrid driving when driving uphill or accelerating to run using the motor with electricity generated by the engine as well as power from the drive battery (Figure 2). Hybrid driving also kicks in when driving at high speeds to run using the engine with assistance from the motor (Figure 3). As the engine starts smoothly, drivers can enjoy the smooth, comfortable ride of motor drive even during hybrid driving. During deceleration, kinetic energy is recovered from regenerative braking and converted into electric power, and stored in the drive battery (Figure 4). This HEV system derived from PHEVs is what made it possible to deliver both the quiet, clean ride of an EV with no fuel consumption or CO2 emissions, and the convenient, comfortable ride of an HEV for enjoying long drives without concerns about remaining battery.

The new HEV system delivers the smooth yet powerful acceleration with good response that is characteristic of an electrified vehicle. A generator and an 85 kW motor are combined with a 1.6 L gasoline engine, along with a dedicated drive battery developed particularly for these models. Thanks to the powerful electric motor and battery output, 255 N.m of torque kicks in swiftly when starting and the acceleration has good response when stepping on the pedal, thereby helping drivers smoothly change lanes on highways and merge after U-turns on city streets.

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 while also incorporating the first electric water pump ever used in a Mitsubishi Motors engine to reduce mechanical loss. This improves the fuel consumption by approximately 34% in urban driving in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test procedure, and approximately 15% in urban and extra-urban driving combined.

7 Drive Modes and Active Yaw Control (AYC):

Seven newly developed drive modes for EV driving at will and for safe, secure road performance in various weather and road conditions

The seven newly developed drive modes comprise two modes for EV driving and five modes for optimal drive control according to road conditions.

Two drive modes are provided for drivers to be able to choose EV driving at will, according to the situation. EV Priority mode drives the motor on power from the battery without activating the engine. Since this mode is highly quiet in addition to being eco-friendly, it frees drivers from concerns about their surroundings when driving in environments such as residential areas early in the morning. If the remaining battery is low, switching to Charge mode enables charging so that EV driving can be enjoyed again. Charge Mode can be activated whether the vehicle is moving or stationary.

The other five drive modes deliver optimal handling and driving force according to road conditions. Based on a front, two-wheel drive system, various controls are integrated together – the Active Yaw Control (AYC), Mitsubishi Motors’ unique technology, which controls the braking force between the left and right front wheels; traction control, which controls driving force when front wheel slippage is detected; acceleration control, which adjusts the output of the motors and engine during acceleration; and steering control, which adjusts steering response according to the speed range and road conditions.

Normal mode is well-balanced for everyday driving, Tarmac mode offers nimble driving and precise handling on winding roads, Gravel mode reduces skidding and delivers secure handling on unpaved roads, Mud mode achieves powerful road handling even on muddy, rough roads, and Wet mode reduces tire slippage and provides high stability even in heavy rain. Together, these modes achieve safe, secure road performance in various types of weather and road conditions for daily driving.

The interior features an 8-inch color liquid crystal display (LCD) meter, with a variety of information displayed on the screen for even greater ease of use. Information particular to an HEV is shown, such as the power meter that indicates statuses in sync with accelerator control, in addition to energy flow, EV driving efficiency and remaining battery. When switching drive modes, the selected mode is shown as a graphic in the center of the display to make it more intuitively easy to select between drive modes even while driving. According to preferences, the screen can either be set to enhance mode with an advanced feel, or to classic mode which replicates an analog gauge configuration.

Strengthening Xpander’s uniqueness with more comfortable cabin space for driving with family and friends, with dedicated exterior accent for a distinctive look

The Xpander and Xpander Cross HEV models deliver powerful, quiet motor drive thanks to the HEV system that prioritizes EV driving. Also, sound absorbing and soundproofing materials have been added at key locations to keep the interior quiet not only during EV driving but also when the engine activates during acceleration or when driving at high speeds, allowing for conversations to continue stress-free in the passenger cabin. The new shift lever which adopts Shift-by-Wire technology, comes with a modern design that enhances user-friendliness and ease of operation.

To accommodate the HEV system, the drive battery has been positioned under the floor of the front seats, thereby maintaining the Xpander series’ top-class, three-row interior space that is roomy enough for seven passengers, despite its body size that is easy to maneuver in city driving. The flooring of the engine compartment and around the battery has been changed, and the battery has been enclosed by front side members and front crossmember for protection, resulting in the improvement of body rigidity. Along with a special brand-new tuning of the suspension, these measures contribute to achieving outstanding steering stability and excellent ride comfort. Braking performance has also been improved, providing better response and fade-free performance with the adoption of rear disc brakes.

The exterior features “HEV” badges on the front grille and liftgate, plus “HYBRID EV” badges on the front doors, while blue accent color has been added to the lower part of the front side as well as the side garnishes, rear bumper, and wheels. White Diamond was newly added as a body color to express the clean character of an electrified vehicle with its rigid yet luminous and vivid color, joining Blade Silver Metallic, Graphite Gray Metallic and Jet Black Mica in the lineup of color options. For the Xpander Cross HEV model, Green Bronze Metallic is also available.

Pricing for the new Mitsubishi XPANDER HEV and Mitsubishi XPANDER CROSS HEV start at THB 933,000 and THB 961,000, respectively. However, to celebrate the launch with its customers, a special introductory price has been offered. As a result, the Mitsubishi XPANDER HEV now costs only THB 912,000, while the Mitsubishi XPANDER CROSS HEV will be priced at THB 946,000. Customers will notice that these special prices are the same with current gasoline-powered models. This special price is valid until April 7, 2024.

In addition to the special pricing, Mitsubishi Motors Thailand will also offer the Mitsubishi XTRA CARE package so customers can own and drive the new vehicles with power and confidence. The package includes five-year or 100,000 km vehicle warranty, service package, free labor fee for periodical maintenance, and roadside assist – all for five years. Additionally, owners can enjoy free first-class insurance for one year.

To enhance the HEV system’s reliability, the automaker will also extend to customers a special five-year unlimited-mileage warranty for the HEV system. Additionally, the driving battery will also be under an unlimited-mileage warranty for the sixth to 10^th year. Owning the new vehicles will be very easy, thanks to zero-percent interest rate for a downpayment of 25 percent and a 48-month installment.

Customers can now contact Mitsubishi dealerships for more information and test-drives. Special events will be held at all showrooms nationwide from February 3-4, 2024. Other events will also be held to herald the launch of the new vehicles, starting in Bangkok at Central Ladprao from February 2 – 4, 2024. The special events will then move on to other regions including the Northeast, South, Central and Northern regions. Dates and venues of these events will be announced in Mitsubishi Motors Thailand’s official channels.

Customers and the public are invited to experience the new Mitsubishi XPANDER and XPANDER CROSS HEV, and enjoy ‘New Power, New Emotion’, the superior driving performance and special moments with Mitsubishi e:MOTION.

¹ Total combined units sold of the Xpander and Xpander Cross.
² Sold as the L200 in some countries and regions.
³ Vehicle specifications and features may vary by trim level and by the market in which they are sold.
⁴ MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) is a term for Mitsubishi Motors’ variable valve timing mechanism.

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บริษัท มิตซูบิชิ มอเตอร์ส (ประเทศไทย) จำกัด เป็นศูนย์การผลิตที่ใหญ่ที่สุดในบรรดาศูนย์การผลิตของ มิตซูบิชิ มอเตอร์ส คอร์ปอเรชั่น ทั่วโลก และยังเป็นศูนย์กลางการส่งออกรถยนต์มิตซูบิชิ ไปยังกว่า 120 ประเทศ ทั้งนี้ มิตซูบิชิ มอเตอร์ส ประเทศไทย คือหนึ่งในผู้ผลิตรถยนต์ชั้นนำของประเทศไทยที่มีความมุ่งมั่นในการผลิตและจำหน่ายรถยนต์ที่เป็นมิตรกับสิ่งแวดล้อมและมีคุณภาพสูง เพียบพร้อมด้วยสมรรถนะ ความปลอดภัย ความสะดวกสบายและเทคโนโลยีเพื่อความพึงพอใจของลูกค้า ในปี พ.ศ. 2561 มิตซูบิชิ มอเตอร์ส ประเทศไทย ได้เปิดทำการ สถาบันการศึกษาและฝึกอบรม มิตซูบิชิ มอเตอร์ส ประเทศไทย อย่างเป็นทางการที่ จ. ปทุมธานี และฉลองการผลิตรถยนต์ครบ 6 ล้านคัน เมื่อต้นปี 2564 ที่ผ่านมา และ โดยผลิตภัณฑ์ของ มิตซูบิชิ มอเตอร์ส ประเทศไทยประกอบด้วย มิตซูบิชิ ไทรทัน มิตซูบิชิ ปาเจโร สปอร์ต มิตซูบิชิ แอททราจ มิตซูบิชิ มิราจ มิตซูบิชิ เอ็กซ์แพนเดอร์ มิตซูบิชิ เอ็กซ์แพนเดอร์ ครอส และมิตซูบิชิ เอาท์แลนเดอร์ พีเอชอีวี เพื่อสร้างความเชื่อมั่นด้านคุณภาพสูงสุด มิตซูบิชิ มอเตอร์ส ประเทศไทยใช้สนามทดสอบสมรรถนะในอำเภอศรีราชา จังหวัดชลบุรีในการประเมินผลิตภัณฑ์ตั้งแต่ขั้นตอนการออกแบบและการพัฒนารถต้นแบบไปจนถึงการทดลองผลิตและการผลิตเพื่อจัดจำหน่าย ซึ่งสร้างความมั่นใจว่าลูกค้าจะได้รับรถยนต์ที่มีคุณภาพสูงสุด

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