Xpanding...

Under the hood is a 1.5L four-cylinder 16 valve DOHC ECI-Multi MIVEC gasoline engine that puts out 105Hp at 6,000 rpm with 141-Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. This is mated to your choice of either a new five-speed manual transmission or a four–speed auto.

Having driven both we found that you need to be in the optimal rev range to get a good response from the Xpander and since we were on the open road at highway speeds, we were almost always in the engine’s power band. Ride and handling

After a quick photo-op and lunch in Subic, we headed to Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan, which would serve as a beautiful backdrop to some of the photos we would take.

It was an additional 70-km away with some corners en route to better experience the handling of Mitsubishi’s latest offering. The Xpander had a comfortable ride, and with that, you can expect to have some body roll. After all, it’s a people carrier, not a sports car, so it’s not too

much of an issue. The steering was just right and accurate and gave adequate feedback despite it being electric power assisted. Acceleration from a full stop took a while, but when you’re already at highway speeds, the Xpander comes into its own. It’s equipped with thicker glass and better sound proofing lessening the wind noise entering the cabin making for a quieter ride. We drove the GLS Sport, which has all the electronic driver aids like Active Stability Control (ASC), Traction Control (TCL) and Hill Start Assist (HSA). AntiLock Braking System (ABS) is standard across all the variants. All variants also get driver and front passenger airbags and cruise control.

If you’re in the market for a people carrier that lives up to its claim of seating seven, or just a car that can do it all, you might want to seriously consider the Mitsubishi Xpander. It may be what you need.

The Xpander variants are priced as follows: GLX MT at P955K; GLX Plus AT at P1.03M; GLS AT at P1.065M; and GLS Sport at P1.130M. All variants seat seven.