Carmakers take either of two routes when making a crossover.
Sometimes, they develop an all-new model from the ground up. Others, they fit raised suspension and body cladding to their existing cars in order to give them the high riding position and appearance of bigger SUVs.
The latter is what Mitsubishi did with the Xpander. The model started life as a seven-seat MPV, then wore the said suspension and accessories, and became the Xpander Cross.
This latest expansion in the Xpander range sits on top of the lineup at P1.255 million. The Xpander Cross is powered by a 1.5-liter engine that generates 103hp and 141Nm of torque, paired to a four-speed automatic transmission.
So if you'd like an Xpander Cross, here are six reasons why you should, well, cross over to one.
With 225 millimeters, the Cross clears the ground 20 millimeters higher than the car it's based on. That means this has the advantage should it suddenly need to ford a flooded street, or when the roads turn rough outside the city.
An expansive cargo area can be had when all three rows of the Xpander's seats are folded. In the Xpander Cross, practicality is pushed further with its silver roof rails. A cargo box or a bike rack can be fitted to this additional feature.
Inside, there are cubby holes aplenty, pockets behind the front seats, and even a drawer under the front passenger seat.
Mitsubishi said that the Xpander and Xpander Cross are the only vehicles in their class with cruise control, which helps to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys. For the benefit of the driver, the feature maintains the car's speed, even if the foot is taken off the accelerator.
For the passengers, they will be kept cool by the second-row aircon vents in the Xpander Cross. Audio can be played through the seven-inch touchscreen audio system, while power outlets around the cabin will charge the phones of all occupants.
All the seats in the Xpander Cross wear leather, while the roof, windscreens, and floor have been said to feature sound-deadening material. The leather, and the supposed refinement of the cabin material, could lend to a classier feel of the whole car.
While Mitsubishi offers another seven-seater in the Montero Sport, it's obviously bigger in size than the Cross and therefore trickier to maneuver. This crossover MPV's size looks more manageable, and could lend a smoother ride over the SUV's pickup platform.
It's also the ideal choice if you don't need the Montero's four-wheel drive.
There is safety equipment exclusive to the Xpander Cross. When stopped on an incline, the Hill Start Assist (HSA) holds the brakes for up to two seconds until the accelerator is pressed again. HSA prevents the car from rolling back.
If the wheels lose their grip on slippery surfaces or while turning, the Active Stability Control automatically adjusts engine output, and applies braking force to the appropriate wheels to help maintain control and prevent skidding.
Photos from Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC)
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