Mitsubishi Motors Soon to Debut New Minivan
Mitsubishi Motors may be holding out on the U.S. market. Even with all the releases of the new limited edition trims and the upcoming release of the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, it looks like there’s even more news. It seems, Mitsubishi may soon unveil an all new multi-purpose vehicle, or as we call it in the states, a minivan, named the Mitsubishi Expander.
It’s a little ironic. “Expander”, as in one who expands, could possibly be in this case, the auto market, or more appropriately, Mitsubishi’s global outreach. As far as we know, this new MPV, or minivan as we call it in the states, will be debuting at the Indonesia Auto Show this year. Oddly enough, the original concept, the XM, was a preview for the new MPV and also shared aesthetics with Mitsubishi’s eX concept. However, we do see a hint of the Mitsubishi Hyaku concept in there with the lack of a front grille, so the Mitsubishi Expander may be a hint of what’s to come, design-wise.
In fact, in terms of design, the Expander is based off of the looks of the Mitsubishi Outlander GT-PHEV, presented at the 2016 Paris Auto Show. Another vehicle we have yet to see, so take a look at the picture below for a better idea. It has the new front grille, L-shaped taillights, and sharp lines for aerodynamics as well as aggressive style.
Said to be powered by a 1.5-liter engine and paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the powertrain is not surprising. This is the setup for many Mitsubishi vehicles, and there’s nothing wrong with giving a classic some modern appeal. Plus, with three rows and seven passenger seating capacity, this might be the minivan Mitsubishi consumers have been waiting for.
That just leaves the problem as to whether or not this vehicle will make it to the states. Will it be another PHEV that never came to shore? The recent jump in vehicle design and production would point to “no”. Global outreach is _ global _ after all. We’ll know more when the show takes place August 10.
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* Photo Source/Copyright: Carscoops.com *
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