The 344 PS Mitsubishi Xpander AP4 is doing what the BR-V and Aruz can't

If you thought that Mitsubishi has lost its charm by rolling out boring bread-and-butter models, think again.

This is the Mitsubishi Xpander AP4, claimed to be the first-ever MPV to enter a rally stage.

Built to conform to FIA AP4 rally regulations, the Xpander AP4 features a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that outputs an eye-watering 344 PS and 556 Nm (the regular Xpander does 105 PS and 141 Nm). A 6-speed sequential transmission replaces the regular Xpander’s 4-speed automatic, naturally.

To deploy all those ponies efficiently, not only Mitsubishi gave it a four-wheel drive system, they also developed the Xpander AP4 to a near-perfect 55:45 front-rear weight distribution.

Body work of the Xpander AP4 largely mirrors that of the regular Xpander, but the rally car gains flared wheel arches and several aerodynamic bits and pieces. As such, the rally version has a 1,820 mm width, 120 mm more than the regular version. 

Inside, the Xpander Rally Team stripped the interior to the bare metal and gave it all the necessary rally hardware, including a roll cage, full bucket seats, and the icing on the cake, a Motec ECU.

Check out the development story of the Xpander AP4 below.

Closer to home, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia will be introducing the Xpander real soon.