Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has officially introduced the 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander Hybrid and Xpander Cross Hybrid earlier today, marking their global debut in Thailand. Sold under the e:Motion banner, these cars are produced in Mitsubishi's Thailand (Laem Chabang) plant.

Prices for the Xpander HEV and Xpander Cross HEV are not too far from the the regular, non-electrified variety - in fact it's the same currently. Introductory prices for them are THB 912,000 (~RM 121k) and THB 946,000 (~RM 126k) respectively.

After the promotion period though, they will be priced at THB 933,000 (~RM 125k) and THB 961,000 (~RM 128k) respectively, marking them as range-toppers of the range.

The hybrid models are the next chapter in the story of the brand's rather popular offering, with 130,000 units of the Xpander series sold globally in 2022. It's the third-highest of all Mitsubishi models sold, behind the Triton and Outlander. In total, more than 650,000 units were sold since it was first launched. 

Also read: Review: If you want to chase waterfalls across Malaysia, the Mitsubishi Xpander is the right vehicle

What's new in the Xpander HEV?

The hybrid system in the Xpander derives from the company's plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) know-how, but it's a regular full-hybrid system that doesn't require external plugged-in charging.

Paired to the hybrid system is a new, larger-displacement engine: a 1.6-litre, naturally-aspirated unit in here (ICE Xpanders have a 1.5-litre, NA mill), and a CVT. The engine alone produces 95 PS and 134 Nm of torque, while the electric motor makes 116 PS and 255 Nm, linked to a 1.1 kWh battery.

Also read: A rare spot in ASEAN not dominated by Toyota - Mitsubishi Xpander leads Vietnam's H1 2023, Ford Ranger No.2

Mitsubishi quotes a 34% improvement in urban driving fuel consumption figures, and 15% better than the regular ICE Xpander/Xpander Cross in urban- and extra-urban driving.

Seven drive modes, including EV Priority and various control technologies, such as Active Yaw Control, ensure optimal performance on different road surfaces. Beyond these, the suspension has undergone a special tuning, complemented by specific measures, to provide better steering stability and ride comfort.

Rear disc brakes also appear on the Xpander and Xpander Cross HEV models, for improved responsiveness and fade-free operation.

The interior features a new 8-inch color LCD meter (the major difference between the regular Xpander) displaying essential information, a 9-inch infotainment system (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), while things like a digital air-cond control, and drive-by-wire shifter make up the rest of the kit.

There's also added soundproofing for both these models too. 

Same case for the exterior as well - its still the same, eye-catching, blocky vehicle most know it as, save for a few tell-tale blue signatures here and there. New body colours (White Diamond for the Xpander HEV, Green Bronze Metallic for the Xpander Cross HEV), and HEV badging around the vehicle complete the look.

Besides the usual 5-year, unlimited-mileage warranty for the whole car, Mitsubishi Motors offers a special 5-year unlimited-mileage warranty for the HEV system and unlimited-mileage warranty for the driving battery from the sixth to tenth year.