The new Mitsubishi Xpander, built in Bangladesh, is here to challenge expectations with clever design and an undeniable charm that’s perfect for families on the go.
It’s not every day a new model rolls off a local production line that genuinely merits attention, but the Mitsubishi Xpander, now proudly assembled right here in Bangladesh, is certainly a notable milestone. The local manufacturing of the Xpander truly puts Bangladesh on the automotive map. It’s a modern SUV, engineered for performance and packed with up-to-date technology, specifically tailored for our specific driving conditions and family needs.
Step inside, and the Xpander immediately impresses with a spacious and contemporary layout. It comfortably seats seven, impressively fitting two adults even in the third row – no marketing fluff here, just a genuine rarity in this class. Practicality is clearly a focus, with thoughtful touches like second-row AC vents, a 7-inch touchscreen display offering smartphone linkage, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Plus, three 12-volt power outlets ensure all your gadgets stay charged, no matter where you’re seated. Safety hasn’t been overlooked either, featuring a RISE body structure, dual SRS airbags, a pedestrian-friendly bumper, and key-less entry.
Under the bonnet, you will find a familiar 1.5-litre MIVEC engine. It delivers a respectable 105 horsepower and 141 Newton metres of torque at 4000 RPM, providing dependable performance across various road types. Mitsubishi has also fitted an advanced suspension system and sound-absorbing technology, clearly aiming for a comfortable ride, which is a welcome addition given our often-challenging roads.
Manoeuvring through Dhaka’s notorious traffic is made surprisingly easy by the Xpander’s tight turning radius of just 5.2 metres. And for Bangladesh’s complicated road network, its 220-millimetre ground clearance is an absolute godsend, proving highly practical for tackling everything from city potholes to rural tracks. Fuel efficiency figures are fairly reasonable too, with typical returns of 8-9 kilometres per litre in urban driving and a commendable 14-15 kilometres per litre on highways.
After-sales support looks promising, with a 5-year warranty and six free services within two years. Having been on Bangladeshi roads since 2018, spare parts are generally available and, more importantly, affordable. The manufacturing at the Rancon Auto Industries Limited (RAIL) facility in Gazipur, utilising Japanese standards and technology, is a positive sign for quality and consistency. This local production also means the Xpander is now more accessible in terms of price and delivery speed, which is excellent news for prospective buyers.
The Xpander lineup for the Bangladeshi market is quite comprehensive, offering four distinct versions to cater to various budgets and needs. The entry-level Xpander Classic kicks things off at BDT 3,400,000. Stepping up, the Xpander Premium, starting at BDT 3,550,000, offers welcome enhancements such as a 360-degree camera, a more luxurious leather-wrapped interior, roof rails, and integrated window shades. For those eyeing alternative fuels, the Xpander Eco is an LPG variant that runs on both octane and LPG, cleverly positioning its LPG tank to avoid sacrificing luggage space, starting from BDT 3,500,000. Finally, the Xpander Sport, starting at BDT 3,650,000, is the top-tier offering, distinguished by a sporty body kit. Currently, you can choose from Jet Black Mica, Graphite Grey Metallic, and White Pearl. Future plans indicate more colours will be introduced, which will undoubtedly broaden its appeal.
When all’s said and done, the story of the locally-made Mitsubishi Xpander is far more significant than another car gracing our streets. It is, in essence, a clear testament to Bangladesh’s growing automotive industry. It offers a practical, comfortable, and well-equipped package tailored for our market, with the added benefit of local support and availability. It’s certainly worth a closer look for anyone in the market for a versatile family SUV.