Mitsubishi has unveiled a fresh, limited-run iteration of its popular Xpander minivan in the Thai market, injecting a dose of sporty aesthetics into the familiar hybrid model. Dubbed the Xpander HEV Play, this special edition distinguishes itself through a bespoke body kit accentuated with striking black elements, although it refrains from any modifications to its underlying mechanical components. The Xpander, initially introduced in 2017 and subsequently given a facelift in 2022, has maintained a presence in the market for several years. This latest limited edition serves as a strategic maneuver by Mitsubishi to capture the attention of prospective customers, incorporating what the manufacturer describes as "sport premium accents" to enhance its visual appeal.
The front fascia of the Xpander HEV Play has been significantly revamped, featuring a redesigned bumper extension, enlarged air intakes, and an integrated splitter. These elements collectively contribute to a more dynamic and aggressive appearance, perhaps even evoking the spirit of a hypothetical high-performance Xpander EVO, should Mitsubishi ever decide to pursue such a bold endeavor. The grille and the signature Dynamic Shield design are finished in a sleek black, harmonizing with the darkened split LED headlights and further amplifying the sporty character. The three-row minivan rides on black alloy wheels, which, while undoubtedly stylish, appear somewhat undersized in relation to the vehicle's overall dimensions, potentially impacting the perceived visual balance. Moving to the rear, Mitsubishi has incorporated a black diffuser trim, a substantial spoiler, and clear-lens taillights, all contributing to the sportier aesthetic. Consistent with the standard Xpander HEV model, the exhaust system remains discreetly concealed beneath the rear bumper, maintaining a clean and uncluttered look.
Recognizing the diverse preferences of its customer base, Mitsubishi is also offering the limited edition treatment for the Xpander Cross variant. This version, which traditionally adopts a more rugged persona compared to the standard model, also benefits from a generous application of blacked-out trim, matching alloy wheels, and darker lighting elements, aligning it with the overall theme of the Play edition while retaining its distinct adventurous flair. The color palette for the limited edition models is curated, with the standard Xpander HEV Play available in White Diamond and Graphite Gray, while the Xpander Cross Play offers an additional option of Green Bronze, providing customers with a degree of personalization.
Despite the assertive and sporty styling enhancements, the Xpander HEV Play retains the standard hybrid powertrain found in the regular HEV model. This consists of a 1.6-liter gasoline engine working in conjunction with a single electric motor, resulting in a combined power output of 114 horsepower. This represents a modest but noticeable improvement over the gasoline-only Xpander, which produces 103 horsepower. Power is efficiently transmitted to the front wheels through an eCVT automatic transmission, ensuring a smooth and responsive driving experience typical of hybrid vehicles.
Both the Xpander HEV Play and the Xpander Cross Play are currently available for order in Thailand, with both models carrying an identical price tag of $29,000. This pricing reflects a premium of approximately $1,400 over the base Xpander HEV model. Essentially, this additional cost can be attributed to the exclusivity of the limited edition badge and the various styling modifications that differentiate these models from their standard counterparts. This limited edition strategy allows Mitsubishi to inject renewed interest into a well-established model, offering customers a visually enhanced option without significant alterations to the vehicle's core mechanics or hybrid technology. It caters to buyers who prioritize aesthetics and a sportier image while still benefiting from the efficiency and practicality of the hybrid Xpander.