Mitsubishi Xpander HEV coming to PH in 2025?

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) dropped a bombshell news yesterday when they announced that the XForce B-SUV is set to arrive in the country later this June. The automaker even claimed that the stylish crossover SUV will be attractively priced and will take on the likes of the Honda HR-V, GAC GS3 Emzoom, Geely Coolray, and the Toyota Corolla Cross.

Apart from that, MMPC also has plans to bring in two vehicles around 2025. One of which is what the automaker describes as a next-gen midsize SUV which may be hinting at the next-generation Montero Sport/Pajero Sport. The other vehicle described by Mitsubishi is simply called a next-gen small MPV.

Despite MMPC's attempt to hide what MPV they will be bringing soon to the country, it looks like they have unofficially announced that the Xpander HEV (and Xpander Cross HEV) is on its way come 2025. But why did they say next-generation in its name? Well, perhaps they were describing the MPV's new hybrid powertrain which was just revealed in Thailand last week.

So why will it take some time before the supposed Xpander HEVs will make their way to the Philippines? Well, aside from the fact that it was just revealed in The Land of Smiles, MMPC sources the Xpander from Indonesia, not Thailand. And since Indonesia has yet to officially launch the electrified MPV, this could be the reason it will take quite a while before the MPV makes its way here.

Should MMPC officially announce the Xpander HEV line's arrival, we can expect it to come with the 1.6-liter four-cylinder MIVEC engine that runs on the Atkinson cycle. It will then be assisted by an electric motor and a floor-mounted battery pack that provides a total system output of 115 PS and 255 Nm of torque. It will also come with multiple drive modes; Normal, Wet, Gravel, Tarmac, Mud, EV 100%, and EV Charge.