The low MPV market this month is suddenly buzzing with several products getting changes. Toyota offers the All New Avanza while Mitsubishi comes with the New Xpander. This is a hot arena with the choice of models now getting additional features and interesting design changes.
The latest Xpander comes with a length of 4,595 mm, a width of 1,750 mm and a height of 1,750 mm. Another size, this new Xpander has a ground clearance of 220 mm thanks to the use of 17-inch rims with a tire size of 205/55 R17 in a two-tone style. This comparison makes Xpander superior in length, height and ground clearance, while the new Avanza excels in width, which is a few mm apart.
Machine
Another comparison on the side of the kitchen runway. The new Avanza uses a 2NR-VE 4-cylinder DOHC Dual VVT-i 1,496 cc engine that produces 106 ps of power at 6,000 rpm and 137 Nm of torque at 4,200 rpm. This engine is paired with the latest CVT transmission system which replaces the previous conventional automatic transmission.
Like the Avanza, the new Xpander is offered with a CVT transmission. From the comparison in the power engine sector, the Avanza is slightly superior to the Xpander, but in terms of torque, the Mitsubishi engine still provides an advantage. Regarding the choice of the Avanza engine, there are still more options for consumers by offering a 1.3L engine for the lowest variant that produces 98 PS of power at 6,000 rpm and 121 Nm of torque.
Both models also claim to have improved comfort thanks to a design update on the suspension side. Both Avanza and Xpander still use MacPherson Strut in front and Torsion Beam in back which provides more comfort than previous models.
Appearance
Now moving on to the exterior. The discussion does not include design, because this section is a bit subjective. We discuss what features are provided by both models on the exterior. Avanza comes with LED lighting both on the front and rear which makes it look more modern. The top variant also gets an auto retractable mirror feature and a rear parking sensor.
The cash for cars also includes similar technology. The new LED headlamps and stop lamps give a more modern look. The top variant also gets a parking sensor and a rear camera for convenience when parking. From the exterior, the Avanza offers a completely new design, while the Xpander comes with an increasingly modern form.
Interiors
Entering the interior, the Avanza offers a fresh dashboard design, reminiscent of several modern Toyota products that are already present. The 9-inch floating model screen with various connections is a major concern. In the meter cluster there is a 4.2-inch TFT screen that displays various vehicle information.
There are still engine start stop features, tilt steering with audio switches on the steering wheel, digital AC settings and USB ports. Unfortunately, the Avanza still uses a conventional handbrake because the electric parking brake is only provided on the Veloz model, which has now been confirmed as a different model from the Avanza.
In the latest Xpander, updates come in several details that make it look fresher, such as the presence of soft touch at several points and the shape of the horizontal axis dashboard. The main concern comes with the 8-inch touch screen with various mobile phone connectivity. There is still a meter cluster with MID screen, digital AC settings and a more comfortable steering shape with audio switches and cruise control. In addition, Xpander Ultimate also includes an electric parking brake with an auto hold feature.
These two popular low MPV models also still offer the convenience of seven passengers. The seating formation can also be adjusted according to the needs during the trip and is accompanied by storage for functionality and easy access.
Safety Features
On paper, the price comparison of the two models is also quite close. The latest Avanza comes from IDR 206 million for the 1.3 E MT variant and IDR 228 million for the 1.5 G MT variant and the highest is 1.5 G CVT TSS in the range of IDR 264 million. Xpander is offered with a price starting at IDR 228 million for the GLS MT to IDR 272 million for the ultimate CVT variant. Both of these models have received prices with 100 percent PPnBM incentives that are present until the end of the year.
