Xpander Cross, Mitsubishi's new low MPV, to compete against other SUVs. (Image via Liputan6.com)

Xpander Cross, Mitsubishi Indonesia's ace card

Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Sales Indonesia (MMKSI) revealed the number of orders set for the new variant of its Xpander series, Xpander Cross. Officially launched commercially on 11 November, Xpander Cross is MMKSI’s latest effort to attract the attention of the customers of the low SUV market.

Xpander Cross is competing in the market against SUVs such as Daihatsu’s Terios, Toyota’s Rush, and Honda’s BR-V.

Speaking on the sidelines of MMKSI’s “#AyoGasTerus” digital campaign in Serpong, Tangerang, last weekend, Director of Sales & Marketing Division of MMKSI, Michimasa Kono, said that the number of orders for Xpander Cross had exceeded 1,000 units nationally.

The number had been accumulated after the regional launchings in several regions in Indonesia had finished. And the majority of the sales were mainly from the Jabodetabek regions.

While the number was good enough, Kono regretted that the number fell shy than the initial target at 1,500 units per month. Toyota’s Rush and Daihatsu’s Terios both did better than Xpander Cross at 5,200 and 1,900 units per month. Fortunately, Xpander Cross beat Honda’s BR-V, only selling around 300 units per month.

MMKSI totaled the current sales of Xpander at 5,500 units per month. With the release of Xpander Cross, MMKSI hopes that the number will grow to 6,500 to 7,000 units per month.

Despite being a low MPV, Xpander Cross possesses a signature feature of an SUV, a 225mm ground clearance. The car is also enhanced with several accessories such as over fenders and roof rail. Xpander Cross is equipped with 17-inch rims, all-new LED headlights, new suspension settings, a 7-inch head unit, dual-tone upholstery, and a more sound-proof cabin.

With these specs, Xpander Cross is sold at Rp267.7 – 286.7 million. Kono revealed that about 30 – 40 percent of Xpander Cross’ buyers were first-timers, while 60 percent were those who went for an "upgrade".

Source: https://bit.ly/2Ptwh2i