The Mitsubishi Xpander was an instant phenomenal hit when it came out on 2019 and has remained so until today. Xpander's major competitors in the MPV market, Toyota Rush, Innova and Avanza, Honda BR-V and Mobilio and the Suzuki Ertiga, were caught by surprise by the Xpander's popularity and it's taking them forever to offer a proper response. Meanwhile, the Xpander's continued superiority paved the way to a new variant, a crossover SUV called the Xpander Cross which was unveiled in Indonesia November 2019 and is expected to hit the Philippine market in the first quarter of 2020.
Fortunately, Suzuki might have something under its sleeves, too. The new Suzuki XL7, the Ertiga-based crossover SUV which is set to premiere for March 2020. The Suzuki Ertiga was also a phenomenal hit and is said to be a contributing factor of Suzuki's massive sales in 2019, which increased by 21% (23,919 units compared to 19,740 units in 2018). This big increase catapulted Suzuki to fifth place in the auto industry, outranking former consumer favorites Ford and Honda.
Mitsubishi, despite the popularity of the Xpander, went down (-5%) from 67, 512 units in 2018 to just 64, 065 in 2019. (Source: Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors)
WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR
The Suzuki XL7
According to sources, Suzuki Philippines will soon launch a new crossover SUV that utilizes the Ertiga MPV platform, the Suzuki XL7. This car is said to be a tough competitor for the new Mitsubishi Xpander Cross.
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| Image from Suzuki Motors |
In Indonesia, the XL7 variants available include Zeta, Beta, and Alpha. Each of them is available in two types of transmission, manual and automatic.
Suzuki XL7 probably still relies on the Ertiga K15 1.5 liter engine. At the highest variant, the Suzuki XL7 Alpha has a cool appearance starting from the bold LED headlamp with DRL auto on, muscular sweeping cross bar front chrome, bold hood side sit, muscular wheel arch extention, muscular lower bumper, roof rail, bold LED rear lamp with light guides, chrome door handle, and bold two tone color.
The interior also has a number of contemporary features, starting from spacious cabin with black interior color, stunning audio touchscreen, stunning carbon fibered pattern dashboard, MID color display dot, leather steering wheel with audio control switch, bluetooth phone conection, keyless operation system, digital AC, 2 front tweeters, ventilated cup holder, power outlet, center arm rest.
Basing on internet resources, the XL7 is a 7-seater car and will somewhat measure the same vehicle dimensions as that of the Ertiga, which we guess is going to be 4,445mm long, 1,775mm wide and 1,70mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,740mm.
The Xpander Cross
Xpander Cross, already available in Indonesia and offered in three variants, also uses a 1.5L engine and has a length of 4,500 mm, width of 1,800 mm, height of 1,750 mm and a ground clearance of 225 mm. The front features Mitsubishi’s signature Dynamic Shield design, large foglamp housings, and a dark grille. It sports a new-look front bumper, new side skirts, new wheel-arch moldings, a roof rail and 17-inch alloy wheels.
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| Image from Mitsubishi Motors |
Interiors include leather seats, leather steering wheel and gear shift. a seven-inch infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, parking sensors with a rearview camera, and a keyless operation system. For security systems, Xpander Cross is armed with ABS + EBD, brake Assist, dual SRS airbags, hill assistant system, and active stability and traction control.
As of this writing, we still don't know what the prices of the Suzuki XL7 and Xpander Cross will be when they finally come out. What we do know is that the crossover SUV market is going to be a lot more exciting this 2020. Do you think so, too? Type in your comments down below.
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