MPVs may be a niche choice, but for family consumers or those with specific load needs, they’re highly popular. MPVs provide spacious interiors, comfortable seating for multiple passengers, and convenience, making them a favorite among buyers. In Thailand’s automotive market, the Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Veloz are two standout MPVs. Today, we’ll compare these two models in detail to understand their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Pricing and Variants

Both Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Veloz offer three variants in the Thai market, with similar price ranges:

  • Mitsubishi Xpander HEV 2024: THB 933,000
  • Mitsubishi Xpander GLS-LTD 2023: THB 799,000
  • Mitsubishi Xpander GT 2023: THB 912,000
  • 2023 Toyota Veloz 1.5 Smart CVT: THB 795,000
  • 2023 Toyota Veloz 1.5 Premium CVT: THB 875,000
  • 2023 Toyota Veloz 1.5 Premium X-Urban CVT: THB 914,900

Is Mitsubishi Xpander a Good Choice?

The Mitsubishi Xpander is highly popular in Southeast Asia due to its spacious interior and affordable price. Its design follows Mitsubishi’s family styling, with the front adopting the Dynamic Shield Design concept. The front grille features a honeycomb pattern, complemented by sharp LED headlights, creating a sporty appearance. The side profile features smooth lines, while the rear sports drilled taillights paired with a trapezoidal bumper for a modern touch.

For the hybrid gasoline-electric model, two main design changes stand out. A HYBRID EV badge is added to the rear, emphasizing the vehicle’s eco-friendly nature, while blue accents highlight the front and rear for a more distinct environmental feature.

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Pros and Cons of the Mitsubishi Xpander

  • Pros: The Xpander excels with its spacious interior and excellent fuel efficiency. The hybrid model’s extended body structure and wheelbase provide great interior space. The second-row seats can slide forward or backwards and adjust the backrest angle, while the third-row seats can fold down to meet different travel needs.

Regarding fuel efficiency, the hybrid gasoline-electric Xpander delivers 4.8L/100km in urban areas, with an average consumption of 5.7L/100km. This results in a 34% reduction in urban fuel consumption and a 15% overall decrease compared to gasoline models.

  • Cons: However, the Xpander has its drawbacks. Engine noise and vibration are slightly increased, and the vehicle’s added weight results in somewhat reduced handling performance.

Is Toyota Veloz a Good Choice?

The Toyota Veloz is a small MPV with versatile features, making it a top choice for families in Southeast Asia. It inherits Toyota’s reliability and fuel efficiency. The exterior design also stands out, avoiding a cheap look and instead presenting a strong SUV-like character. The front sports a large hexagonal intake grille with a black mesh structure, complemented by the striking Toyota logo. The sleek, narrow headlights are full of high-tech appeal, surrounded by black accents and a silver skid plate for a modern, sporty vibe. The rear also follows an SUV-like design, giving the vehicle a solid, stylish appearance.

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Pros and Cons of the Toyota Veloz

  • Pros: The Toyota Veloz is known for its affordable price, SUV-inspired design, and practical space, making it a great value. Its combination of SUV and MPV elements gives drivers and passengers a sporty yet modern appearance. With its 2+3+2 seating layout, the Veloz comfortably accommodates families. The first two rows offer ample room, and the third row is suitable for daily use.
  • Cons: On the downside, while the Veloz is adequate for daily use, it doesn’t excel in its class in terms of performance. Acceleration is average, and when fully seated, the vehicle may struggle slightly. The third-row seating may feel cramped for taller families, making long-distance travel less comfortable.

Conclusion

Both the Mitsubishi Xpander and Toyota Veloz perform well in the Thai MPV market. The Xpander is favoured for its spacious interior and impressive fuel efficiency, while the Veloz is praised for its affordable price, rugged SUV-inspired design, and practical space. When choosing between the two, consumers should consider their specific needs and budget to select the model that suits them best.