Mitsubishi is calling time on its Express van, with the current model having been part of the local scene since mid-2020. Based heavily on its Renault Trafic sibling, the Express was embroiled in ANCAP controversy after it launched.
It became the first van to score a zero-star rating under the safety agency’s tougher assessment criteria, however critics called the result flawed due to the fact that the Express is not a passenger vehicle.
That aside, it offers a sub-$40K (plus on-roads) entry price in its most basic form, and a 10-year warranty – and is even selling well so far this year. These factors appear to not be enough for Mitsubishi though.
The car maker has decided that as a result of an assessment of the current supply chain and global business conditions within Mitsubishi Motors, to cease production of the short-wheel base version of the Express van in May.
With a healthy production allocation over its final months, Mitsubishi Motors Australia has ensured solid stocks of the Express SWB, together with ongoing support of service, parts and accessories.
Based on previous demand, vehicle supply is expected to remain available until late-2022. Due to supply and component-related issues, long wheelbase variants will not form part of the final allocation.
In essence, LWB production has already ended, and existing supply is expected to be exhausted by mid-2022. The 2022 Mitsubishi Express opens with the GLX SWB, powered by a 1.6-litre twin turbo diesel, offering 103kW of power and 340Nm of torque.
It’s offered in a 6-speed manual, and priced at $39,040. A 2.0-litre turbo diesel version is paired with a 6-speed DCT auto, offering 125kW and 380Nm for $44,040. From there, the range goes long-wheel base, with the same engine and transmission pairings.
The GLX LWB manual is priced at $41,040 and the DCT auto is $46,040. The range is topped off by a GLX+ LWB, paired with the 2.0-litre turbo diesel and 6-speed DCT, for $46,540. All prices are plus on-roads.
