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The new Mitsubishi Expander “next-generation crossover MPV” seven-seat people mover has been revealed in Indonesia, ahead of its official announcement at the Jakarta motor show (GIIA) on August 10, 2017. The Expander measures 4475mm long, 1750mm wide, 1700mm tall, with 205mm of ground clearance. The new people mover can seat seven people across three rows of seats. Engine is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (4A-91 with MIVEC). Front wheels drive via either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Available features include LED driving lights and tail-lights, air conditioning, electric windows, faux wood and leather trim, and a touchscreen infotainment with Bluetooth phone connectivity. The new Expander will be produced in Indonesia. Sales likely be restricted to developing markets in Asia.

Nissan has released the initial details on the all-new 2013 Nissan Note mini MPV, ahead of its Japanese launch in September. The new model features a more dramatic design and the Japanese automaker is calling the car's deep character line a "Squash Line". The car would form the base for a replacement to the North American market Versa (Latio) hatchback. It may be a small car and but it is the first Nissan to be fitted with the Around View Monitor System, which was once only available in the high-end Infiniti models. However, one may wonder if the system is really necessary on this Jazz-sized subcompact. It would make more sense on a Teana. For its domestic market of Japan, the Note comes with two engine options. The first is the 1.2-litre HR12DE which generates 79bhp and 108Nm of torque. More interestingly is a supercharged, direct-injected three-cylinder HR12DDR (DIG-S) motor. The engine, which features Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System (CVTCS), makes 92bhp and 143Nm of torque while seeping petrol at a claimed rate of 25.2 km/L. These engines will be connected to a next-generation continuously variable transmission which promises to deliver class-leading fuel efficiency. The new Japanese-market Note will be manufactured at Nissan Motor Kyushu while the European Note will be made at Nissan's Sunderland plant in the U.K.

General Motors' UK arm, Vauxhall and consequently Opel, has just pulled the covers off the all-new Meriva. The new mini-MPV is the first Opel to feature GM's FlexDoor technology, showcased on the 2008 Meriva concept model. FlexDoors is a concept whereby the rear-hinged back doors swing open towards the back of the car at an angle of nearly 90 degree. Even though the Meriva still uses a central B-pillar, the company said that the Flexdoors vastly improve the ease with which occupants enter and leave the cabin. Unlike other suicide-door applications such as on the Mazda RX-8, Rolls Royce Phantom and Ghost, the Meriva's front and rear doors can open independently. The Meriva's exterior styling has remained relatively close to the concept model, keeping many features like the unique glasshouse design that incorporates a downward kink at the back doors just behind the B-pillar. It also shares many styling cues with both the Insignia and Astra. I find the styling quite contemporary and it should give occupants an airy feeling. No interior photos were released at the moment. The mini-MPV's interior versatility will be boosted by the improved FlexSpace system that allows easier fold-down of the three individual rear seats that can also be mounted back independently to create more boot, leg or shoulder room. Power will come from a lineup of six turbocharged diesel and gasoline units with outputs ranging from 75 to 140PS. Although I do not have the dimensions of the new Meriva, I guess it should be around the size of the Honda Freed. This new baby from Opel will be formally introduced at the Geneva Motorshow come March.