Tiny changes for big convenience? The 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross' electronic parking brake

One of the unique selling propositions sales agents will harp about the Mitsubishi Xpander/Xpander Cross is its electronic parking brake. 

The feature takes over the regular pull-type parking brake with a handle, particularly for the Xpander GLS and the upcoming 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross variants. The aforementioned Xpander varaints also get a hill-hold function with the Electric Parking Brake, which makes sure that the unit stays stationary while the electronic parking brake is in the process of being turned on or off. 

How does it work?

How an electronic parking brake works is similar to the old-school conventional, manual handbrake system that is activated by pulling a lever that tightens a cable connected to the brakes. The lever pulling in the old system activates the rear brakes through mechanical connections using cables and levers as you exert pulling pressure. This prevents the rear wheels from moving.

With an EPB, the electronic parking brake’s “lever” is a switch that, when toggled, turns on an electronic servomotor that tightens the aforementioned parking brake cable. The advantage here is that the right hand and wrist don’t exert much effort to engage the e-brake; all the right hand, or finger for that matter, does is pull the electronic brake button, and the servomotor does all the work.

It’s especially convenient when you’re tired at the end of a long commute or at the end of a long out-of-town drive. Also, when you just want additional means to make the Xpander stationary after putting the automatic transmission into Park. No need to fumble for the parking brake; just get an index finger on the electronic parking brake switch and listen for the tiny motor whir as it locks the rear brakes in place to add further stationary wheel clamping. 

Taking advantage of tech

Aside from opening up space along the center console for an armrest or additional compartments, another advantage of an electronic parking brake for the Philippine-market Xpander/Xpander Cross is how it works in tandem with the Hill Start Assist and Brake Hold functions.

Imagine you're waiting for the green light at an intersection. Brake Hold automatically activates the electric parking brake and holds the car in place even without you stepping on the brake pedal. This lets your right foot and leg rest for a bit. It then disengages the brakes as soon as you step on the accelerator—no need to fumble around to release the brake lever.

Meanwhile, Hill Start Assist is especially helpful when stopped at an inclined road. HSA uses the electronic parking brake system to prevent the car from rolling backward as you shift your right foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator to move forward.

For those that live in hilly areas such as St. Ignatius Village and Green Meadows (in Quezon City), the Morong/Montalban/San Mateo/Tanay/Taytay areas of Rizal province, or the Valle Verde subdivisions of Pasig City (especially in the areas near PhilSports Arena and St. Paul’s College-Pasig school), this feature is a godsend. 

Yet another benefit of an electronic parking brake for the Xpander/Xpander Cross is more stable deceleration. An EPB provides greater control during emergency braking by working in tandem with the vehicle's anti-lock braking system to prevent the car from skidding.

Any cons?

In contrast, arguably the only downsides to an electronic parking brake for the Mitsubishi multipurpose vehicle, or any vehicle equipped with one, are the need to check the instruction manual and the need to consult Mitsubishi service technicians regarding how to unlock the electronic parking brake, should the battery get drained or an electronic gremlin occurs.

The complexity of present-day automobile electronics (including those involving the electronic parking brake) can make repair and servicing (especially when it’s impromptu) quite a hassle. Still, to this poster, the pros far outweigh the cons. 

The electronic parking brake on the Mitsubishi Xpander/Xpander Cross makes for great help, especially when the unit is on an incline or the driver is too tired to add extra wheel clamping once the people carrier is stationary. This poster feels like the feature should come standard on the next generation of Xpander utility runners as a great come-on to potential buyers.