So Mitsubishi Motors Philippines has officially launched the much-awaited Xpander MPV via a weekend expo event at World Trade Center in Pasay City. We went and were surprised to discover a couple of things.

First is that the Xpander is actually priced lower than the previously announced figures. The final introductory prices are:

• GLX MT – P885,000;
• GLX Plus AT – P960,000;
• GLS AT – P995,000; and
• GLS Sport AT – P1,060,000.

Second is that a nice set of aftermarket wheels does wonders to the vehicle’s overall look.

One of the Xpander units on display was the range-topping GLS Sport AT in Sterling Silver Metallic paint. Check out the outcome when they fitted it with gunmetal wheels.

Then there was a matte-yellow GLX Plus AT example with a black roof. This one was rocking 17-inch gunmetal wheels that were obviously inspired by the popular Ralliart Web rims.

Finally, there was the crowd favorite: The Evo-inspired GLS AT in Quartz White Pearl. Its wheels were nearly identical in design to those of the yellow Xpander, but with fatter spokes, a gold paint job and a bigger 18-inch diameter.

If you’re buying an Xpander and are interested in any of the above wheel designs, you may get them from Concept One, Black Rhino and Rota. These aftermarket rims simply make the hot new MPV look even hotter.