A Baguio-based bakeshop owner finds the Xpander as the perfect partner to his role as a father
When bakeshop owner, Rene Antonio R. Garcia, bought a Mitsubishi Xpander in September 2018, he found the perfect opportunity to thoroughly immerse in—and enjoy—the drive.
Rene, who along with wife Adelaida, owns and manages the OMG Sweets Bakeshop in Baguio City, has two kids who are both studying in Manila. With his business and his kids hundreds of kilometers apart, the doting father didn’t see a problem with the setup. He has his Xpander to take care of those gaps in between.
Now with an odometer reading of over 38,000 kms, Rene’s Xpander has proven to its owner that, beyond doubt, the small crossover MPV is powerful and efficient enough to handle even the daunting topography of the mountain provinces and the rigors of long-distance driving.
That, and then some. “We were sold on its fuel efficiency, spacious back area for our pastry deliveries, and more luggage space whenever we travel to Manila and Cavite to visit our daughter,” adds Rene.
Rene tells this writer that all the members of his family—his wife and kids Athena (23) and Apollo (18)—had a say on the choice of what vehicle to buy, and it was unanimous for the Xpander, specifically the GLS Sport.
Trusting their instincts
Unlike most buyers who needed to get a feel of the Xpander before making the decision, Rene and his family trusted solely their instincts, and recommendations from friends.
“We never did a test drive, we just fell in love with the idea that we would get an Xpander soon,” Rene admits.
The Xpander proved indispensable for Rene’s family, especially in March 2020 when Covid-19 lockdowns started. The vehicle was able to take in all of Athena’s things from her dorm when schools announced the suspension of face-to-face classes, and they were able to transport everything back to Baguio.
Athena is now on her firstyear medicine course at De La Salle University-Dasmarinas, while Apollo just graduated from high school and is an incoming freshman at the De La Salle University in Manila.
The Xpander has been fuel- efficient, Rene observes. “We average around 9 kms/liter in city driving and 16 kms/ liter on the highway.”
His most fuel-efficient trip, Rene recalls, was a family trip to Ilocos Sur, wherein his Xpander yielded 21 kms/liter. “To save more fuel, I keep the revs around 2000 rpm. On the highway, I notice that we save more if I don’t go more than 90kph.”
Rene remembers the first time that he drove Athena to Dasmarinas for her enrollment. “Driving was such a breeze that we didn’t notice the five-and-a half hour travel time from Baguio.”
No doubt, the experience will add to Rene’s well-stocked store of sweet memories.
