Mitsubishi Australia has announced details of major revisions to its small SUV, the ASX. Though it’s been on sale here since 2010 it frequently outsells all others in its class. To be frank, the main reason for that is the low prices achieved because it’s capital costs have been paid off.
The Japan giant has long been a major player in the SUV and 4WD arenas – think Mitsubishi Outlander, Eclipse Cross, Pajero Sport and Pajero – not to forget the Triton pickup truck which is also selling its wheels off these days.
The ASX Exceed and the new GSR model have a 2.4-litre engine with power of 123kW and torque at 222Nm. The others retain the existing 2.0-litre powerplant (110kW / 197Nm)
This upgraded Mitsubishi ASX now has the very successful “Mitsubishi Dynamic Shield” front end. In the ASX black and chrome finishes have been added to the new-shape front bumper and grille.
The semi-sporty GSR model a rear spoiler, inside are black cloth headlining, microsuede and leather-look seats with red stitching, and. The Exceed has leather seats.
An eight-inch display system replaces the previous seven-inch unit. Infotainment includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and DAB radio. The ASX Exceed also gains a Rockford Premium Audio system and TomTom® navigation.
Active Stability Control is now standard across the Mitsubishi ASX range to improve handling and enhance safety.
Electrochromatic rear view mirror and Forward Collision Mitigation, previously part of the ASX with ADAS package, are now standard across the range. The FCM system detects obstructions ahead and issues a visual and audible alert when there is a danger of a collision, automatically applying the brakes to either avoid a collision or reduce the impact.
Mitsubishi ASX ES can ordered with the ADAS package for $2500 extra, with additional features, including lane departure warning, automatic low/high beam, reverse sensors, blind spot warning, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert
An Emergency Stop Signal System automatically flashes the hazard lights to warn the driver behind when sudden braking is detected at a speed above 55km/h.
The Mitsubishi ASX, ES, LS and Exceed are available now, but the MR and GSR won’t be Downunder till December.
At this stage we haven’t been able to get behind the wheel of upgraded Mitsubishi ASX models, but will do so soon and report back. In particular we are keen on sampling the 2.4-litre engine.
MODEL RANGE
ES 2.0-litre: $24,990 (manual), $26,740 (CVT automatic)
MR 2.0-litre: TBA
LS 2.0-litre: $30,240 (CVT automatic)
GSR 2.4-litre: TBA
Exceed 2.4-litre: $35,740 (CVT automatic)
Note: These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact your local Mitsubishi dealer for drive-away prices.
