Midsize SUVs are running hot in the Australia market at the moment, with no signs of sales slowing. Mitsubishi is one of the earliest players in this field, the Pajero having been here for over 40 years.
One of Pajeros smaller brothers, the Mitsubishi ASX is being upgraded for the 2018 season with advanced safety, added infotainment technology and a mild facelift.
Mitsubishi’s ‘Dynamic Shield’ front end has reshaped and now has integrated LED daytime running lamps and foglamp lower bezel. At the rear the ASX has a new bumper and tailgate design.
Changes to the centre lower console include a geometric design silver finish, soft knee rests, larger stowage box and new-design transmission shift lever.
All models gain the latest smartphone connectivity technology with Mitsubishi’s Smartphone link Display Audio (SDA) and DAB radio. The new centre console has two USB ports and a mobile phone tray with removable padded liner.
To reduce cabin noise levels, the MY18 ASX has been upgraded with new acoustic absorption materials introduced throughout the body.
On the safety front an additional ASX model, the mid-level LS ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assist Systems) has been introduced. It features forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning and automatic high beam. The top-of-the-range ASX XLS also receives these important items as standard.
Mitsubishi ASX has a comprehensive safety package and a five-star ANCAP safety rating, including seven airbags, reversing sensors and camera and RISE Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution safety cell body structure.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Tony Principe, said ASX is a very popular model, “Through continuous improvement … we have seen the ASX sales steadily grow and it is now Australia’s best-selling small SUV in 2017.”
Mitsubishi ASX comes either with a 2.0-litre engine driving only the front wheels, or a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel with all-wheel drive. The latter has proven pretty competent in its class in previous models and we see no reason why it can’t continue to display Mitsubishi’s long years of experience with AWD.
At this time we are yet to road test, or off-road test, the Mitsubishi ASX but will do so as soon as we can and get back to you with our findings.
The complete 2018 model year Mitsubishi ASX range is:
LS 2.0-litre petrol 2WD: $25,000 (manual), $27,000 (automatic)
LS 2.2-litre turbo-diesel 4WD: $32,500 (automatic)
LS ADAS 2.0-litre petrol 2WD: $28,500 (automatic)
XLS 2.0-litre petrol 2WD: $32,000 (automatic)
XLS 2.2-litre turbo-diesel 4WD: $37,500 (automatic)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mitsubishi dealer for drive-away prices.
