New generation ASX to reboot Mitsubishi Europe

A NEW generation Mitsubishi ASX has just been premiered in Europe based on Renault Captur, the on-line event preceding Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited’s announcement of an update to the popular (current) ASX small SUV that will be available from November.

It’s one of many updates that have been implemented on the model since it arrived here more than a decade ago.

It remains popular, prompting a Mitsubishi Australia spokesman to say: “The current ASX retains around 10 per cent segment share and has been supply constrained this year, so the demand is still there. Dealers tell us their feedback is that the car remains appealing for its design, practicality and value, especially once our aftersales package is factored in.”

At this point the new generation ASX is up in the air for Australia as the MMAL spokesman pointed out: “The Euro car is left hand drive only. From our perspective we are evolving the future model plan for Australia but it’s too early to discuss, suffice to say that the small SUV segment is a key for us and we intend to continue in the space.”

Mitsubishi Europe said in 2020 it would leave the European market amid a focus on cost-cutting at the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance and after struggling to turn a profit there but reversed the decision in 2021 following Renault’s agreement to build two new Mitsubishi models for Europe.

Regardless of that deal, Mitsubishi has reduced the number of Euro markets it operates due to falling sales that declined 32 per cent to 69,201 units last year.

The new generation Renault-based ASX is the first of Renault’s promised Mitsubishis and will used to reboot the brand in Europe. The second Renault/Mitsubishi will be a new Colt small car based on the Renault Clio, due to launch in November 2023).

The range topping ASX plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model runs a 1.6-litre petrol engine, two electric motors (an alternator-starter and a main motor), an automatic, multi-mode gearbox, and a 10.5kWh battery.

The full hybrid (HEV) model uses a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, an automatic, multi-mode gearbox, and a 1.3kWh battery. 

The mild hybrid model combines a 1.3-litre direct injection turbo with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed double-clutch automatic transmission, and the entry model is available with a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a six-speed manual transmission.

A BEV version is overlooked on new ASX.

With new ASX scheduled for a showroom debut in March next year, Mitsubishi Motors Europe CEO Frank Krol said: “As an electrified SUV, with a full package of advanced technology and infotainment, the new ASX is a perfect fit for the European market.”

The ASX, which is also sold as the RVR or Outlander Sport in some markets, is one of Mitsubishi's core models. It was introduced to Europe in 2010 but last year, a total of only 4898 units were sold. 

Mitsubishi Europe has not disclosed pricing for the ASX but with the Captur starting at €23,400 ($A34,743) in France rising to more than €37,000 ($A54,928) for a top-trim plug-in hybrid version it is expected the Mitsubishi version will be similarly stickered.

New ASX is 4228 mm long, 1797 mm wide and 1573 mm tall compared with the current model at 4365mm, 1810mm and 1640mm. It will be built in Valladolid, Spain, alongside the Captur.

Though Captur on which ASX is based is available in Europe with a dual-fuel LPG option, that system will not be available on the ASX.

With Renault Captur sales sliding the company would be hoping Mitsubishi versions of Captur will bolster production continuity at Renault’s factories.

Mitsubishi Europe is upbeat about the new ASX particularly as it’s available with new energy powertrains that are proving popular on the Continent.

The company says: “The new ASX features a flowing silhouette from the front to the rear, and the character line which rises toward the rear combines with the floating roof to give the vehicle a dynamic styling that expresses its agile driving.”

“An element of Mitsubishi Motors’ Dynamic Shield design concept is added to the front face, with a robust grille staging the iconic three-diamond logo. Further, sleek body sides and wide shoulders emphasize the powerfulness of the vehicle as it firmly grips the ground.”

Inside, a spacious cargo area and sliding rear bench enhance convenience for users. A Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) is located at the centre of the instrument panel, and the Multi-Sense system controlled via the SDA allows the driver to select the drive mode that best suits their preference.

In addition, advanced driver assistance systems such as MI-PILOT single-lane driver assistance technology for highways, which integrates Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Centring Assist (LCA), are available to support safe driving.