Mitsubishi announces ASX successor

MITSUBISHI looks set to finally replace its much-loved ASX compact SUV, with the Japanese manufacturer announcing the unveiling of an all-new successor at the Indonesian International Auto Show from August 10.

The world premiere of the yet unnamed replacement to the ASX promises to be a “best-suited buddy for an exciting life”, that will “uplift the owner’s everyday life with its stylish yet robust, authentic SUV styling”.

Mitsubishi says the forthcoming model will offer a comfortable and spacious cabin with versatile storage spaces that are balanced with manoeuvrable and compact exterior dimensions but did not say if or how much larger than the ASX the future model might be.

It has also promised the ASEAN region specific SUV will offer improved road holding, particularly in the rain, with four drive modes including a model-first Wet mode.

“Taking into account how compact SUVs are used in the ASEAN region, the all-new compact SUV ensures a top-class ground clearance of 222mm to enhance driver confidence even when handling rough roads,” said Mitsubishi in a statement.

“In addition, four drive modes — Normal, Wet, Gravel and Mud — can be selected according to the road condition, and the new Wet mode makes it less likely to lose control of the steering wheel and allows for worry-free driving even on roads flooded by sudden showers.

“The four drive modes enable the vehicle to handle various road conditions through an integrated control of the Active Yaw Control (AYC), which improves controllability by adjusting the driving force on the front left and right wheels; traction control, which controls skidding of the tyres; engine control; and power steering control.”

The intelligent traction system is set to be accompanied by a premium sound system developed in conjunction with Yamaha Mitsubishi says was developed specifically to answer the needs of customers in the ASEAN region.

“Through joint development with Yamaha – experienced in the development of musical instruments and audio equipment as well as acoustic design of halls and theatres – the inside of the vehicle that serves as the listening room attains optimal sound quality enhancement to bring out the full potential of the speakers,” said Mitsubishi’s statement.

“The system adjusts not only the volume to match vehicle speed but also the sound quality itself, thereby delivering lively bass and clear mid and high tones even when driving on a rough surface.”

Mitsubishi has not detailed whether the vehicle will be powered by an internal combustion driveline, hybridised system, or both, and has not stated whether an all-electric option will be offered.

Whichever path the new model takes, it has very big shoes to fill, particularly in Australia where the model has not only served to effectively replace the long-serving Lancer sedan and hatch, but as a strong seller in its own right.

Despite its age – having made its debut in 2010 – the ASX has maintained its position at the top of the Small SUV ladder, amassing more than 166,000 sales since launch.

Year-to-date figures show Mitsubishi has added a further 3859 units to its Australian sales tally, the ASX currently placed fifth within the Small SUV under $45K segment behind the MG ZS (9823 units), Mazda CX-30 (4939), GWM Haval Jolion (4458), and Kia Seltos (4283).

Built on the GS platform it shares with the Peugeot 4008 and Citroen C4 Aircross – and with family ties to the firth-generation Jeep Compass and Patriot, Dodge Caliber, and Mitsubishi Outlander, Lancer and Eclipse Cross – the Mitsubishi ASX (from $25,740 plus-on road costs) is currently offered with a 110kW/197Nm 2.0-litre MIVEC four-cylinder engine married to a choice of five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission or optional 123kW/222Nm 2.4-litre with CVT as standard. Both are front-wheel drive only.

“In developing the all-new compact SUV, we enhanced road performance through repeated testing in Japan on a course that mirrored the road conditions of the ASEAN region, as well as thorough, extensive road testing in the region itself,” said, Mitsubishi Motors chief product specialist, Masahiro Ito.

More information on Mitsubishi’s new compact SUV will be announced on August 10.