Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced the arrival of its all-new compact vehicle, the ASX, or Active Smart Crossover. Available in either two- or all-wheel drive configurations, the ASX is a milestone vehicle for Mitsubishi, introducing the company’s firstever diesel engined passenger vehicle to the Australian market.
Launching the vehicle, MMAL’s president and chief executive officer, Masahiko Takahashi, said the company was delighted to add another passenger vehicle to its range.
“The all-new ASX will provide a logical bridge between our popular Lancer and Outlander line-ups, and ensure all our Mitsubishi customers have an even greater range of vehicles to choose from.”
“Significantly, the ASX will enable us to compete in the new, fast-growing two-wheel drive compact SUV market segment, and allow us to attract new customers to the Mitsubishi brand,” Takahashi said.
As a two-wheel drive, the ASX 2WD will be offered with a lively, fuel-efficient 110kW/197Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine that drives the front wheels through a choice of either five-speed manual gearbox or smooth stepless Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
The mid range ASX 4WD introduces not only Mitsubishi's first-ever diesel engine for a passenger car in Australia, but also the most fuel efficient in its class. This has been achieved through the world's first application of variable valve timing to a passenger car diesel engine with the all-new DiD engine featuring Mitsubishi's proprietary MIVEC system. With a capacity of 1.8-litres and maximum outputs of 110kW of power and 300Nm of torque, the turbodiesel engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox resulting in an official ADR 81/01 fuel consumption of just 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of only 154 grams per kilometre.
The 2.0-litre petrol engine with CVT and the 1.8-litre diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission are offered as standard on both the ASX 4WD variant and the top of the range ASX Aspire.
As the latest vehicle developed from MMC’s “Project Global” mid-size platform, the ASX blends Lancer’s passenger car on-road attitude with Outlander’s commanding driving position and the convenience of its clever “AWC” electronically-controlled Four-Wheel Drive system on relevant models.
The design of the Mitsubishi ASX is closely based on the “Compact Dynamism” styling blueprint of the Concept-cX crossover vehicle, that was first seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007. Widely acclaimed for its smooth profile and sloping curves, the ASX was one of the first vehicles to break away from the chunky look typically associated with SUVs. Sporting Mitsubishi’s signature “Jet Fighter” grille, the ASX remains faithful to the original Concept-cX styling direction combining the characteristics of both SUVs and passenger vehicles into a stylish and versatile city vehicle.
The interior appointments of the ASX are designed to complement the sophisticated lines of the exterior. Quality fabrics and textured materials generate an ambience that suggests “dynamism within simplicity,” with particular attention paid to the soft trim for areas touched by the occupants.
Safety is always a high priority with all Mitsubishi vehicles, and in the ASX, it reaches new heights. Based on Mitsubishi’s acclaimed RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) structure, the ASX combines an extensive array of safety features fitted standard across the range including ASTC (Active Stability Control with Traction Control), Hill Start Control system, ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist, and seven airbags, including driver and passenger front, side and curtain, and driver knee airbag.
The three-model lineup of ASX 2WD, ASX 4WD and ASX Aspire are all comprehensively equipped for superb comfort and convenience with the ASX 2WD designed to perfectly complement a city lifestyle. Standard features include fully automatic climate control air-conditioning with air filter, cruise control, front and rear electric windows and exterior mirrors, electric tailgate opener, AM/FM radio/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary and USB inputs, variable intermittent windscreen wipers, tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment and 16-inch alloy wheels (17-inch on the Aspire).
A Convenience Pack combining Bluetooth 2.0 handsfree phone connectivity with steering wheel mounted controls, steering wheel mounted audio controls, chrome muffler tip and rear parking sensors is optionally available on all two-wheel drive variants.
For those who wish to venture off the beaten track, the four-wheel drive ASX is the vehicle of choice. In addition to the Mitsubishi AWD electronically controlled four-wheel drive system, the ASX 4WD models also gain front fog lamps, Bluetooth 2.0 handsfree phone connectivity with steering wheel mounted controls, steering wheel mounted audio controls, and rear parking sensors.
The top of the line all-wheel drive ASX Aspire combines all the safety, versatility, and comfort features of the ASX 4WD and adds a number of luxury features that are rarely found in this class of vehicle. These include leather seats with seat heating for driver and front passenger, power driver's seat, keyless operating system with a one-touch start, rain sensing automatic windscreen wipers and dusk sensing automatic lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, and chrome accents for the radiator grille and belt line moulding.
The ASX Aspire also features a premium Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers and the Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS), which includes satellite navigation, DVD with video input, Bluetooth 1.0 handsfree phone connectivity with steering wheel mounted controls, iPod integration and control, and reversing camera. The MMCS also allows you to customise a number of vehicle functions, including wiper control, auto unlock functions and climate control.
Masahiko Takahashi is very optimistic about the prospects for the ASX in the Australian market. “The design blueprint for the original Concept-cX was to combine the best attributes of both passenger vehicles and SUVs, and the Mitsubishi designers have nailed it.
“And our customers agree. The ASX has received terrific reviews from both Japanese and European media, and the initial sales response has been fantastic.
“This is a great vehicle – good looking, versatile, with the availability of a fantastic new diesel engine - and the all-wheel drive variants give you the opportunity to really get up and go,” Takahashi said.
Mitsubishi provides its industry leading warranty on all ASX vehicles, including a comprehensive five year/130,000 km whole vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000 km powertrain warranty and a five year/130,000 kilometre roadside assistance package.
