Also as a plugin
The Mitsubishi ASX is back. In fact, the new one is nothing more or less than a Renault Captur with different logos. A smart way to fully utilize the production capacity of the factory in Spain and to retain some of the 380,000 European ASX drivers as customers.
In 2020 Mitsubishi announced that it would withdraw from the European market and less than a year later it was announced that some models would continue to be delivered. At the moment these are the Eclipse Cross and the Space Star. The latter is still doing well in Europe because Mitsubishi is one of the few suppliers in the A-segment. In 2023, the brand with the three diamonds will put two new models in the showroom: the Colt and the ASX. One based on the Renault Clio, the other based on the Captur. The last ASX rolled off the production line from 2010 to 2021 and was once also available as a Citroën C4 Aircross and as a Peugeot 4008.
No own face
The surprise was great when two Mitsubishi employees pulled the curtain from the ASX, in the presence of dozens of journalists. The theme of ‘rebadging’ has been taken quite literally here. We expected a front like we know from the Eclipse Cross, Outlander and Space Star. That design language was presented in 2015 as ‘Dynamic Shield Design’ and strangely enough, Mitsubishi states in the press release that the new ASX is recognizable by the Dynamic Shield. No, only the grille is slightly different, the hub caps on the wheels bear the Mitsubishi logo and to avoid confusion, the brand name is written in full on the tailgate. The same strategy has been applied in the interior.
Familiar interior
It will not surprise anyone that the interior does not differ from that of the Captur. Depending on the version, the ASX has an analog instrument panel with an integrated 4.2-inch screen, a configurable digital instrument panel with a 7-inch screen or a fully customizable version with a 10-inch screen that also shows the navigation instructions. . The infotainment system consists of a centrally placed screen. There is a choice between a landscape screen of 7 inches or a portrait version that measures 9.3 inches. The option to wirelessly connect smartphones to the car (both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) is standard. Top versions also get an audio system from the Bose brand.
Many assistance systems as standard
The ASX is standard equipped with a camera and radar that prevents an accident and warns if you are too close to the vehicle in front, and the system recognizes pedestrians crossing the road. Also lane signaling and assistance, traffic sign recognition, cruise control, parking sensors and a reversing camera are part of the standard equipment. On the more luxurious versions, there are also blind spot warning, active lane assistance, warning for violation of the speed limit, adaptive cruise control (with Stop & Go) and automatic high beam switching on and off. The top versions (Automatic/Full Hybrid/Plug-in Hybrid) of the ASX can be supplied with MI-PILOT (Mitsubishi Intelligent – PILOT). This system combines adaptive cruise control (ACC with Stop & Go) with Lane Centering Assist (LCA).
Four powertrains, including plug-in hybrid
The engine range consists of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder, a 1.3-litre four-cylinder (mild hybrid), a regular hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. As trim levels we see Inform, Invite, Intense and Instyle. A sliding rear seat is standard, adding 69 liters of luggage space to the standard 332 liters. The lighting at the front and rear is always LED, there is a choice of six body colors, with the option of a black roof. What the current ASX rider should take into account is that the new one is 14 inches shorter. The new ASX will be in the showroom from March 2023, the new Colt will follow in the autumn. Mitsubishi gives a five-year warranty and also five years of roadside assistance.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl