IT SEEMS EVERY REVIEW of Mitsubishi’s ASX starts by commenting on just how long the model has been around. But it’s a marketing plan that has worked for the company, and no doubt the development costs have long since been amortised.
Finally, Mitsubishi Motors Australia has released a new-look and an additional more powerful drivetrain for the ASX, which has shrugged off criticisms of its venerable longevity and continues to outsell all rivals in the small SUV market.
The updated ASX, which goes on sale in Australia this week, with the campaign “built to pack life in”, reinforces its important position in the Mitsubishi SUV range. The new ASX introduces a number of upgrades to exterior and interior styling and overall functionality.
Connecting it to its larger SUV siblings, Outlander and Eclipse Cross, the ASX continues its use of the Mitsubishi Dynamic Shield design, with black and chrome finishes added to the new-shape front bumper and grille.
A choice of a more powerful ASX
Available in both 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre engines, the ASX delivers as much power and torque as most people seem to need. Mitsubishi’s MIVEC technology allows the engine to combine fuel efficiency with optimum on-road performance, and the CVT is tuned to deliver effortless acceleration.
The ASX Exceed and the new GSR model benefit from a 2.4-litre engine, offering drivers 12 percent more power than the 2.0-litre engine (123kW vs 110kW) and 13 percent more torque (222Nm vs 197Nm), which has a positive impact on performance.
Both the 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre ASXs retain the MacPherson front struts and a multilink rear arrangement, which is optimized for comfort even on rough roads.
For handling and safety, Active Stability Control (ASC) is standard across the range. Further enhancing the safety of the new ASX is standard Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) on all models.
Improved experience
A new eight-inch smartphone display system, increased from the previous seven-inch version, connects to a new infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and DAB radio. The Exceed model also gains a Rockford Premium Audio system and TomTom navigation.
The ASX retains its versatile cargo area, which means you can bring everything you need, even with five occupants inside. The wide tailgate opening and low cargo floor make the loading and unloading fuss-free.
Additional styling, available in the GSR model, includes black cloth headlining, microsuede and leather-look seats with red stitching, and the addition of a sports rear spoiler. The Exceed model has leather seats.
Safety technologies
The ASX has picked up some of the company’s latest safety technology to help prevent accidents or mitigate the effects should a collision occur. Electrochromatic rear view mirror and Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), previously part of the ASX with ADAS package, are now standard across the range. The FCM system detects obstructions ahead and issues a visual and audible alert when there is a danger of a collision, automatically applying the brakes to either avoid a collision or reduce the impact.
The ASX ES customers can order the ADAS package for $2500 extra, with additional features, including lane departure warning, auto high beam, reverse sensors, blind spot warning, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert
The ASX has comprehensive passive safety architecture based on the Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) impact safety body and seven SRS airbag arrangement. It also has an Emergency Stop Signal System, which automatically flashes the hazard lights to warn the driver behind when sudden braking is detected at a speed above 55km/h.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Deputy Director, Marketing and Operations Derek McIlroy said “The ASX is one of the most important cars in the Mitsubishi range. It has managed to outperform a number of its peers as one of the best cars in the segment. One of the reasons for this is that it has evolved with changes to interior and exterior styling, the addition of safety technologies and now the introduction of the 2.4-litre to the ASX range. We aim to ensure the ASX continues to meet the demands of our customers, allowing them to pack life in.”
Availability
The ASX ES, LS and Exceed are available in Australia now, and the MR and GSR will arrive in showrooms in December due to production timelines.
Pricing
| MODEL | ENGINE TYPE | TRANSMISSION | Drive Away Price |
| ES | 2.0L D4 MPI | 5MT | $24,990 |
| ES | 2.0L D4 MPI | CVT | $26,740 |
| ADAS PACK | $2500 | ||
| MR | 2.0L D4 MPI | CVT | Available from Dec. 2019 |
| LS | 2.0L D4 MPI | CVT | $30,240 |
| GSR | 2.4L D4 MPI | CVT | Available from Dec. 2019 |
| EXCEED | 2.4L D4 MPI | CVT | $35,740 |
2020 ASX SPECIFICATION OVERVIEW
ASX ES
- 2.0-litre MPI MIVEC Engine
- 5 speed manual or CVT
- Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM)
- 7 airbags
- Active Stability Control
- Traction control
- Hill start assist
- 18-inch Alloy wheels
- LED headlamps with integrated Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
- LED brake, tail and reverse lamps
- Rear spoiler with LED stop lamp
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Single zone climate control
- Cruise control
- Door mirrors with electric fold control
- 8-inch smartphone touchscreen audio
- DAB radio
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Electrochromatic rear view mirror
- Reverse Camera
ADAS safety pack
Additional features
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Change Assist
- Blind Spot Warning
- Reverse Sensors
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Auto High Beam
- Front Fog lamps
- Door mirrors with turn indicator
- Rain sensing wipers
- Dusk sensing headlamps
ASX LS
Key specifications over ES with ADAS pack
- Smart key and one touch start
- Roof rails
- Privacy glass
- Chrome interior door handles
ASX Exceed
Key specifications over LS
- 2.4-litre MPI MIVEC engine
- Two tone 18-inch alloy wheels
- Dark argent radiator grille
- Auto headlamp levelling
- Panoramic roof
- Leather appointed seats
- Heated seats
- Driver 4-way power seat
- TomTom navigation
- Rockford Fosgate Premium audio with 9 speakers
SPORTS RANGE
ASX MR
Key specifications over ES
- Black alloy wheels
- Black door mirrors
- Black grille
- Privacy Glass
- Front Fog lamps
- Leather appointed steering wheel, shift knob & park brake with red stitch
- Aluminium pedals
- Smart key with one touch start
ASX GSR
Key specifications over MR
- 2.4-litre MPI MIVEC engine
- Sports rear spoiler
- Paddle shift
- Micro suede and synthetic leather seating
- Black interior headlining
- 6 speakers
Colours:
White
Starlight
Sterling silver
Black
Lightning blue
Titanium
Red diamond
Sunshine orange (GSR and Exceed only)
Accessories
Three accessories packs are available that deliver a discount over individual pricing. All pricing includes fitment and GST.
| Adventure kit | Protection pack | Style set |
| Roof rack cross bars | Outer scuff plates | Alloy fuel lid |
| Bonnet protector | Bonnet protector | Front skid plate |
| Headlight protectors | Headlight protector | Rear skid plate |
| Nudge bar | Weather shield | Tailgate protector |
| Cargo liner | Cargo liner | Chrome door handle |
| Boot flap scuff guard | Carpet mats | Silver door mirror cover |
| Price: $1,699RRP Save: $279.88 off individual pricing. |
Price: $999RRP Save: $230.84 off individual pricing. |
Price: $2,199RRP Save: $441.66 off individual pricing. |
seniordriveraus will be testing the new ASX in coming weeks and bring you a comprehensive review including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.