Since its launch in 2009, Mitsubishi Motors has sold 1.32m ASX models overall in around 90 different countries. The biggest markets are North America, Europe, Australia and China and, as the ASX is one of the key models in Mitsubishi’s global strategy, it helps that it is currently the third-highest selling vehicle in the line-up.
The exterior design has undergone a comprehensive redesign, under a philosophy of ‘robust and ingenious’, which is also an extension of Mitsu’s global tagline ‘Drive your Ambition’. Interestingly, the ASX is a compact SUV that the company insists is designed for the city. Yet, as it offers wider-ranging versatility, it is also perfect for everyday use, as well as to indulge in exciting adventures. Its lightweight and super-strong bodyshell is combined with commanding driver sightlines that provide the ASX with excellent manoeuvrability and driving quality.
For our market, ASX is powered by a 2.0-litre 16-valve petrol engine equipped with either a five-speed manual transmission, or the optional CVT (constantly-variable) with six-speed sports mode. Both two and four-wheel-drive versions are available, to take advantage of Mitsubishi’s renown for uncompromising toughness and resilience.
From the front, the revised ASX brings an evolution of the ‘Dynamic Shield’ grille and bumper design already applied to other Mitsubishi models. The bumper wraps around the central outline from both sides and the squared horizontal and vertical line treatment of the grille and the skid plate located below the bumper expresses both innate strength and toughness. A deeper bonnet line adds to the presence projected by the front end, while the distinctive LED lighting layout, which places the indicators and fog lamps at the ends of the bumper, stamps the Mitsubishi brand clearly on the front end of the car.
At the rear, the ASX uses LED combination lamps in a sharply-edged style that stretches across the width of the car, to accentuate its wider and more stable footprint. The skid plate below the rear bumper continues the image of sturdiness projected at the front. Three new colours are added to Mitsubishi’s ASX palette, including Red Diamond, Sunshine Orange and Oak Brown.
The Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) system has been improved and now offers even more advanced connectivity. The size of the display has been increased from seven to eight inches and videos stored on USB memory sticks can also be viewed on the screen, when the vehicle is stopped. Top trim level variants are equipped with a TomTom sat-nav system. Real-time traffic information can be accessed by connecting to the Internet using a smartphone. Also available is an app that utilises speedometer, odometer, warning lamp and other vehicle information, to check fuel remaining and provide navigation to the nearest fuel stations, with guidance on optimum maintenance and inspection intervals.
