Refreshed Mitsubishi ASX arrives in SA: Details, prices

[FearLess]

Cape Town - Mitsubishi’s po[CENSORED]r compact crossover, the ASX, receives a facelift for 2017. In addition to the company’s new Dynamic Shield design language, the ASX range now includes a new 2.0 MIVEC six-speed CVT derivative.

The striking new design is centred around a new front grille soon to be used by other Mitsubishi models such as the new Mitsubishi Outlander and the new Pajero Sport.

Design tweaks

The Dynamic Shield grille connects the upper and lower sections of the bumper into one single air intake. The black section of the intake links the headlights and fog lights, and is surrounded by chromed details. The grille is rounded off by a lower chromed section, which mimics the design of a strike plate and hints at the ASX’s SUV family tree.

Nic Campbell, general manager of Mitsubishi South Africa, states: “We have to address the current affordability needs of our customers. Today’s economy often forces buyers to opt for lower-spec vehicles, but our new ASX 2.0 GL CVT derivative offers the comfort and efficiency of Mitsubishi’s CVT transmission as well as its impressive standard specification in a truly attractive package. When you consider Mitsubishi’s world-class safety ratings, the new ASX 2.0 GL CVT is easily the best sub R400 000 vehicle on the market.”

Mitsubishi is using the introduction of its new design language to effect other, smaller tweak. Changes to the new ASX include redesigned seat cushions that are fashioned with long-distance passenger comfort as the main priority.

The new Mitsubishi ASX line-up consists of five derivatives all featuring the frugal and highly reliable 2.0 MIVEC petrol engine capable of 110kW/197Nm. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox or CVT transmission.

The 2.0 MIVEC engine is rated at 7.5 litres/100km for the manual versions and 7.6 litres for the CVT-equipped. Fitted with a 63 litre tank, this gives the ASX a range of around 800km.

The ASX is one of the safest vehicles in its class and boasts a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. All ASX models feature Mitsubishi’s proprietary Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body shell, no less than seven airbags, ISOFIX child restraint mountings and a range of dynamic safety systems that include ABS, electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and emergency brake assistance (BAS).

The GLS derivatives feature LED running lights, electronic active stability and traction control (ASTC) and hill-start assist (HSA) as standard.

The ASX is equipped with bluetooth (with voice control), cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel, electric windows, aircon, rain-sensing wipers, rear-park distance control and auto lights as standard on all models. GLX and GLS derivatives also offer a full-length panoramic glass roof, keyless operation, a full colour touch-screen infotainment system, heated leather seats in the front, and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, as well as a rear-view camera.

The GLS derivatives feature powerful Rockford Fosgate sound systems, whilst the CVT version of the GLS boasts high-impact discharge lights.

The Mitsubishi ASX continues to score highly as a practical crossover, thanks to its 1193 litres of storage space with the rear seats lowered and its 195mm ground clearance. ASX is sold with a comprehensive five-year/90 000km service plan and three-year/100 000km warranty.

Campbell concludes: “We are extremely proud of our 92% customer loyalty figure – once people join the Mitsubishi family, they tend to stay. This says more about our brand, our products and our excellent dealer network than we could ever convey in a brochure.”