The new Mitsubishi ASX for the European market

The new Mitsubishi ASX is developed especially for the European market and is based on the CMF-B platform designed within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. The new ASX small SUV offers a wide range of powertrain options, including a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), Full Hybrid (HEV), and Mild Hybrid.

"The growth and electrification of SUVs are the dominant trends in the European market today, and this will continue. With a complete package, the new ASX (Active Sports X-over) is a perfect fit for the European market," said Frank Krol, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Europe.

Similar to the Renault Captur, the new small SUV's design incorporates Mitsubishi Motors' 'Dynamic Shield' theme, inducing robustness and dynamism while highlighting the Japanese brand's iconic three-diamond logo.

The side profile combines a flowing silhouette with a sporty touch, with 17- or 18-inch wheels giving the model a firm stance. The rear part completes the sporty versatility of the design. From launch, the car will be available in six colors, combined with a black roof on top trims.

Equipped with the latest infotainment technology, the interior of the new ASX combines style and comfort with space and versatility, as well as a boot capacity of 332 liters (VDA), which increases by a further 69 liters thanks to the forward sliding of the rear seats.

The keyless entry system simplifies access to the Mitsubishi ASX, standard on all trims except the entry-level version. When the driver approaches within about one meter of the vehicle, the system detects the Hands-Free card and automatically unlocks the doors. Similarly, when leaving the car – as soon as the Hands-Free card passes beyond the one-meter radius of the vehicle and can no longer be detected, the system automatically locks the doors.

Inside, a selection of fabric and leather trims are available depending on the version. The centrally mounted Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) system acts as the primary interface between the driver and the vehicle's systems. The SDA comes in seven-inch (landscape) and 9.3-inch (portrait) formats with wireless smartphone replication (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) as standard. The full versions also offer a BOSE audio system.

Higher trim levels include built-in 3D navigation and customization options, from user profiles and widgets to driving modes via the Multi-Sense system.

There are also customization possibilities for the instrument cluster. Three levels of instrument clusters are available on the new ASX: from the analog group that integrates a 4.2-inch screen to the mid-level configurable digital collection with a 7-inch screen, to the fully customizable 10-inch digital driver display, which also presents navigation instructions.

The Multi-Sense system allows the driver to customize steering response, dynamic chassis control, and traction power delivery in three modes – ECO, Pure, and Sport.

Available on the top, HEV, and PHEV versions of the ASX, the MI-PILOT (Mitsubishi Intelligent – PILOT) system combines the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Centering Assist (LCA) techniques.

The Dynamic Chassis Control function interprets the cornering situation and, if necessary, can brake each wheel individually to help improve trajectory and exit corners safely. The Mitsubishi ASX small SUV is equipped with a full range of standard passive safety features, including front and side airbags for driver and passenger, two curtain airbags on each side, seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, active head restraints, and anchor points for the child seat.

Pedestrian protection is enhanced thanks to the standard Front Collision Mitigation (FCM) system. At the same time, the bonnet, front bumper, headlights, and lower windscreen area are specially adapted to reduce the likelihood of injury.

The model also offers a full suite of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) functions for maximum safety and peace of mind.

Standard on all models, the car has Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Protection (FCM), Distance Warning, Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Control cruise control, parking sensors, and a rearview camera.

The higher specification models also feature Blind Spot Warning, Lane Centering Assist, Overspeed Prevention, Adaptive Cruise Control (with Stop & Go), and Automatic High Beam.

For customers needing more performance, a 1.3-liter direct injection turbo engine (1.3L DI-T) is paired with a Mild Hybrid system that incorporates a starter generator coupled to a 12V lithium-ion battery, allowing energy recovery in the deceleration phase and in the braking phase and electric torque assistance. Clients can select between a six-speed manual transmission and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (7DCT).

The new generation ASX will be the first Mitsubishi model in Europe with a complete hybrid system (HEV) that combines a 1.6-liter petrol unit with two electric motors and an automatic, multi-mode gearbox.

At the top of the range will be the Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) version. The PHEV system, with a 1.6-liter petrol engine paired with two electric motors and a 10.5 kWh battery, is unique to the Alliance in the B-SUV segment, with the new-generation Mitsubishi ASX, therefore, following in the PHEV x SUV footsteps of Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV models.

According to Mitsubishi officials, all powertrains will be available from its launch in March 2023. That's also when information about the price range will be made public.