Mitsubishi has just presented the new generation of the ASX, a B-SUV that shares the platform (most of the engines and the image) with the Renault Captur and will arrive in Europe in 2023.
After selling around 400,000 units in Europe since its launch, the ASX has finally received a new generation and is preparing to take a prominent place in the Japanese brand’s European range.
The close relationship with the Renault Captur is more than obvious, just look at the exterior image of this Japanese SUV, but it is also noticeable at the platform level, the CMF-B of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, which made this ASX possible. to win key arguments in connectivity, safety and even engines, with the strong focus on electrification standing out.
DO NOT LOSE: Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance to launch 35 new electric cars by 2030
ASX, your face is not strange…
But let’s start with the image, which, as mentioned above, has many points in common with the Renault Captur. In fact, everything is practically the same, with the exception of the front, marked by the Dynamic shield very typical of Mitsubishi models, the logo on the front and the inscription “Mitsubishi” on the tailgate.
In profile, it’s really hard not to confuse this new ASX with the French SUV, as even the rim design is the same for both models. Of course, the three Mitsubishi diamonds appear exactly in the center of the rims, which are available in two sizes: 17” and 18”.
Digital and connected interior
Going to the interior, we soon realize that the whole “atmosphere” is familiar, with the natural exception of the logo of the Japanese manufacturer, which appears in the center of the steering wheel.
ALSO READ: Nissan Juke hybrid. It’s the cheapest, but is it the right Juke to have?
The 10” digital instruments stand out (although there are other, more modest options: an analog panel with a 4.2” screen and a 7” digital panel), the 9.3” central multimedia screen (there is still a small size of 7”) and the numerous storage spaces that we already praised in Captur at the time.
In addition, as you would expect, the new Mitsubishi also excels in connectivity and, in addition to multiple USB ports, it also offers wireless compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and can count on a Bose sound system and navigation. 3D
As for the luggage compartment, Mitsubishi is announcing a payload capacity of 332 liters, a number that can grow to 401 liters with the rear (sliding) seats in the most forward position.
Motorcycles for (almost) all tastes
As for the engines, which were already developed by the three-diamond brand about four months ago, the strong commitment to electrification is confirmed, with the ASX presenting itself with a hybrid engine and another hybrid. plug in.
DO NOT LOSE: Renault Captur RS Line TCe 140 tested. 400 euros less than the TCe 160, but is it the right option?
However, the basis of the range is guaranteed by a three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine, called 1.0L MPI-T, with 91 hp and 160 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.
Just above it appears a turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder, designated 1.3 L DI-T, which can have two power levels: 140 hp and 260 Nm (six-speed manual) and 158 hp and 270 Nm (7DCT dual-clutch transmission) . In both cases, this four-cylinder engine is associated with 12 V mild hybrid technology.
But the biggest bet of this B-SUV, which will be built at Renault’s plant in Valladolid, Spain, alongside the Captur, will be on hybrid engines, making it even the first model of the Japanese brand in Europe with a conventional hybrid (HEV), ie it is not necessary to plug in the mains to charge the battery.
This is the same unit as in the Renault Clio – which we have already had the opportunity to test – which combines a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated combustion engine with two electric motors powered by a 1.3 kWh battery, turning this ASX into 100% electric. mode during specific situations.
The result of this “marriage” is a combined maximum power of 145 hp and a combined maximum torque of 148 Nm.
Hybrid plug in with 160 hp
However, the ASX will also be available with a hybrid powertrain. plug in (PHEV), which uses the same system as in the Renault Captur E-Tech we also tested.
At the base of this version we still find the same 1.6 liter engine as the HEV variant, as well as the same two electric motors, although here the battery has a significantly larger capacity, 10.5 kWh, and presents a higher maximum combined power . 160 hp and 144 Nm. The range in 100% electric mode, which has not been announced, should be around 50 kilometers.
ALSO READ: Renault Captur E-TECH (plug-in hybrid). The cheapest is also the most expensive. It’s worth the effort?
As expected, the new Mitsubishi ASX has neither a diesel engine nor a 100% electric variant.
Wide range of driver assistance systems
The new ASX is also available with an extensive list of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), with all versions fitted as standard with Forward Collision Mitigation System with Pedestrian Protection, Distance Warning, Lane Departure Warning.Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Cruise Control , parking sensors and reversing camera.
In the most equipped versions, we also have Blind Spot Warning, Lane Centering Assist, Excess Speed Prevention, Adaptive Cruise Control (with deceleration and acceleration resume) and Automatic High Beam Activation.
In HEV and PHEV versions with automatic transmission and higher trim levels, the ASX includes the MI-PILOT (Mitsubishi Intelligent – PILOT) system, which combines Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering Assist.
When comes?
The new Mitsubishi ASX will arrive in Portugal in March 2023 and all engines will be available at launch.
Prices for the domestic market are of course not yet known, but Mitsubishi has already confirmed that the ASX will receive a standard 5-year or 100,000 km warranty.
