Mitsubishi’s popular compact crossover, the Mitsubishi ASX, is getting a refreshed look for the 2017 model year. In addition to the company’s new Dynamic Shield design language, the Mitsubishi ASX range now includes a new 2.0 MIVEC six-speed CVT derivative coming in at under R400 000.
Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors 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.”
The new 2017 Mitsubishi ASX, which goes on sale immediately, is the first model in South Africa to feature the company’s new Dynamic Shield design language. The striking new design is centred around a new front grille, which is significantly more prominent than that of its predecessor and will soon be seen on other models, such as the new Mitsubishi Outlander and the much anticipated new Pajero Sport.
The Dynamic Shield grille combines the previously distinctive ‘Safety’ and ‘Performance’ treatments of the Mitsubishi front-end design. Models such as the Pajero have always been styled to appear imposing, whilst still conveying a sense of safety and protection. The ASX and Outlander, on the other hand, feature a grille with a more aggressive and sporty design.
In the ASX, 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 eye-catching chrome details that widen towards the middle of the Dynamic Shield grille. 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.
Mitsubishi is using the introduction of its new design language to effect other, smaller tweaks, while the popular items and high specification level remain unchanged. 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. This engine is equipped with Mitsubishi’s Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control System (MIVEC) and multi-point injection that produces 110 kW at 6 000 rpm and 197 Nm of torque at 4 200 rpm. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox or CVT transmission with six pre-programmed gear steps.
The 2.0 MIVEC engine is well known for being very fuel efficient, with an average fuel consumption of 7.5 litres / 100 km for the manual models and 7.6 litres for the CVT equipped versions. Fitted with a 63 litre tank, this gives the ASX a range of around 800 km.
Mitsubishi’s popular CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) offers drivers the smooth comfort of an automatic gearbox, but with fuel efficiency similar to a manual vehicle. In short: a CVT transmission is designed to be more sensitive than a standard automatic gearbox and optimises engine output to deliver the best possible fuel consumption under all driving conditions.
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).
In the new 2.0 ASX GL CVT this means unsurpassed value for a price tag under R400 000.
In addition to the above-mentioned specification, the Mitsubishi GLS derivatives feature LED running lights, electronic active stability and traction control (ASTC) and hill start assist (HSA) as standard.
Luxury features abound in the ASX, including Bluetooth with voice control, cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel, electric windows, air conditioning, rain-sensing wipers, rear park distance control and automatic 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.
Over and above all these luxuries, two 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 1,193 litres of storage space with the rear seats lowered and its 195mm ground clearance. ASX is sold with a comprehensive 5-year / 90 000 km service plan and 3-year / 100 000 km manufacturer’s 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.”
Range and pricing:
2.0 MIVEC GL 5-speed M/T R364,900
2.0 MIVEC GL 6-speed CVT R399,900
2.0 MIVEC GLX 5-speed M/T R399,900
2.0 MIVEC GLS 5-speed M/T RF R414,900
2.0 MIVEC GLS 6-speed CVT RF R434,900
