Since its launch in September 2010, the Mitsubishi ASX has firmly established itself as a serious competitor to the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai iX35, and the KIA Sportage in the Crossover segment, with over 250,000 sold worldwide to date.
Building on this solid foundation, the new ASX arrives in the Irish market sporting a heavily revised front and rear, increased levels of standard equipment, improved economy, and a revised suspension.
It comes with a choice of two economical engines, a 1.6L petrol and a 1.8L diesel (both Band B2 ), top of class safety features and buckets of room. And the ASX comes with a market leading eight year warranty as standard.
The arrival of the new ASX follows the recent launch of the all-new Outlander and Space Star, and is part of a comprehensive product plan from Mitsubishi Motors which will see four new passenger car models launched over 15 months.
The new ASX Crossover comes with a choice of two highly equipped models, the 1.6L petrol Instyle and the 1.8L diesel Instyle.
The 1.6L petrol is priced at €23,950 and the 1.8L diesel at €26,950, both in Band B2 with €280 annual road tax.
Both the 1.6L petrol and 1.8L diesel models come with one highly equipped trim level with over forty safety, styling, and comfort features as standard.
This includes cruise control, Bluetooth with voice control, remote audio controls, automatic air conditioning, privacy glass, fog lights, electric/heated door mirrors, hill start assist, and a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel.
The outgoing ASX achieved a five-star EURO NCAP safety rating through one of the most comprehensive safety packages of any vehicle in the segment. The new ASX aims to build on this class leading package.
To limit the effect of impacts from all directions, the ASX’s body incorporates:
High-tensile steel to reduce weight and increase stiffness.
Shape optimisation of the octagonal-section straight front side members for better energy absorption.
Triple-leg bearing structure, linking the rear end of the front side member with the dash cross centre and lower members, to efficiently disperse frontal impact energy.
Reinforced body construction, which helps to absorb crash energy.
All of these measures complement Mitsubishi’s RISE (reinforced impact safety evolution ) uni-body, which brings dramatic advances in multi-directional impact safety performance. As a fundamental starting point, this design disperses energy loads during side and rear impacts and controls distortion, enhancing occupant protection, and also helping to protect the fuel system during a rear impact.
Other passive safety features include: brake pedal push-prevention system and whiplash reducing seating that limits head tilt.
For optimum pedestrian protection, the front bumper, bonnet, fenders, and cowling all employ impact energy absorbing structures. These elements provide an effective crumpling zone without affecting the strength or flexibility of the body. The internal structure of the front bumper is designed to provide an energy-absorbing zone, while the placement of appropriate material and a lower bumper beam reduces pedestrian leg injury.
This latest ASX sports a reshaped front face with a softer outline which reflects the gradual transformation of Mitsubishi’s design language. Likewise, the rear bumper has been refreshed to complement the redesigned front face.
On the inside, the new ASX sports a new interior fabric design, chrome detailing throughout the cabin and significant levels of additional equipment.
Under the skin, the new ASX houses a revised rear multi-link suspension for improved handling and ride comfort.
The ASX will be available with the choice of two extremely efficient and economical engines - a 1.6L 16v MIVEC petrol engine and 1.8L 16v four-cylinder common rail direct injection diesel engine.
Available with a choice of petrol or diesel engines, the new 1.8-litre diesel engine benefits from a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy. This results in Band B2 classification for both models with annual road tax of €280.
With class-leading economy and emissions, in line with Mitsubishi’s environmental aspirations, the 116PS 1.8-litre DiD now achieves 55.4mpg (up from 49.6mpg ) and 137g/km (down from 150g/km ) on the official combined cycle, with the 1.6-litre petrol engine achieving CO2 emissions of 137g/km (down from 139g/km ).
Every aspect of the ASX has been engineered with its environmental performance in mind, to help create not just an enjoyable, versatile family vehicle, but a responsible one too.
Mitsubishi cars already enjoy a strong reputation for reliability and value for money, supported by a three year manufacturer warranty. Now, to give customers the same confidence in their purchase that Mitsubishi Motors in Ireland already has, Mitsubishi Motors Dealers, in conjunction with Mitsubishi Motors Ireland, are now offering an extended warranty resulting in cover of eight years or 150,000km (whichever comes first ) as standard on all passenger cars, which is fully transferable to a new owner at any point during the cover period.
