Mitsubishi: First photos and details of the next ASX
COMEBACK Just two years ago, Mitsubishi announced that it no longer intended to develop new models for Europe. Now, however, the Japanese have presented their new ASX.
With almost 380,000 models sold, the first generation was a sales hit on this continent. The new generation was developed in collaboration with alliance partner Renault and therefore probably looks similar to a well-known crossover, the Captur.
Development specifically for markets in Europe
The new ASX was developed specifically for European markets and is based on the CMF-B platform of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. The new ASX offers a wide range of powertrain options, including plug-in hybrid (PHEV), full hybrid (HEV) and mild hybrid.
Frank Krol, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Europe, said, "SUV growth and electrification are the dominant trends in the European market, and this will continue - as an electric SUV with a complete package of advanced technology and infotainment features, the new ASX is perfectly suited for Europe."
Driver-oriented layout of the cockpit
Body, dimensions, interior, engines and drive technology - everything is taken almost one-to-one from the Captur. Even the Dynamic Shield front design looks confusingly similar to the Renault radiator grille. The only difference is that instead of Renault's diamonds, Mitsubishi's three-diamond logo can be seen and the brand name is emblazoned on the tailgate in thick letters instead of the model name.
The interior of the 4.23-meter-long ASX also features the familiar driver-oriented cockpit layout with corresponding dashboards and infotainment systems. The center-mounted Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA), which is called Easy Link in Renault, also catches the eye here.
Six-speed manual transmission or automatic
The ASX starts with a three-cylinder gasoline engine with a displacement of one liter and 91 hp, which is put on the road via a 6-speed manual transmission. Above that ranks a 1.3-liter turbo four-cylinder gasoline engine with direct injection plus mild hybrid system with belt-driven starter-generator, which develops either 140 hp or 158 hp. Customers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT).
Full-fledged hybrids are then available with the 1.6-liter gasoline engine, with which Mitsubishi is celebrating two premieres in Europe. A full hybrid version HEV with 143 hp (105 KW), which combines two electric motors with an automatic multi-mode transmission. And a 117 kW (160 hp) plug-in hybrid, in which the drive battery stores 10.5 kWh of electricity, which can be used to cover just under 50 kilometers in pure electric mode.
Many safety systems are standard
In terms of passive and active safety, the Japanese again benefit from the systems of the French, including front and side airbags for driver and front passenger, head airbags on each side, anti-whiplash head restraints and the standard rear-end collision warning system with emergency brake assist.
Other standard driving assistants include active lane departure warning, cruise control, traffic sign recognition, automatic speed control, parking aids and a rearview camera. In the higher trim levels, blind spot assist, active lane departure warning, speed warning, adaptive cruise control (with stop-start function) and high beam assist are also available.
