ASX prepares for mini-SUV battle
Minor update for Mitsubishi’s small SUV to improve refinement, visual appeal and standard featuresMitsubishi has announced an upgraded 2015 model year ASX, bringing improvements to the compact SUV’s fuel economy, driveability and standard equipment levels.
While prices remain unchanged, starting at $24,990 and topping out at $36,490, Mitsubishi hopes the changes will maintain the ASX’s competitiveness in the ever-growing small SUV segment.
Chief among them are upgrades for the automatic continuously variable transmission, with petrol-powered CVT models claimed to deliver lower noise, vibration and harshness levels, while improving fuel economy and "acceleration feel".
Mitsubishi claims a four per cent reduction in fuel consumption, to 7.4L/100km for 2.0-litre CVT petrol models.
It also says the 2015 ASX is "quieter, smoother and more refined" and that minor chassis changes bring "better on-road performance thanks to improved ride comfort, handling stability and sharper, more responsive steering feel".
Standard features on the entry-level ASX have been expanded to include new-look 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lamps, black roof rails, chrome accents inside and out, tinted windows and emergency stop signalling.
The colour Lightning Blue has been added the ASX range too.
Competition in the compact SUV segment has increased dramatically in the past year with arrival of several new and affordable mainstream models, including the Ford EcoSport (from $20,790) and Holden Trax ($23,490).
So far in 2014 the Mitsubishi ASX has racked up 2426 sales, making it fourth most popular vehicle in the 18-vehicle small SUV segment, according to VFACTS national registration data.
It lags behind the Hyundai ix35 (5870), Subaru XV (3529), and Nissan Dualis (2751).
Citroen and Peugeot sell compact SUVs based on the Mitsubishi ASX, the C4 Aircross and 2008 respectively, both of which sell in comparatively small numbers in this country.
Skoda has just released an upgraded Yeti, while Nissan is preparing to launch its all-new Dualis replacement, the Qashqai, in July.
2015 Mitsubishi ASX pricing (plus on-road costs):
LS 2WD 2.0-litre petrol -- $24,990
LS 2WD 2.0-litre petrol CVT -- $26,990
LS 4WD 2.2-litre diesel auto -- $31,990
XLS 2WD 2.0-litre petrol CVT -- $31,490
XLS 4WD 2.2-litre diesel auto -- $36,490
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