Diesel auto adds to ASX appeal
Mitsubishi looks for significant sales boost from self-shifting small SUVMitsubishi has launched a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel automatic transmission version of its ASX small SUV, with an entry-level recommended retail price of $31,990 making it one of the cheapest offerings in the class.
Previously, the only turbo-diesel ASX was a high-specification grade 1.8-litre manual all-wheel drive priced at $34,990. It is now likely to be phased out of the lineup later this year when a minor model year 2014 update arrives.
The combination of 2.2-litre engine, six-speed auto and on-demand all-wheel drive is also being offered with a top-spec Aspire ASX priced at $36,490. Otherwise the rest of the ASX range, which is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to either a five-speed manual or CVT and front or all-wheel drive remains mechanically unchanged.
Pricing starts at $25,990 for the front-wheel drive petrol-manual. There is no front-wheel drive diesel ASX. Full pricing for the range is listed at the bottom of this story.
Mitsubishi is hopeful the diesel-auto will add about 150 to 200 sales per month to ASX, taking it up to around 700 sales per month.
This is still well shy of the ASX’s closest rival, the Nissan Dualis, which has averaged more than 1100 sales per month this year (2013). The Nissan’s sole diesel model, a 1.6-litre manual-only front-wheel drive, undercuts the cheapest ASX diesel by $2000. Other similarly sized diesel rivals such as the Skoda Yeti and Volkswagen Tiguan are more expensive than the ASX.
The ASXs new intercooled engine (which should arguably be designated as a 2.3-litre -- it measures 2268cc) and the INVECS II six-speed auto are already seen in Australia in the seven-seat Outlander medium SUV.
Power and torque outputs are 110kW at 3500rpm and 360Nm between 1500-2750rpm. The claimed combined fuel economy is 5.8L/100km, equating to a CO2 output of just 153g CO2/km.
That’s just 0.1L/100km higher than the 1.8-litre turbo-diesel manual, while the thriftiest of the petrol ASX models is the 7.7L/100km base model manual.
Vital measures include a 1530kg kerb weight and a 1400kg braked towing capacity.
Like all ASXs, which underwent a sizeable visual and suspension update for model year 2013 last December, the two new diesel include a five star ANCAP rating, seven airbags (including a driver’s knee bag), stability and traction control, anti-lock braking with electronic brakeforce distribution, smart brake and hill start control.
Comfort features include climate control air-conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless locking, power windows and 60/40 spit fold rear seats which expands the loading area from 416 litres to 1158 litres (base) or 1109 litres (Aspire).
The base models ride on 16-inch alloys and the Aspire 17-inch wheels and rubber. A temporary use spare is standard.
The Aspire adds leather seat trim, smart key entry and start, a power driver’s seat, heated front seats and a panoramic roof.
Both the new diesel models gain standard rear view camera with parking reference lines, while the Aspire version gets a seven-inch touch screen and standard sat-nav.
ASX pricing as of July 2013:
ASX 2WD 5MT $25,990
ASX 2WD CVT $28,240
ASX 2WD Aspire 5MT $28,990
ASX 2WD Aspire CVT $31,240
ASX 4WD 2.2L Turbo Diesel 6AT $31,990
ASX 4WD Aspire 1.8L Turbo Diesel 6MT $34,990
ASX 4WD Aspire CVT $34,990
ASX 4WD Aspire 2.2 Turbo Diesel 6AT $36,490
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