Mitsubishi open to a wild ASX VR-e Evo

Mitsubishi Australia is open to a more hardcore version of its new ASX VR-e electric SUV – with more power, bigger brakes and a body kit – if the dual-motor GSR proves a hit, with the Foxtron Cavira SUV, a Tesla Model Y rival, also on the radar.

An Evo by any other name … would it smell as sweet? If Mitsubishi’s product planners get their way, we may yet find out.

Asked whether a successful ASX VR-e GSR could convince Mitsubishi to go back to Foxtron with a wish list of more power, a big spoiler, a strut brace, Brembo brakes, a body kit and a suspension tune, Mitsubishi product strategy manager Tim Clarke wouldn’t rule it out.

“We look at what we’ve done in the Triton Ralliart space to try and promote that brand heritage around motorsport that we have. We know the market really connects with that. It’s always front of mind for us,” Clarke said.

“It’s not always accessible with every product. We look at each product on its own merit on whether that would work.”

Which brings us to the obvious name: EV0. With a zero, for the tailpipe emissions number.

Mean and green, fast but frugal. You get the drift.

“At the moment we’re focused on the core model range, as it’s a new space for us [with EVs]. It’s quite different, so we need to make sure we get the fundamentals right,” he said.

“And if it is a success, then we would look to build on that and expand it and create more opportunity for the business.”

That opportunity could also include a bigger sibling.

The ASX VR-e is based on the Foxtron Bria, but Foxtron – a joint venture between Apple iPhone builder Foxconn and Taiwanese car-maker Yulon – also makes the Cavira, a mid-size electric SUV aimed squarely at the Tesla Model Y.

“We’re focused on VR-e for our market. It’s the only vehicle on the Foxtron platform that’s in right-hand drive,” Clarke explained.

“Of course, if there’s a business case and VR-e is successful, then we’ll be looking at potential opportunities.”

Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO Shunichi Kihara said the ASX VR-e is Foxtron’s first export project outside Taiwan, and that Mitsubishi faces no supply cap – volumes will simply follow sales.

Clarke also said Foxtron’s electrical architecture – which he described as “really impressive” – could be applied to other Mitsubishi models if it made sense, while the platform itself is “very flexible” with a scalable wheelbase.

A Model Y fighter would be no small thing, given how many electric SUVs are sold in Australia right now. The Tesla Model Y is also one of Australia’s top-selling vehicles, SUV or not.

On price, the Model Y spans $58,900 (RWD) to $89,400 (Performance) before on-roads, while the Outlander PHEV ranges from $58,990 to $74,490 – a window a Cavira-based Mitsubishi could slot into neatly.

The ASX VR-e range goes on sale by the end of 2026, with pricing due imminently. A hotter EV0 would certainly raise eyebrows while a Cavira-based Mitsubishi is a more likely proposition.

But with Mitsubishi’s sales sliding and Chinese brands charging, a halo car that reprises the Evo name – sort of – could be just the shot in the arm the three diamonds need.

*Lead image AI generated.

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