The new Mitsubishi ASX? This is bad photoshop for Captur
No, believe it or not, but this is a real Mitsubishi, which could soon be admired by all dealers of the brand. For those who don’t believe it, the Japanese have noticeably written on the back. And more change like the logo on the nose and the wheels and uh…. No, it actually was.
Mitsubishi ASX
It’s weird….
Well, this is not unique of course. For example, the current Mazda 2 Hybrid has nothing to do with Mazda’s design language, as it is simply a Toyota Yaris. And Suzuki Swace and xxx are very easy to recognize as Toyotas. In the past, there were also enough examples of its creation, such as Renault Kadjar (Qashqai). Exeo Seat (Audi A4) f Lancia Voyager (Chrysler… fill it up). The most striking example, of course, is the duo Peugeot 4007/8 and a Citroën C-Crosser based on the Outlander and ASX of the time. More energy was put into these models at the time than the new ASX, which is really a copy minus the logos.
Mitsubishi ASX
But why does Mitsubishi do this?
Mitsubishi needed all the financial resources to invest massively in electrification, so developing a successor to the ASX itself was not an option. The choice was then internally easy: either we stop at the extremely popular segment of compact SUVs, or we look inside the Renault-Nissan Alliance, of which Mitsubishi is a part, and what we can use it for. This way you have a more complete range and can also offer an alternative to your current ASX drivers. It probably isn’t to everyone’s taste, but enough customers are so loyal to a brand or dealer that otherwise they’d walk into a Ford, Kia, or Renault already.
And how does this ASX drive?
Not surprisingly, like Captur. Lots of comfort with good handling. That is, the light direct steering communicates a little and the eco-compound tires can’t handle much, otherwise some dynamics might be possible, because the chassis is so good. Former ASX drivers may miss the inconsequential driving of their car, you won’t find that squeaky cleanness of the old ASX in the Captur, which is a bit more refined and woolly.
Mitsubishi ASX
So we already know the engines?
bingo! Same four options as Captur. 1.0 and 1.3 turbo engine, plug-in hybrid drive. PHEV is still a rarity in this segment, and it’s a nice USP. However, we drove the “normal” hybrid, which, given its low practicality and low price, is the car to choose if this option is financially feasible. The system is very complex: the car has two electric motors: one of them works as a starter / generator and already has more than 20 hp. Plus, you get a larger electric motor with 49 horsepower. The car always uses it to get away. The 1.6 atmosphere is then used to generate power using the micro-generator. But if engine power is also needed, it’s linked to the large electric motor via a four-speed automatic transmission without clutch or torque converter, and done at a speed of at least 55 km/h. The electric motor then ensures that the revs are even. Since the big electric motor even has two gears of its own, in practice you have eight gears constantly working to deliver power to the wheels as efficiently as possible. You can’t control it yourself, so it sometimes takes a while before the car picks up speed when you hit full throttle. In a somewhat more dynamic car like the Clio we find that to be a bigger problem than in the Mitsubishi ASX, but it takes some getting used to.
Dare we ask on the inside?
It’s a filling exercise, here too everything is the same as in Renault. The car is spacious for its class with a nice back seat and luggage space of 330 liters. Optionally, the sofa can also be slid out to vary the space. Always helpful. The cockpit is identical to what we know from Renault with reasonable ergonomics and a modern multimedia system, which Renault has significantly improved in recent years. The big screen is reserved for the more expensive versions.
Speaking of expensive, the Mitsubishi ASX will be cheaper than the Captur?
Hello. The ASX is a little more expensive with its starting price, but also richer in equipment. Hence it is difficult to compare the cars because Mitsubishi only works with the standard versions and Renault also offers separate options. Anyway, it’s not much different, with some versions like the richly equipped first you’re a little better with the ASX. And the Japanese have one last trump card: the ASX, like all other Mitsubishis, comes with a five-year warranty. And you can forget about it with Renault. Nice if you, as a private buyer, want to use your car for a long time.
Anything else we should know?
Well, it’s not just the ASX, the Japanese will also unveil a new Mitsubishi Colt later this year. Anyone who wants to know what it’s like can also go to a Renault dealer. Look at Cleo, close your eyes and voila, that new Colt.