Mitsubishi launches ASX
The new Mitsubishi ASX will be here later in the year.
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Wednesday March 10 2010
MITSUBISHI Motors Corporation (MMC) is premiering the all-new ASX compact crossover at this week's 80th Geneva International Motor Show.
The ASX is the European version of the Japanese RVR, which went on sale in February. MMC's new compact crossover will seat 5 and will be introduced in European countries from late spring 2010, with the Irish launch scheduled for September.
The vehicle will join the compact crossover segment that has been growing steadily over the last three years and now accounts for nearly 6% of all sales in Ireland.
The 2WD ASX will compete against the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008 and Skoda Yeti.
The ASX will launch in Ireland with two brand new engine formats. They are: A 1.8L Euro 5-compliant turbocharged directinjection diesel engine jointly developed by MMC and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries; A 1.6L low emission petrol engine. Model line-up, pricing and specification for the Irish market will be announced in early summer.The latest vehicle developed from MMC's Project Global mid-size platform, ASX aims to blend the best of two of Mitsubishi's most recognisible and iconic vehicles – the driving characteristics of the Lancer and the commanding driving position of the Outlander. The carries most of Outlander's lower structure as well as the basic architecture of its chassis (MacPherson front suspension and multi-link rear suspension), which is tuned for this lighter and more compact 2WD vehicle.
A notable feature is the introduction of an electric power steering mechanism to further lower emissions, which is also fitted with both tilt and telescopic adjustments, the latter being a first for Mitsubishi Motors' current range of vehicles.
On the outside, the front jet fighter grille merges with a sculptured bonnet featuring a double bulge: this serves the dual purpose of contributing to better pedestrian safety and making the body more visible to the driver, thus improving maneuverability.
As with the exterior, the ASX's cabin is both stylish and comfortable with everything positioned within easy and intuitive reach of the driver and characterised by the vehicles optional panoramic glass roof (a first for a Mitsubishi vehicle), which will be framed by an ambient 'moonlight' LED lighting system.
