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• Exterior enhancements for ASX
• Revised CVT cuts fuel consumption
• ASX success 'to continue in SA'
The Mitsubishi ASX compact crossover has been re-launched with design and equipment updates "to enhance value and stay in line with market trends".
The ASX (active smart crossover, in case you hadn't guessed) now has, the automaker says, a sleeker exterior and "an improved centre console design and a more upmarket feel to the cabin".
IMAGE GALLERY: 2015 Mitsubishi ASX
All derivatives get black roof rails, chromed highlights inside and out, tinted glass and emergency-stop flashing brake lights. The GLX and GLS derivatives take new diode daytime running lights, redesigned front fog light surrounds and new 17” alloy rims. There’s also a new blue paint colour.
On the mechanical side, says Mitsubishi, there's an updated constantly variable transmission "to enhance driveability" and reduce fuel consumption in the "automatic" model.
Mitsubishi SA's Wynand Pretorius told Wheelsl24: "The ASX was launched in SA in 2011 into a new market for Mitsubishi in which our SUV roots could be experienced by a new buying audience for the brand.
"The ASX has done well for us; with the 2015 model year enhancements is set to continue to competitively attract younger, more upwardly-mobile, buyers - it's a vehicle which has SUV appeal and driving style valued so highly by South Africans, wrapped in the compact proportions and easy-to-drive nature most commonly experienced in compact hatchbacks."
UNDER THE BONNET
The ASX is a five-model range: GL, GLX and GLS derivatives, each powered by a two-litre, non-turbo, petrol engine capable of 110kW at 6000rpm and 197Nm at 4200pm. Each is front-wheel drive; three have a five-speed manual gearbox, alongside the two range-topping GLS with their "automatic" continuously variable transmission that simulates a six-speed auto.
For 2015 the CVT, in particular, will get extra attention, Mitsubishi says. A wider-spectrum lock-up range is said to be a pleasure to drive and and have better fuel economy due to the bigger selection of theoretical 'gear ratios' available to the driver in auto mode, adapting to the driver's input and driving style.
Manual shift mode is still available.
Mitsubishi claims an average of 7.5 litres/100km on the combined cycle with carbon emissions of 175g/km. CVT is 7.4 litres/100km and 178g/km.
The ASX has a five-star Euro Ncap and Ancap rating thanks to seven air bags, anti-lco brakes, a reinforced shell with whiplash-mitigating seats, a collapsible steering column and brake pedal recession protection. The electric power steering has an anti-backlash system for safer control.
STANDARD GOODIES
ASX 2.0 GL: Auto headlights and wipers, diode tail lights, rear spoiler, front fog lights, 16” wheels, power windows and external mirrors, multi-function leather-bound steering wheel with rake and reach adjustment, air con, cruise control, trip data computer, rear parking sensors, key-fob central locking and a six-speaker multi-media audio system with voice control.
ASX 2.0 GLX: GL add 17” alloy rims, glass roof with switchable LED illumination, leather upholstery, power driver's seat adjustment, heatable front seats and external mirrors, auto aicon, touch screen radio, reversing camera and keyless operation system with one-touch start.
ASX 2.0 GLS: GLX add HID headlights (CVT models only), auto-dimming mirror with puddle lights, stability and traction control and hill-start assistance. The GLS manual is available with a nine-speaker RockfordFosgate premium audio system – optional with CVT.
All derivatives in the Mitsubishi ASX range come with a three-year or 100 000km warranty and a five-year or 90 000km service plan. Service intervals 15 000km.
PRICES
ASX 2.0 GL - R299 900
ASX 2.0 GLX - R329 900
ASX 2.0 GLS with RockfordFosgate - R342 900
ASX 2.0 GLS CVT R354 900
ASX 2.0 GLS CVT with RockfordFosgate - R364 900
