MITSUBISHI’S LATEST ASX COMPACT SUV FURTHER IMPROVES VALUE-FOR-MONEY PROPOSITION
Mitsubishi Motors SA is continuing to build on its growing reputation for offering quality vehicles at excellent value-for-money prices with the launch of a facelifted and improved range of ASX compact SUVs. (ASX is the acronym for Active Sporty Crossover).
“This market is offering increasing levels of value for money and a continuous stream of new models. With this in mind we are full of confidence in our latest ASX offering, particularly as it has even more value-added features and benefits over its predecessor,” commented the CEO of Mitsubishi Motors SA, Jaco Oosthuizen.
Mitsubishi is faring very well in SA since being established as a standalone brand in the Imperial stable on July 1, 2011, with sales figures showing strong growth. Indeed, Mitsubishi has more than doubled the retail sales volume in that time and launched over 6 derivatives to the market.
The ASX, which was introduced to the SA market in September 2011 has already sold more than 3 500 units locally, with global sales in more than 100 countries already exceeding 380 000 units. The compact SUV was co-developed with several European brands and offers excellent refinement and quality levels. However, the Mitsubishi version of the model is globally the most successful due to the Japanese attention to detail and keen pricing. The Mitsubishi line-up, once dominated by big vehicles built to conquer Dakar, has done very well with the city styling and comfort of the compact ASX.
There are five models in the 2014 model year Mitsubishi ASX range in SA, all front-wheel drive and powered by a two-litre petrol engine, with a choice of five-speed manual or six-step continuously variable transmission (CVT). The well-proven and economical power unit develops 110KW of power at 6 000r/min and 197N.m of torque at 4 200r/min, sipping just 7.5l /100km – a big bonus with the current fuel prices.
The five models are the GL, GLX, a new derivative, the GLS with five-speed manual gearbox and Rockford audio system, GLS with CVT and GLS with CVT with a Rockford Fosgate sound system.
Jaco Oosthuizen says he expects a great deal of interest from buyers in the new GLS model with the manual gearbox and high quality Rockford Fosgate sound system as people buying in this price category – under R350 000 – are looking for a vehicle with all the convenience features as standard, instead of having to specify costly options as is the case with several brands on the local market.
All models now have a dark titanium colour centre panel, an upgraded audio system with four speakers and two tweeters on the GL and GLX models as standard. For the audiophiles there is the option of the Rockford Fosgate system on GLS derivatives, which incorporates a 500W subwoofer plus nine speakers. The audio system is controlled through the steering wheel.
This is all in addition to the wide range of other features that have been carried over from the previous models, including hands free Bluetooth connection to a mobile phone. The Link system is available across the board. Link, is voice controlled, allowing dialling features through software which also has a learning component. The phone is also controllable from the steering wheel. Park distance warning, fog lamps, multi-information display, rear luggage cover over the spacious luggage compartment and leather covered steering wheel and gear knob are also standard across the range. All models now have heated exterior rear view mirrors, cruise control which is controllable from the steering wheel, rain-sensing windscreen wipers and automatic lighting control according to the ambient light.
The comprehensive specification of this new addition to the range puts it on a level with the flagship derivatives of competing compact SUV’s.
There are no differences to the exterior appearance of the Mitsubishi ASX for the 2014 model year, but there are changes to the interior and even higher levels of standard equipment.
In addition the GLX models get a reversing camera with touchscreen radio/CD. The GLS offers HID headlamps (on CVT models), Active Stability Control and now also Electronic Traction Control.
The latest range of ASX models come in a wide choice of colours: Cool Silver Metallic, Quartz Brown Metallic, Red Metallic, Titanium Grey and White Pearl.
As one has come to expect from a Mitsubishi product, the safety levels are very high and the ASX achieved a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP evaluation. Standard safety features include seven airbags, Mitsubishi’s DAKAR developed Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) safety cell, ABS brakes with electronic brake distribution (EBD) and brake assist (BAS), with ISOFIX fittings for child seats.
“We see the ASX as ideal for the modern family, with its seating versatility, spacious interior in a compact package, with the Mitsubishi brand values of quality, durability, reliability and performance, while also being economical to operate,” explained the senior executive of Mitsubishi Motors SA.
“We see the target market as being families with the drivers split between male and female on a 40:60 basis. Most buyers will be 35 years and older in the LSM 9-10 range.”
The Mitsubishi ASX is covered by a 3-year/100 000km warranty and comes with a 5-year/90 000km service plan, with service intervals every 15 000km.
