We test the Mitsubishi ASX: new design, more technology and improved aerodynamics with HEV versions

Mitsubishi Motors has invited us to Rome to see the update/facelift of the ASX, a SUV-B designed specifically for the European market and produced in Spain, with which they aim to increase its sales share by up to 25% compared with last year. With this update, the model has received a more distinctive look than that of its sibling with which it shares its platform, the Renault Captur, as well as important advances in digitalisation, electrification and safety.

The ASX sits in the Mitsubishi range between its bigger sibling the Eclipse Cross PEHV and the new Colt. Last year (2023) they managed to sell 56,000 units of this model, a figure that represents a 3.5% increase in market share over the previous year (2022). They also plan to launch, in 2025, a C-segment SUV with a 100% electric BEV powertrain.

A modern and robust design

The new ASX features a design that stands out for its front end with the Dynamic Shield, characteristic of Mitsubishi, where we find full LED headlights that give it a somewhat more distinctive personality, while gaining aerodynamics and sportiness. Once we get inside, the ASX includes a welcome and farewell sequence with an LED light animation.

Three trim levels are available: the Motion, the Kaiteki and the Kaiteki+. Wheel options include 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, with the larger size exclusive to the higher trim levels. The rear styling is complemented by full LED lights that run across the rear shoulder and the tailgate, and a tailgate bearing the ASX badge and a rear camera positioned halfway up the tailgate.

Five colour options are available, including Royal Blue, Onyx Black, Steel Grey, Crystal White and Sunrise Red. Options with two-tone paintwork are also available, where the roof, the mirror housings and some other details are finished in black.

Cutting-edge technology and connectivity

Digitalisation is one of the biggest additions in this update. It features a 10.4-inch central screen, Google Built-in and apps such as Google Assistant and Google Maps. They have also incorporated the My Mitsubishi Motors app, an easier way for users to obtain real-time information, check their model’s data and control the vehicle from their mobile phone.

The infotainment system includes a high-resolution screen of 960×1280 pixels and a size of 10.4 inches. Drivers can access apps and services directly from the vehicle, using voice commands with Google Assistant or through the My Mitsubishi Motors app, which provides remote services and real-time diagnostics.

The Harman Kardon premium audio system® sounds very good, with neither booming nor reverberation thanks to its 410 W of power. In addition, the vehicle has a digital display for the 7″ or 10″ instrument cluster, which lets us change its look to choose the one we like best.

Electrification and efficiency

The new ASX simplifies electrification with full hybrid (HEV) and mild hybrid (MHEV) powertrain options. The full hybrid system combines a 1.6-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and an intelligent multimode gearbox, offering dynamic traction and low emissions both in town and on the motorway. Its hybrid technology allows it to run in fully electric mode up to 80% of the time in the city with 145 CV of power, reducing kinetic energy losses and delivering impressive consumption of 4 litres/100 km in urban driving, and 5 litres/100 km on the motorway or at somewhat higher speeds.

The mild hybrid option will be available in two versions. It combines a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine with a belt-driven starter-alternator system and a 12 V battery, available with a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (7DCT). This configuration offers a balance between power and efficiency, with CO2 emissions of 130-132 g/km and consumption of 5.7-5.9 litres/100 km. There are two versions of this model: the manual has 140 CV and the automatic version has 160 CV.

For those who still want combustion engines, the ASX includes a 1.0-litre petrol unit with a six-speed manual gearbox, producing 67 kW (90 CV) and 160 Nm of torque, with efficient consumption of 5.8 litres/100 km and emissions of 130 g/km of CO2.

Latest-generation safety

The new ASX stands out for its comprehensive range of safety technologies, both passive and active. The vehicle’s structure is made from high-strength steels, and it features front and side airbags, curtain airbags, and several driver assistance systems introduced on this model.

The active systems include the front collision mitigation system (FCM), cruise control with speed limiter, driver attention monitor, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist, among others. The most advanced automatic versions also include the MI-PILOT system, which combines adaptive cruise control (ACC) and lane centring assist (LCA) for more comfortable and safer driving on long journeys.

Mitsubishi Europe

Mitsubishi is intensifying its presence in Europe and, especially, in Spain with a clear strategy: to reach a 1% market share. To achieve this, the company is adapting its products to the specific demands of the European market, with a line-up that includes five new models launched this year. These models are designed to compete in the most relevant segments of the market and feature the optimal level of electrification.

Between 2023 and 2024, Mitsubishi has experienced a notable growth of 53% in Spain, rising from 1,788 registrations to 2,740. This increase reflects the success of its competitive pricing strategy, which remains at the level of the previous range, making its vehicles more accessible and attractive to consumers.

The range renewal begins with the Space Star and continues with the Colt, the ASX, the Eclipse Cross and the Outlander. These models are designed not only to meet market demands but also to position themselves as competitive options in terms of technology and energy efficiency.

Image gallery Mitsubishi ASX

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverMitsubishi ASX8 versions · from 25,250 €