Convincing refresh, though.
Despite the ASX being mentioned several times in the original draft of the New Testament, Mitsubishi remains committed to its middling crossover, having just given it a new lease of life via a refreshed face and a new engine. They’ve also bumped equipment up across their European range though frankly, why the model isn’t being retired is beyond logic.
The ASX now benefits from a new 2.0-litre MIVEC petrol mill, producing an adequate 112kW and 195Nm, with power going to either the front wheels or all wheels via a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic. If you opt for the CVT you also get paddle shifters, which allow you to move between 6 virtual ratios for a more engaging drive.
The face of the ASX is now in keeping with modern Mitsubishis, sporting the ‘Dynamic Shield’ look that’s been popularised by the Outlander, Triton, and Eclipse Cross. The rear sees a new bumper and taillights, though it’s worth noting that forward-facing illumination are now fully-LED, because that’s just how these things go, right?
And step inside you’ll be greeted by a cabin with a new 8-inch smartphone-mirroring infotainment system replete with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Some models also get built-in satellite navigation as well as leather trim, though fabric upholstery and piano black detailing are the order of the day.
Safety’s also been given a bit of an upgrade too with keyless entry, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert available on select models. Niceties like a panoramic roof, heated front seats, cruise control & climate control are, once again, variant-specific in Europe.
What’s worth mentioning is the fact that the ASX is quite an old thing, having been on sale in key markets in various iterations since 2010. It was initially assumed that it’d be replaced outright by the more up-to-date and sophisticated Eclipse Cross, but it seems that the two models coexist relatively comfortably.
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