New Mitsubishi set to take on the Qashqai

Mitsubishi has released more details and pricing info on its forthcoming competitor to the sports crossover market.

Aimed squarely at Nissan Qashqai territory, the new ASX is set to go on sale in the UK in July with a starting price designed to just undercut its rival at  £14,999.

The range largely consists of two-wheel drive options although AWC electronically controlled 4WD is available on the 1.8 DiD. A choice of two Euro V engines will also be available; a 1.6 petrol, capable of 115bhp @ 6,000 rpm, 114lb.ft @ 4,000 rpm or the 1.8 DiD turbodiesel which achieves 147bhp @ 4,000 rpm, 221lb.ft @ 2,000-3,000 rpm. A 5 Speed manual transmission is included on the 1.6-litre petrol and a 6-speed manual comes with the 1.8 DiD diesel.

Mitsubishi’s Managing Director, Lance Bradley, commented that: “This is the right car, at the right time, at the right price and specification. The CO₂ reducing technologies will appeal to fleets, user-choosers and retail customers alike – indeed, early customer reaction has been very positive with advance orders already taken. 

“We’re targeting customers who would traditionally buy a C-segment car, such as the VW Golf and Ford Focus, but also people looking to down-size from their SUV or family estate car. With the ASX you really do get the best of every world.

“It’s a game-changer for us, which could easily become a new ‘hero’ vehicle for the brand and heralds the advent of our new ‘Intelligent Motion’ philosophy.”

Standard equipment on all includes alloy wheels, air conditioning, Automatic Stop & Go, Active Stability Control and Traction Control, aux-in jack, keyless entry, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, dual stage front side and curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, tilt and telescopic steering column

Higher up the range, the ASX 3 gains fully automatic air conditioning, one touch starting, cruise control, heated seats, privacy glass, audio wheel controls, Bluetooth™, leather covered steering wheel and shift knob, automatic lights and windscreen wipers, chrome exterior detailing while the range-topping ASX 4 gains leather seats and Kenwood in-car entertainment incorporating iPod control, sat nav and a reversing camera

Safety wise the ASX has Euro NCAP 5-star and features Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) energy dispersion crash safety structure. Further improving safety all ASX come with whiplash reducing seats, up to 7 airbags, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Active Stability Control, traction Control, Hill Start Assist and Emergency Stop signal System. Pedestrian protection measures including plastic front wings, a double bulge bonnet and energy absorbing front bumper.

Performance wise, the petrol model achieves 0 to 62 in 11.4 seconds and a top speed of 113mph. It emits just 135g/km of CO2 and has a combined miles per gallon figure of 47.1. The two wheel drive diesel does 0 to 62 in 9.7 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 124mph. It emits 145g/km CO2 and does 51.4 miles to the gallon (combined). The four wheel diesel is the quickest however, achieving 0 to 62 in 10 seconds, and a top speed of 123mph.. It emits 150g/km of CO2 and achieves 49.6 miles to the gallon.

Thanks to its generous dimensions at 4295 mm long and 1770 wide, ASX is spacious inside, with a minimum boot space of 442 litres, rising to 1193 litres with the seats down. Each model comes with a 3-year unlimited mileage, 12 year anti-corrosion perforation and 3-year pan-European roadside, home and accident assistance. The range starts with the ASX 2 1.6 Petrol at £14,999, rising to ASX 4 1.8 Diesel 4×4 at £22,049.

Metallic Paint costs £440 including VAT. The List Price includes VAT at 17.5 per cent and the cost of delivery to the dealer’s premises, but excludes Government Road Fund Licence and First Registration Fee.

Author: Faye Sunderland, May 5th, 2010
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