The updated Mitsubishi ASX European SUV has received a makeover, sporting a refreshed exterior that distinguishes it from its predecessor. The angular grille design, featuring the Mitsubishi badge and glossy black accents, sets the European ASX apart. Inside, the cabin boasts a 10.4-inch touchscreen, echoing the Renault Captur. However, the European ASX opts for a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster instead of the Captur’s 10.25-inch unit. Globally, the updated Captur offers six powertrains across three fuel types, including turbo-petrol, mild-hybrid turbo-petrol, dual-fuel petrol-LPG, and a series-parallel hybrid powertrain known as the “E-Tech full hybrid.” It remains to be seen which powertrain options will be available for the Mitsubishi ASX.
Mitsubishi Australia is exploring the possibility of introducing the European ASX as a replacement for the current ASX locally. Mitsubishi was expected to make a decision on the ASX’s replacement before the end of 2023 but has yet to announce any plans for Australia. The company is considering an upgraded version of the Asian-focused Xforce that meets Australian standards or a rebadged product from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, such as the European ASX.
The current ASX, which accounted for almost 15% of Mitsubishi sales in Australia during 2023, has been on sale locally since 2010. It has undergone multiple styling and tech updates but is now around five years beyond the point most vehicles would be replaced by a new car. If discontinued, the ASX (or its replacement, which is coming to some parts of the world) would serve as an entry point to the Mitsubishi SUV range locally.
In the absence of an Xforce version for Australia, Mitsubishi may consider selling the rebadged Renault Captur as the ASX. The Captur is already sold in Australia, meeting local emissions and safety standards, and is built in right-hand drive. However, Mitsubishi faces challenges with this approach. Firstly, it must convince Renault to produce sufficient right-hand drive rebadged Captur models for Australia. Secondly, it needs to convince customers to purchase the rebadged Captur, which is a fundamentally different vehicle from the current ASX and competes at a different price point.
Mitsubishi has previously experienced challenges with rebadged Renault products in Australia. The van, introduced in 2020 as a rebadged , was discontinued in mid-2022. Shortly after its launch, it received a zero-star ANCAP safety rating due to the lack of safety assist features common in rival vehicles.
