Mitsubishi ASX: Creating waves on a global scale
An advanced compact crossover just the right size for the coming era
Kuala Lumpur, 1 September 2010 – Mitsubishi Motors’ latest global model, the ASX compact crossover, is garnering positive response from across the globe, from North America to Australia.
The ASX (Active Smart X-over – pronounced as ‘crossover’) was launched in Japan by the name of RVR in February this year. In recent years, the crossover category has grown in Europe, and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is responding by adding the compact ASX to its range.
The Mitsubishi ASX is scheduled to be introduced in Malaysia in the fourth quarter of this year.
Combining the merits of an SUV with the qualities of a sedan, the ASX’s key concept is ‘Smart Size’ – more compact than a typical SUV, yet upsized from a compact car, striking a precise balance between the two.
The ASX achieves superior utility and running performance, environmental efficiency and a refined interior and exterior in a compact size. What’s more, the ASX provides ample luggage space perfect for every possible situation, from daily driving to leisure outings.
The new ASX provides fuel efficiency from its lightweight, compact body. With an elevated driver’s position, it also provides the wide field of view of an SUV. It is also easy to drive and provides excellent maneuverability.
The ASX’s 2.0-litre powerhouse uses a lightweight aluminum block for optimum performance as it puts 150 PS / 197Nm to take control of city streets and open highways alike.
“The ASX, Mitsubishi Motors’ latest global model, has been very well accepted in the major markets it has been launched in, among motoring experts and customers alike. We’ve been working hard to bring this model to Malaysia, and I’m happy to announce that the ASX will arrive soon,” revealed Tetsuya Oda, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.
“One of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia’s main targets is to provide Malaysians with a wide range of cars, and I’m confident that the trendy and stylish ASX will be well received by the discerning Malaysian market,” he added.
The ASX was also shown to the world at this year’s Geneva Motor Show in March. The ASX was inspired by the Mitsubishi Concept-cX shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The show star received good response, and Mitsubishi Motors set out to build a compact crossover that carries the brand’s trademark bold design and strong driving performance.
The ASX was unveiled in the same ‘Kawasemi Blue’ exterior paint as the concept, but the similarities don’t stop there. The concept’s strong ‘jet fighter’ grille, which has since become a Mitsubishi signature, was carried over.
The ASX has received positive reviews from both Japanese and European media, and the initial sales response has been fantastic, with more than 15,000 units sold so far.
In the US, the ASX is called Outlander Sport, and leading motoring publications have given the latest Mitsubishi their endorsement. Motor Trend said “We recently sampled the new compact crossover and came away impressed” adding that “more importantly, the Outlander Sport doesn’t suffer for its price, as subsequent drives… easily matched its competition.”
Another prominent US magazine Road & Track had this to say about the car. “As a crossover utility vehicle that’s affordable, fuel efficient, remarkably quiet inside and safe, the new 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport deserves a look.”
Britain’s Autocar magazine, which sets a high standard in ride and handling, gave the ASX good marks. “In the front-wheel drive guise of our test car, the ASX has ample grip, which lets it carry good speed through corners. Ride quality is well judged for British roads, absorbing most of the typical road surface scarring without unsettling the body,” they commented.
