Mitsubishi ASX CKD officially launched from TCMA
The fledgling CKD operation of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) in the Segambut plant of Tan Chong Motor Assemblies (TCMA) has yielded its first product with the 2014 Mitsubishi ASX 2WD and 4WD officially launched today.
The ASX CKD project has been in the works for over three years now and after negotiating with a number of potential partners, Proton known to be one of them, MMM eventually struck a contract assembly deal with TCMA that is likely see to see the introduction of more Mitsubishi CKD models in the future.
The project starts off with an initial production volume of 5,000 units per annum and a local content level of 34%. Mitsubishi hopes to eventually raise local content to a targeted level of 50%. To ensure consistent quality of the local units with their CBU counterparts, MMC personnel from Japan will be stationed at the TCMA production line to oversee quality control and processes.
Like the CBU versions, the locally-assembled ASX is powered by Mitsubishi’s 2.0-litre 4B11 all-aluminium MIVEC powerplant mated to the Jatco-sourced INVECS-III CVT. The option of 4WD is offered for the the first time with the ASX, with 2WD retained as a base model offering.
As usual with a model going from CBU to CKD there is an appreciable decrease in price and improvement in kit count. From RM141,995 for the CBU 2WD model, the ASX CKD is priced at RM118,000 and RM132,500 for the 2WD and 4WD variants respectively.
Equipment-wise, the CKD 2WD drops cruise control, paddle shifters, and keyless entry that was previously available in the CBU model whilst also reverting to 16″ alloy rims. The 4WD model, on the other hand, retains the above items and adds active electronic driving aids such as stability control, traction control, and hill start assist. All variants get three airbags (dual frontal + driver knee), ABS, and EBD as standard.
Completing the value equation of the new ASX CKD is a five-year factory-backed warranty with unlimited mileage. Further thrown in is a two-year free service package covering labour and regular maintenance items.
