New 2020 Mitsubishi ASX tames the urban jungle

JOHANNESBURG – The new-for-2020 Mitsubishi ASX hits showrooms this month, boasting much more than its striking new front end, improved styling inside and out as well as an enhanced interior and mechanics.

Under the skin, the latest version of Mitsubishi Motors’ cross-over allowing new customers access to the SUV lifestyle, builds on the trust, performance and reliability of its predecessor that has challenged the South African urban jungle for the past eight years.

“The new ASX has an even more attractive appearance front and back as well as a variety of improvements and performance spec,” says Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).

The Mitsubishi ASX was first introduced in South Africa in September 2011. The introduction of the original ASX has opened Mitsubishi Motors as a brand to younger families seeking access to the Mitsubishi SUV way of life with gutsy performance to match.

“Last year was a landmark year for Mitsubishi Motors South Africa with the introduction of various new models bringing a host of new customers to the brand. The significantly refreshed ASX is keeping this momentum as our first new-model introduction for 2020,” says Campbell.

“The new ASX offers the best balance in design, technology and price and serves as an attractive cross-over SUV for our customers, with a spacious interior, roomy boot and fuel efficiency of a smaller car.”

Exterior

The newly designed frontal exterior includes a new bonnet, LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) as well as LED fog lamps with integrated turning signals, a redesigned radiator grille and a brand-new front bumper face.

At the rear the new ASX receives a new lighting package as well – LED brake lights, LED taillights, LED reverse lights and integrated turning signals in the one-piece cluster.

Seen from the side, the new 2020 model boasts a variety of new features, including new 18” alloy wheels, while seen from the rear, the bumper was redesigned to complement the refreshed design of the front bumper.

All the exterior lights have been redesigned, giving the latest ASX a fresh new look front and back.

The new range of exterior colours, includes Silky White Pearl, Sterling Silver, Titanium Grey, Red Diamond and Sporty Blue Mica.

Interior

The enhanced interior includes a variety of new features in the centre of the front console housing the cabin controls, including Mitsubishi’s improved new Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) with a new 8” WVGA display and touch controls as well as USB power supply for your mobile phone. The SDA also includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The new ASX benefits from a new grain for the black leather upholstery throughout.

The 2020 ASX retains the interior features that separates it from most of its competitors in this segment, including the panoramic glass roof.

The extended list of features includes electric power steering with a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column, the multi-function leather steering wheel connected to the new SDA as well as cruise control, fully automatic air-conditioning and electric windows front and rear.

Performance

The ASX uses the latest version of this 2.0L MIVEC aluminium engine, offering 110kW at 6000rpm and 197Nm at 4 200rpm.

Mitsubishi Motors has given the new ASX the brand’s proven INVECS-III 6-step CVT for improved performance, fuel efficiency and added a new “Ds” position for the Sport Mode gear shift control, which maintains sport mode even after a stop, providing the driver with improved driving pleasure and comfort. The ASX is also available in a 5-speed manual transmission.

As South African owners regularly use their ASX to leave the urban jungle behind for adventures outside of the city, the features found in the new cross-over, offer benefits such as bigger wheels and Automatic Stability and Traction Control (ASTC). This gives drivers outstanding driving confidence around potholes or on deteriorated road surfaces – all led by the Mitsubishi DNA.

The ASX now boasts an improved towing capacity of 1 260 kg (braked) for the manual transmission and 750 kg for the CVT (unbraked), with 1 206 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down (406 litres with the seats in use).

Safety

For Mitsubishi Motors, nothing is more important than occupant safety, and even as a cross-over allowing customers to gain access to the SUV adventure lifestyle, the new ASX provides drivers and passengers with solid confidence through-out their adventure.

The safety features inherent to the modern fleet of Mitsubishi products are carried forward in the new ASX, which now boasts Hill Start Assist (HSA) and ASTC – an important safety feature in rain and on gravel roads whilst manoeuvring.

Apart from additional features, the new ASX retains its advanced passive and active safety technology, including a 7-airbag system for increased safety for every seat. The advanced RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) Body Construction is an all-direction collision safety design.

The result is improved safety for all occupants, regardless of impact direction.

The ASX’s safety performance includes Side Impact Protection Bars in the doors, a Collapsible Steering Column, Brake Pedal Recession Protection and Whiplash Injury Reduction Seats.

Other ASX highlights includes its multi-function steering wheel which offers complete control over the built-in new Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) with Bluetooth, CarPlay and Voice Recognition systems as well as cruise control. The new ASX also boasts a Keyless Operating System with a unique Smart Key that works within a 70 cm radius from the vehicle for easy locking and unlocking. Once inside, the driver can start the engine with the touch of a button.

Warranty and service:

The ASX is covered by Mitsubishi Motors’ Manufacturer’s Warranty of 3 years or 100 000km, a 5-year / 90 000 km Service Plan and a
5-year / unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance. Service intervals are scheduled at every 15 000 km or once a year.