Mitsubishi 2013 ASX SUV gets a facelift

2013 Mitsubishi ASX 2WD Aspire CVT
Mitsubishi Motors’ popular city-sized SUV, the ASX, has a fresh new look and improved CVT engine for 2013. Sporting a reshaped front with softer lines, re-designed grille and an updated rear bumper, the refreshed ASX will be on sale from September 1, 2012.

The 13MY line-up comes with a brand new variant, the ASX 2WD Aspire, offering all the luxury and comfort of a top spec model in an economic urban-friendly two-wheel drive configuration.

MMAL’s CEO, Mutsuhiro Oshikiri, said the new look ASX reflects Mitsubishi Motors’ global styling direction of Solid-Safe-Simple.

“The ASX has proven to be a popular vehicle in the Australian market and we are confident the new look model will continue to appeal to customers who need a versatile, compact SUV with plenty of functionality and safety features,” Oshikiri said.

The ASX’s Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) has been refined to provide a smoother, improved drive experience. Achieved through an improved relationship between throttle pedal opening and torque output, the new generation CVT delivers improved engine performance and acceleration.

As the best in class for fuel efficiency, with just 5.7-litres per 100 kilometres, the ASX 4WD Aspire six-speed manual is powered by a 1.8-litre turbo diesel engine. The CO2 emissions for this model are also low at 149 grams per kilometre. This economical performance is achieved via the variable valve timed diesel engine which features Mitsubishi’s MIVEC system, providing maximum outputs of 110kW of power and 300Nm of torque.

The ASX 2WD and ASX 2WD Aspire are powered by the fuel-efficient 2.0-litre engine that drives the front wheels through a choice of either five-speed manual gearbox or CVT and provides maximum outputs of 110kW of power and 197Nm. The 2WD ASX returns competitive fuel consumption figures of 7.9-litres per 100 kilometres in the CVT and 7.7-litres per 100 kilometres in the manual transmisson.

Already highly specified from a safety viewpoint with a five-star ANCAP rating, the ASX range utilises Mitsubishi’s acclaimed RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) structure, ASTC (Active Stability Control with Traction Control), Hill Start Control system, ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist, and seven airbags, including driver and passenger front, side and curtain, and driver knee airbag as standard.

To complement the ASX’s refreshed exterior look, numerous interior and functionality upgrades have been made across the range including increased towing capacities of 1,300kg on petrol models and 1,400kg on diesel models, boosting the ASX’s capability and versatility.

Inside the cabin, chrome accents on the A/C dials and combination cluster meter give the interior a boost while the new sleeker steering wheel features easier to use controls.

A new audio system in the ASX 2WD features CD and i-Pod compatibility while the new generation audio display, available on 2WD and 4WD Aspire models, features 6.1-inch full colour touch panel, iPod control and rear view camera with parking reference lines.

The ASX 2WD receives improved seat trim, steering wheel audio controls and Bluetooth hands-free system with steering wheel and voice controls for convenience.

2013 Mitsubishi ASX 2WD Aspire 5MT

The newly introduced ASX 2WD Aspire features numerous specifications above the ASX 2WD including 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust, front fog lamps and exterior chrome accents.

The interior of the ASX 2WD Aspire is boosted through the inclusion of leather seat trim with heated front seats and power driver’s seat along with leather-look door trim and privacy glass.

Rain sensing wipers and dusk sensing headlamps make journeys in adverse conditions a little easier while the Smart Key system with one-touch start enhance the daily drive. The 2WD Aspire comes standard with reverse sensors and reverse camera to assist driver awareness and visibility.

Top of the range ASX 4WD Aspire builds on the two-wheel drive model’s specifications with the addition of panoramic roof as standard and an easier to use 4×4 button selector to switch between drive modes.

Two new colours join the ASX line-up, Starlight and Ironbark, with White, Cool Silver, Black, Red and Titanium also available across the range.

On sale from September 1, 2012, ASX pricing will be as follows*:
MODEL RRP
ASX 2WD 5MT $25,990
ASX 2WD CVT $28,240
ASX 2WD Aspire 5MT $28,990
ASX 2WD Aspire CVT $31,240
ASX 4WD Aspire 6MT $34,990
ASX 4WD Aspire CVT $34,990
*RRP excludes on-road costs, dealer and delivery charges

Options
Mitsubishi ASX 2WD
Safety Pack RRP $995
• Chrome exhaust
• Display audio
• Reverse camera (in display audio)
• Reverse sensors

Mitsubishi ASX 2WD Aspire
MMCS and Rockford Pack RRP $2,995
• New generation MMCS with 7-inch WVGA full colour touch panel display and 3D mapping
• Rockford Fosgate premium audio with nine speakers

Mitsubishi ASX 4WD Aspire
MMCS and Rockford Pack RRP $2,995
• New generation MMCS with 7-inch WVGA full colour touch panel display and 3D mapping
• Rockford Fosgate premium audio with nine speakers

About Rob Fraser 2475 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.