The Mitsubishi ASX could have been yet another contender in the subcompact crossover segment, if not for its short-lived stint in our market. But the model lives on for the 2023 model year in Europe, wearing the design of the second-generation Captur from Mitsubishi’s alliance partner Renault.
It's practically the Renault Captur with a different emblem
Built on the same Common Module Family B (CMF-B) platform that also underpins the Captur and Nissan Juke, the new ASX heralds the latest generation of small crossovers for Mitsubishi’s remaining markets in the Old Continent.
Exterior
The 2023 Mitsubishi ASX is identical in practically every way to the Captur, right down to the dimensions of 4,228mm in length, 1,797mm in width, and 1,566mm in height combined with a 2,639mm wheelbase.
Perhaps the only distinction between the two models is the front fascia, where the ASX features revised grille detailing with segmented chrome slats surrounding the Mitsubishi emblem at the center. Vents at the corner of the front bumper are devoid of chrome trim.
The new ASX even retains the Captur's alloy wheels
The rest has been carried over from its Renault counterpart, including the LED headlamps with hook motif on the daytime running lights, lower grille intake, front diffuser, even the creased hood with the indented leading edge.
Blacked-out contrast roofing lends a sporty air, while a subtle character line rises parallel to the belt line toward the rear, where C-shaped rear lamps flank the tailgate. The new ASX rides on the same multi-spoke two-tone alloy wheels as the Captur.
Interior
Inside the ASX is seating for up to five occupants, with the cockpit featuring a driver-centric layout. Cargo space is decent at 332 liters, expandable to 401 liters when the split-fold sliding rear bench is tucked in. The dashboard is adorned by brushed surfaces, and the ASX uses a more standard-looking gearshift knob compared to the futuristic version on the Captur.
Tech & Safety
There are two available options for drivers on which instrument cluster they prefer behind the leather-clad multi-function tiller. One is the conventional setup with analog gauges accompanying a 4.2-inch multi-information display, another is a 7-inch digital version, going up to 10.25 inches for the flagship variant.
Higher-spec variants get a floating-type portrait touchscreen monitor
Onboard entertainment starts at a 7-inch landscape-oriented central touchscreen, with top-spec ASX units getting a bigger 9.3-inch monitor, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a portrait layout.
Mitsubishi says that the new ASX comes with the MI-PILOT single-lane driver assistance technology that brings lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and emergency brake assist. Blind-spot assist and speed alert are also included, rounded out by adaptive cruise control and active lane-following assist.
Engine & Drivetrain
The 2023 ASX comes with a broad selection of powertrain options. Default on the range is a 1.0-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 90 horsepower and 160 Nm of torque. There’s also a 1.3-liter 4-cylinder engine with direct-injection turbo and mild-hybrid assist capable of up to 156 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque.
The new ASX is Mitsubishi's first full hybrid for the European market
As the first full hybrid Mitsubishi sold in Europe, the new ASX engine lineup is joined by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder hybrid that makes 141 horsepower and 148 Nm of torque, and a plug-in hybrid version with two electric motors delivering 160 horsepower and 144 Nm of twist, for an all-electric range of almost 50 kilometers. Transmission choices are a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
Should MMPC rejoin the subcompact crossover wars?
Mitsubishi has not revealed pricing for the 2023 ASX as of this writing, but it disclosed that the model will be sharing production facilities with the Captur in Valladolid, Spain. The new ASX will arrive in European showrooms by March 2023. Do you think Mitsubishi Motors Philippines should consider bringing back the ASX here?
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