Well, here it is. After teasing the all-new ASX in
June
as a Renault-based compact SUV, Mitsubishi has pulled off the wraps. And yes, it’s basically a Renault Captur.
The 2023 ASX is pretty much the Captur compact crossover from the heavy-sculpted lines to the bracket-shaped grille, hook-shaped head- and taillights, and even wheels. In fact, the only difference is some minor grille detailing.
Just like the exterior, the interior is a Renault with some Mitsubishi badging. On the fancy end, drivers can opt for a 10.25-inch all-digital gauge cluster going down to a 7-inch or even traditional analog gauges.
The same goes for the main highlight—the infotainment system. The range starts out with a 7-inch screen in landscape but grows to 9.3 inches in a portrait format. Functionalities include wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and even ambient interior lighting.
Since it’s basically the Captur, the 2023 ASX also borrows its platform and engines. Riding on the Nissan-Renault-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-B platform, it has five different engines including a hybrid (Mitsubishi’s first) and plug-in hybrid.
The range starts with the only non-hybrid engine available: a turbocharged 1.0-liter 3-cylinder with 90 horsepower and 160 Nm of torque. This is then followed by a turbocharged 1.3-liter 4-cylinder mild hybrid with 138 horsepower and 260 Nm of torque. These two engines are the only ones you can get with a 6-speed manual.
Moving up to the two pedal versions, there’s a turbocharged 1.3-liter 4-cylinder mild hybrid with 156 horsepower and 270 Nm of torque mated to a 7-speed dual clutch. Then, there are two engines that are paired with two electric motors and an automatic—the full hybrid 1.6-liter with 141 horsepower and 148 Nm of torque and a 1.6-liter plug-in hybrid with 160 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque. The plug-in hybrid can go up to 49 kilometers purely on electric power.
For safety, all models of the ASX get emergency brake assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and parking assist. Higher-level trims gain blind spot assist, active lane departure warning, and speed alert. Range-topping models come with adaptive cruise control and active lane-following assist.
Sales for the all-new ASX is limited in Europe with plans to start by March 2023. The Japanese carmaker hasn’t given any indication as to whether they’ll be expanding its availability to other markets.
Keyword: 2023 Mitsubishi ASX: This Is It