The new ASX VR-e has Mitsubishi badges, but is mostly the same as the Foxtron Bria. Foxtron’s all-electric hatchback was unveiled several years ago, designed by Pininfarina. Underpinning the Bria is a 57.5 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack. Mitsubishi is finally adding an intriguing new EV to its line-up, though not one American buyers will get to see. Revealed in Australia as the ASX VR-e, this low-slung hatchback is a re-badged Foxtron Bria, and it reaches local dealerships in the fourth quarter. The name resurfacing on an electric hatch is its own small surprise, given the history the ASX badge carries in that market. Previewed so far with only two images, the ASX VR-e looks all but identical to the Bria, save for the Mitsubishi branding, including the company badge and a large script where the car would normally read ‘Foxtron.’ You could argue the Japanese firm got lazy by leaving the styling untouched, but the Bria was penned by Pininfarina, so the result is easy on the eyes. Read: Mitsubishi’s New 400HP Compact Comes From The Same Factory As Your iPhone The front-end includes a full-width LED light bar, while the main headlamp clusters sit just below it. There’s also a large black grille incorporated into the bumper. A little like the electric Dodge Charger Daytona, there’s a large duct running under the floating light bar and along the hood, aiding in aerodynamics. No images of the car’s rear have been provided, but it too should be mostly the same as the Bria. A Fresh ‘Mitsubishi’ Cabin It’s a similar story in the cabin, although the Bria has so far only been showcased in left-hand drive while the ASX VR-e is right-hand drive. It includes a large floating infotainment display in the center of the dashboard, as well as a row of shortcut buttons positioned just below it. We can also see a digital instrument cluster, a four-spoke steering wheel, and a curvaceous dashboard exactly the same as the Bria’s and far removed from any other Mitsubishi model. Mitsubishi Australia says it will sell the ASX VR-e in LS, Aspire, Exceed, and GSR configurations, although it’s yet to reveal specifications for these models. All versions of the Bria use a 57.5 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery, offered in rear-motor configuration with 229 hp and as an all-wheel drive, dual-motor model with 400 hp. The ASX VR-e will use the same powertrain and power figures will probably go unchanged. Mitsubishi ASX VR-e above, Foxtron Bria below. “ASX VR-e marks a significant milestone in our refreshed Mitsubishi range as the first BEV since the i-MiEV – Australia’s first mass-produced electric vehicle,” Mitsubishi Motors Australia chief executive Shunichi Kihara said. “The new Mitsubishi ASX VR-e continues this path of innovation with an immersive infotainment system, bold design and excellent electric driving performance.” Pricing details should be announced alongside in-depth specifications in the coming months. Foxtron Bria
