Mitsubishi has provided its compact ASX crossover a shot in the arm with a mid-cycle facelift. The enhancements for 2015 include exterior and interior updates.
All derivatives will boast chrome trim, tinted windows and standard black roof rails, while GLX and GLS specification units also feature LED daytime driving lights and a redesigned headlamp surround, as well as new 17-inch alloy wheels. There’s also a new paint finish, dubbed Lightning Blue.
“ASX has done well for us and with the 2015 model year enhancements, is set to continue to competitively attract younger, more upwardly-mobile buyers to our brand – it’s a vehicle which possesses the SUV appeal and driving style valued so highly by South Africans, wrapped in the compact proportions and easy-to-drive nature most commonly experienced in compact hatchbacks,” says Wynand Pretorius, chief operations officer at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa.
All of the five models available remain powered by the company’s normally aspirated 2,0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 110 kW at 6 000 r/min and 197 N.m of torque at 4 200 r/min. A five-speed manual gearbox is available on three models, while the range-topping units feature a CVT that’s been tweaked for enhanced fuel economy and improved NVH suppression.
The entry level GL gets automatic lights and wipers, LED tail lights, rear spoiler, electric windows, multifunction steering, electric folding mirrors, 16-inch alloys, manual air conditioning, cruise control, rear parking sensors and audio system with MP3 compatibility, USB input, Bluetooth and voice control. The mid-range GLX models get 17-inch wheels, LED daytime lights, panoramic glass roof, leather upholstery, climate control, touchscreen infotainment system with reverse camera and keyless start.
Range-topping GLX units get HID headlamps on the CVT-equipped models, auto-dimming rear view mirror, integrated turn indicators in the mirrors, traction control and Active Stability Control. The GLS manual also comes with a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system.
All Mitsubishi ASX models come standard with a three-year/100 000 km warranty and five-year/90 000 km service plan, with service intervals every 15 000 km.
Prices
ASX 2,0 GL – R299 900
ASX 2,0 GLX – R329 900
ASX 2,0 GLS with Rockford Fosgate – R342 900
ASX 2,0 GLS CVT – R354 900
ASX 2,0 GLS CVT with Rockford Fosgate – R364 900