Mitsubishi has refreshed the ASX “city-sized SUV” for the South African market with a number of exterior enhancements and equipment updates.

Revised exterior design

For the 2015 model year, all derivatives will benefit from new black roof rails, chrome highlights inside and out, tinted windows and emergency stop signal brake lights. The GLX and GLS derivatives will additionally feature new LED daytime running lights highlight redesigned front fog lamp surrounds, and new 17-inch alloy wheels. There will also be a new Lightning Blue paint colour available.

Revised CVT to improve fuel consumption

The Mitsubishi ASX will continue with a five model-range including GL, GLX and GLS derivatives, all powered by the company’s 2.0-litre normally-aspirated petrol engine. The unit produces 110 kW at 6000 rpm and 197 Nm of torque at 4200 rpm.

All derivatives are front-wheel drive, three of which feature a five-speed manual gearbox, alongside the two range-topping GLS automatics which feature a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which has the ability to simulate a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Fuel consumption on the manual models is rated at an average of 7.5-litres/100 km on the combined cycle with carbon emissions of 175 g/km, while the CVT model’s fuel consumption is now rated at 7.4-litres/100 km, with carbon emissions of 178 g/km.

High specifications for all model grades

Specification levels on all derivatives have been improved for 2015, with no compromise on safety features which include seven airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag), ABS with EBD and BAS, as well as Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction, whiplash-mitigating seats, a collapsible steering column and brake pedal recession protection. The electric power steering also features an anti-backlash system for smoother and safer steering control.

The ASX 2.0 GL features dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, LED tail lights, a rear spoiler, front fog lamps, 16-inch alloy wheels with 215/65 tyres, electric windows all round, electric folding side mirrors, a multi-function leather-bound steering wheel with rake and reach adjustment, manual air conditioning, cruise control, a multi-info trip computer, rear parking sensors, remote central locking and a six-speaker multi-media audio system which includes CD, radio and USB support as well as Bluetooth and voice control.

The mid-range Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLX features enhanced specifications on top of standard GL equipment, including the new LED daytime running lights, new 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 tyres, a panoramic glass roof with switchable LED illumination, leather upholstery, electric driver’s seat adjustment, heated front seats, automatic climate control, heated side mirrors, touch screen radio, a reversing camera and a keyless operation system with one-touch start.

The range-topping ASX 2.0 GLS additionally feature HID headlamps (CVT derivatives only), an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, integrated lights on the side mirrors, Active Stability Control and Electronic Traction Control, and Hill Start Assist for inclined pull-offs. In typical Mitsubishi tradition, the GLS manual is also available as standard with a fully-fledged nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system – available as an option on the CVT.

2015 Mitsubishi ASX price in South Africa

Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GL – R299900

Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLX – R329900

Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLS with Rockford Fosgate – R342900

Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 CVT – R354900

Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLS CVT with Rockford Fosgate – R364900

All derivatives in the Mitsubishi ASX range come standard with a 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan, linked to service intervals of 15 000 km.