Mitsubishi ASX is French for Outlander Sport
Fri, 28 Sep 2012
The crossover has received a range of aesthetic and engineering tweaks, including revised interior fabrics. Designers have also abandoned the old rotary knob switch for the vehicle's all-wheel-control system in favor of a pushbutton interface, though the largest change to the recipe comes in the form of a reworked multi-link rear suspension. Powertrain options remain unchanged, however, with a total of three engine mills on deck, including a 1.6-liter gasoline engine with 115 horsepower mated to a five-speed manual transmission in two-wheel drive configuration.
Those hunting up a little more traction can step up to a 1.8-liter diesel with 147 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque paired with a six-speed manual and the buyer's choice of either a two-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive system. A low-CO2 1.8 diesel is also available with 114 horsepower. You can check out the full press release below for more information.
PARIS - With a long-standing tradition of pioneering technologies and a presence in 160+ world markets, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) is rather well equipped to embrace the structural re-shaping affecting the global auto industry, whether geographical or environmental.
From the specific demands of the newly emerging markets (affordable, robust yet contemporary vehicles) to the renewed interest of mature areas (down-sized / lighter / more fuel-efficient automobiles), MMC has pragmatically committed its engineering resources to satisfy these new needs, as highlighted in its "Jump 2013" business plan with clear targets (20% of EVs and PHEVs by 2020).
Covering a wide spectrum, MMC R&D is engaged in a multitude of alternative solutions such as:
Global platforms:
o B-Segment Global Small (Mirage)
o C/D-Segment Project Global[1] (ASX[2], New Outlander)
Downsizing:
o Taking the Outlander crossover concept one notch below with the C-Segment ASX2
o Returning to the roots of the B-Segment with the clever 3710mm long Mirage.
Weight reduction:
o Significant gains in all areas for the quieter, safer and better equipped New Outlander (about -100 kg max.)
Fuel economy / Lower emissions
o "Auto Stop & Go" made available to a wider range of models and powertrains
o Continuing refinement of MMC's own highly efficient 4N13/4N14 Clean Diesel engines
o Further development of petrol engine architecture (New Outlander, Mirage)
Alternative powertrains:
o Expansion of the Mitsubishi range of EVs
o Introduction of Mitsubishi's EV-based Plug-in Hybrid technology (New Outlander)
"Solid – Safe – Simple"
With over 250,000 units sold around the world since its launch in 2010 – including about 140,000 units in Europe, and Russia – ASX2 has proved to be a global success for Mitsubishi Motors, as well as a most appropriate development of the innovative and versatile MMC-engineered Project Global architecture1.
Building on this solid foundation, Mitsubishi Motors staged the world debut of a revised version of its compact crossover at the 2012 New York International Auto Show in April before the start of its European career at the Paris Motor Show.
This latest ASX1 sports a reshaped front face with a softer outline which reflects the gradual transformation of Mitsubishi's design language and visual identity towards a "Solid – Safe – Simple" engineering-driven look.
Likewise, the rear bumper has been refreshed to complement the redesigned front face,
The same - better
For the European market, further updates include, amongst others:
- New interior fabrics
- New chrome accent for the front doors
- All Wheel Control (AWC) push button switch instead of the current rotary knob
- Revised rear multi-link suspension for improved handling and ride comfort
To be retailed in Europe during the autumn of 2012, this evolutionary ASX1 will be made available with all current powertrains, including the recently introduced 125 g/km (min.), 116 ps, 1.8 DiD low(er) emission variant of MMC's acclaimed 4N1 family of Clean Diesel engines.
PRELIMINARY SPECIFICATIONS
EU Specifications
(All data subject to final homologation)
BODY:
Length: 4295 mm (same as MY12)
Width: 1770 mm
Height: 1625 mm (w/roof rails)
Wheelbase: 2670 mm
POWERTRAINS:
Engines Gearbox AS&G[3] 2WD or 4WD3
Europe (excl. RU, UA and KZ)
1.6 Petrol
86 kW (117 ps) @ 6000 rpm
154 Nm @4,000 rpm
From 133 g/km
5 M/T Available 2WD
1.8 DiD
110 kW (150 ps) @ 4000 rpm
300 Nm @ 2,000 ~ 3,000 rpm
From 141 g/km
6 M/T Available 2WD or 4WD
1.8 DiD Low CO2
85 kW (116 ps) @ 3,599 rpm
300 Nm @ 1,750~g/km
6 M/T Available 2WD or 4WD
By Zach Bowman