The Pajero has been launched, the Lancer Sportback is next and this is the final piece of the jigsaw – the Mitsubishi ASX. The compact crossover will be launched by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) early next month, it has been announced.
We will get a 2.0-litre version imported CBU from Japan. The engine is question is the 4B11 unit with MIVEC, as per the Lancer. But the quoted figures of 150 PS and 197 Nm are slightly lower than the Lancer’s 155 PS/199 Nm. Perhaps it’s a different tuning more suited for SUV applications. The engine is paired to a CVT gearbox with six virtual ratios in a Sports Mode, and there are nice long steering shift paddles, like in the Lancer.
Here are some of the standard kit. Active Stability Control (ASC), Hill Start Assist, dual front airbags plus a driver’s knee airbag, leather seats, a 2-DIN touch screen audio system, reverse camera, automatic air con and cruise control are included. There is also a full colour LCD multi information system in the instrument panel, which is a nice upgrade to the orange jagged edge characters one gets in the Lancer.
Available in five colours, including the car’s signature Kawasemi Blue, the ASX is open for bookings as we type. The estimated price is RM140,000.
