With the launch of the Mitsubishi ASX ES, the company has completed the alignment of its compact sports utility vehicles, all starting at below the R500 000 mark.

“Our new strategy will emphasise the value for money offered by our SUV product range, all coming in at under the R500 000 mark,” says Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa.

The line-up of the Compact SUV range, excluding the full-size SUVs in the range (Pajero, Pajero Sport) is:
• ASX ES M/T
• ASX ES CVT
• Eclipse Cross 2WD CVT
• Eclipse Cross AWD CVT
• Outlander AWD CVT.

“The latest addition to the range, the Eclipse Cross, is a cross-over that fits neatly in a Compact SUV sandwich with the ASX at the bottom and the Outlander on top,” says Campbell. “From a price point of view, our Compact SUV range is quite comprehensive in terms of covering the needs of our customers.”

Incorporating Mitsubishi’s new Dynamic Shield Design for the ASX, the complete Compact SUV range now boasts the same design language and the brand-new ASX ES focuses on easy, everyday use and the equivalent value-for-money specification similar to the rest of Mitsubishi Motors’ products, combining adventure with practicality.

In terms of safety the ASX is fitted with seven crash bags, side-impact protection bars, whiplash injury reduction seats, collapsible steering column, ISOFIX child seat anchors, anti-lock braking system, EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), BAS (Brake Assist System), DRL (Daytime Running Lights), rear park distance control, rear view camera and electronic traction control on the CVT derivative.

The 2,0-litre MIVEC engine offers 110 kW of power at 6 000 r/min and 197 Nm of torque at 4 200 r/min and is fitted with an EVI Multi-point fuel injection system driving through a 5-speed manual transmission or 6-speed CVT.

Inside, it features an electric power steering with reach and rake adjustment, multi-function leather steering wheel with audio and cruise control, Bluetooth with hands-free voice control, multi-information display, touch screen radio/cd and MP3 player, full automatic air-conditioning, power windows and USB and accessory sockets

The boot space (normally 442 litres) can easily be transformed into 1 193 litres, simply by folding the seats forward.

“Both these units are packed with practical, easy-to-use equipment needed on a daily basis, and can be upgraded with a host of accessories available from any of our dealers nationwide,” says Campbell.

Pricing:
ASX ES M/T R359 995
ASX ES CVT R379 995

Warranty and service:
The ASX is covered by Mitsubishi’s Manufacturer’s Warranty of 3 years or 100 000 km, a 5-year / 90 000 km Service Plan and a 5-year / unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.