Mitsubishi’s smallest SUV has received a minor makeover for Asia and Europe
Following the U.S. debut of the facelifted Outlander Sport in late 2015, Mitsubishi has given a similar makeover to the ASX sold in Asian and European markets. Debuting at Auto China 2016 in Beijing (April 25-May 4), the refreshed Mitsubishi ASX gets a new face featuring the brand's "Dynamic Shield" front design concept – first seen on the facelifted Outlander.
Mitsubishi says the "Dynamic Shield" front design concept expresses the "function of protecting both occupants and vehicle while maintaining the powerful performance and excellent fuel economy of its previous version." We don't know how a grille can do that – let's just say Mitsubishi's PR people got a bit carried away here.
Other exterior changes for the facelifted ASX include restyled 17-wheels, which are said to give the car "a more athletic and energetic look." Mitsubishi hasn't said anything about interior upgrades, but the ASX is likely to adopt the same minor changes as the North American model. These may include a new material for the fabric seats, a multifunction steering wheel wrapped in leather with piano black accents, a redesigned audio system with a new 6.1-inch display, and a new grey trim option. No word on mechanical changes either, so we can safely assume there aren't any.
Assembled in China by the GAC Mitsubishi Motors joint venture, the ASX will go on sale on the local market in April 2016. Besides the facelifted ASX, Mitsubishi's stand at the Beijing show will also include the Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid SUV and the refreshed Outlander which has debuted in China in August 2015. There will also be a special Lancer EX model. In total, Mitsubishi Motors will have eight exhibits on display, including six SUVs.