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- Mitsubishi Motors goes smaller to get bigger
- Five new çompact’ SUVs now in showrooms
- Family SUV for town, school run – and bush
JOHANNESBURG, Gauteng – Mitsubishi Motors SA has launched a compact-SUV range to, it says, ”emphasise their value for money at less than R500 000”.
The full range will now include, according to MMSA’s general manager Nic Campbell:
ASX ES
ASX ES CVT
Eclipse Cross 2×4 CVT
Eclipse Cross 4×4 CVT
Outlander 4×4 CVT
The compact range does not include the brand’s full-size SUV units – the mighty Pajero and Pajero Sport.
Campbell added: “The latest addition to the range – the Eclipse Cross – fits neatly in a compact SUV sandwich with the ASX below and the Outlander on top. Pricewise, our compact SUV range is comprehensive.”
The complete compact SUV range, Mitsubishi explains, shares a design language that uses two ”crucial elements” to make up its single unifying identity: protection and performance.
”The brand-new ASX ES,” the automaker says, ”focuses on easy everyday use and a value-for-money specification similar to the rest of Mitsubishi Motors’ products by combining adventure with practicality.”
Here’s a list of what’s on offer…:
- RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) bodyshell containing seven crash bags
- Side anti-intrusion protection bars
- Whiplash injury reduction seats (we’d guess that means head-restraints?)
- Collapsible steering column
- IsoFix kiddie-seat anchors
- Anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-pressure and distribution control
There are also:
- Daytime running lights)
- Hill-start assistance (CVT derivative)
- Rear parking radar
- Rearvew camera
- Speed-sensing auto door-locking
- Keyless ignition
- Electronic traction control (CVT derivative)
Power comes from a two-litre, multipoint, fuel-injected, engine capable of 110kW / 197Nm
Five-speed manual or six-speed constantly variable transmission
Fuel 7.5 litres/100km for each transmissonswhich, the automaker says, should give about 800km from the 63-litre tank.
READ MORE Mitsubishi features on Carman’s Corner
The cabin is topped by a glass roof and contains: electric steering-power assistance through a tilt/telescope steering column, multifunction leather-clad steering wheel bearing cruise control and Bluetooth communications controls.
A multi-info display includes a touchscreen for radio/CD and MP3 player.
Auto aircon, power windows and USB and accessory sockets are also standard.
Camping trips (or month-end shopping binge) will be eased by boot space (normally 442 litres but up to 1193 litres with the rear seats folded.
Campbell with the last word: “Each is packed with practical, easy-to-use, equipment usually needed daily though this can be upgraded to order with a number of accessories.”
…AND SO TO THE PRICES:
Misubishi ASX ES manual – R359 995
Mitsubishi ASX ES CVT – R379 995
The ASX will be covered by a Mitsubishi warranty for three years or 100 000km (whichever comes first), a five-year or 90 000km service plan and five years of roadside assistance cover.
Service intervals: 15 000km.
Carman's Corner 