MITSUBISHI ASX / RVR / Outlander Sport
Generations Timeline, Specs and Pictures
Mitsubishi ASX (RVR or Outlander Sport) was launched in 2009 and since then, the company has sold more than 1.32 million units overall, continuing its evolution and journey by redesigning and rethinking the model that brought the company’s win.
The ASX’s exterior is now more robust than the outgoing model, creating a stronger stance. With a lightweight compact body, and a 2.0L MIVEC 16-valve engine equipped with either a five-speed manual transmission or the INVECS-III CVT with six-speed Sports Mode, makes the car very versatile for everyday use. Customers have the option of choosing between two versions, two and four-wheel-drive.
The Mitshubishi company reassures its customers, by delivering mondaine safety features, including RISE impact safety body and a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) braking system.
The ASX model benefits from the latest technology, with an improved Smartphone-link Display Audio (SDA) that now offers more advanced connectivity. The display size has been increased to eight inches, and top trim level versions come equipped with a TomTom navigation system.
The new Mitsubishi ASX comes in three new colors, offering their customers a wider palette to choose from - Red Diamond, Sunshine Orange, and Oak Brown. The new Mitsubishi is currently the key to the company’s global strategy and vision.
Mitsubishi introduced a facelifted version for the ASX/RVR/Outlander Sport lineup in 2016 and brought a refreshed design and improved engines.
The Japanese carmaker went through some significant changes after Nissan bought Mitsubishi in May 2016. But the three-diamond carmaker already had the facelift planned, and things went smoothly to that point. Also, the facelifted version kept the ASX sales high, but not as good as before. It only slowed down the sales drop.
On the outside, the ASX received a new front fascia with an entirely different bumper. A set of chromed trims flanked the black grille and emphasized the side scoops which hosted the fog lights. Mitsubishi also mounted a plastic silver shield at the bottom of the bumper, inspired by its bigger brother, the Outlander.
Mitsubishi also revised the interior and introduced new satin-silver trims around the center stack’s air vents and a piano-black panel. An improved infotainment system with a 6.1” touch-screen replaced the previous unit. There were also new upholstery options, including one with diamond stitching for seats. In the back, the carmaker kept the 60/40 split-folding backrest that increased the trunk from 393 liters (13.9 cu-ft) to 1,143 liters (40.4 cu-ft).
For selected markets, Mitsubishi installed a 2.4-liter gasoline engine that offered 166 hp. The rest of the world received the same 1.6-liter gasoline unit and a PSA-sourced 2.2-liter turbo-diesel, which replaced the older 1.8-liter oil-burner, but produced the same 150 hp.
Mitsubishi introduced the first generation of the ASX on the market in 2010 and didn’t wait too long to refresh its image.
The car was not old yet, but Mitsubishi tried to stay ahead of the pack and introduced a refreshed version for the sporty-looking crossover vehicle in 2012. The carmaker named-it ASX on some markets and RVR on others. As a result, it was the first-generation of the ASX or the third generation of the RVR.
Mitsubishi designers desperately tried to obtain a better look for the unusual looking car and introduced a new bumper design. The broader opening in the lower apron and the reshaped fog lights made the car looks sportier. Also, the grille was different and A-shaped with a 3D pattern mesh. A new set of 18” alloys became standard for the 2013 model.
Inside, the Japanese carmaker installed a Lancer-Evolution inspired steering wheel with aluminum accents. For versions fitted with an automatic transmission, the Mitsubishi installed paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The infotainment system was fitted as an option on the base trim-levels and standard for the top ones.
Under the hood, Mitsubishi kept the 1.6-liter engine as its sole gasoline unit. Depending on the market, it introduced other diesel engines, including the 2.2-liter developed with PSA. The automatic transmission was a CVT that offered the possibility of selecting six fix ratios via paddles, mostly for engine braking.
The 2010 Mitsubishi ASX was the right car at the right moment in the right market.
It was launched just in time when the cross-over market started to grow.
There are not too many car-manufacturers that won the famous Paris-Dakar rally-raid and also won the World Rally Championship. Based on that experience, the Japanese car-manufacture decided to launch is small cross-over ASX on the market to improve its struggling sales.
It had the famous Mitsubishi Lancer trapezoidal front grille, but taller. The angled headlights were also inspired by the same car. The short vehicle had the proper SUV stance, even if it was reduced in size.
For the interior, the experience in both car and off-road vehicles could be seen. There was seating for five adults, with a low center transmission tunnel and enough room for all passengers. The trunk was large and when folded down the rear seats, it created a flat platform. The instrument cluster featured two round dials, in binocular style, with a small LCD between them.
For the engine offer, there was a choice for six gasoline and three turbodiesel units, depending on the market. It was offered with a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive system. Depending on the engine, the standard transmission was a 5- or 6-speed gearbox. A 6-speed automatic and a CVT were offered as an option.