New Mitsubishi ASX puts family safety first

The ASX is Mitsubishi's new versatile family car with the space of a people carrier, the styling of an SUV and the humble running costs of a small hatchback. Launching today (and available from Brady's Mitsubishi garage, Cavan), the ASX will be available with two engine choices, a 1.6L petrol and a 1.8L common rail direct injection diesel engine, and one highly equipped trim level. The ASX comes with over forty safety, styling and comfort features as standard including Hill Start Assist, telescopic steering wheel adjustment, roof rails and electric folding mirrors. Built to secure a 5 star EURO NCAP safety rating, the ASX also comes with seven airbags, including one to protect the driver's knees, ABS with EBD and traction control. Commenting on the new ASX, Robert Guy of Mitsubishi Motors Ireland said: "The ASX is entering the fastest growing segment in Ireland and is a vehicle that blends the best of two our most iconic vehicles - the driving characteristics of the Lancer and the commanding driving position of the Outlander. So we're very confident our new low emission petrol and diesel models will be a success and further establish our presence in the passenger car market. The ASX will be available in a 1.6L petrol, with €156 Road Tax and fuel economy of 47MPG, and a 1.8L diesel with €302 Road Tax and fuel economy of 50MPG. Built in Japan on Mitsubishi's global platform, the all-new ASX will compete in the hugely popular compact crossover segment that has been growing steadily over the last three years and now accounts for over 7.5% of all car sales in Ireland. The latest vehicle developed from MMC's "Project Global" mid-size platform, ASX aims to blend the best of two of Mitsubishi's most recognisable and iconic vehicles - the driving characteristics of the Lancer and the commanding driving position of the Outlander - and further establish the brands' presence in the passenger car market. The ASX carries most of the Outlander's lower structure as well as the basic architecture of its chassis (MacPherson front suspension and multi-link rear suspension), which is tuned for this lighter and more compact 2WD vehicle. A notable feature is the introduction of an electric power steering mechanism to further lower emissions, which is also fitted with both tilt and telescopic adjustments. On the outside, the front grille merges with a sculptured bonnet. This contributes to better pedestrian safety and makes the body more visible to the driver, thus improving manoeuvrability. At the rear, the vehicle is characterised by a sharp aerodynamic lip at the bottom of the backlight and slim slanted combination lamps. On the inside, everything is positioned within easy and intuitive reach of the driver in the stylish cabin. Making the best usage of its long 2.67m wheelbase, the ASX has a comprehensive set of utility features, making it ideal for the likely loading requirements of its potential customers'. These include: 419L trunk, adjustable rear backrests, a 60/40 split rear seat, easy-fold (flat) rear bench, under floor tray with a 30L capacity and convenient hooks and lighting. The ASX features a new petrol engine and is available with a new lightweight 1.6L DOHC 16v MIVEC petrol engine developed by Mitsubishi, which delivers the lowest emissions in its class at 135g/km - Tax Band B / €156 Road Tax. Alternatively its diesel engine will also feature the brand new all-aluminum DOHC 16v 4-cylinder Common rail direct injection "low impact" Euro 5 Diesel engine, jointly developed by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. This 1.8L engine features innovative technologies including a new variable geometry turbocharger and high-efficiency combustion characteristics. The highlight of this technology is Mitsubishi's proprietary MIVEC variable valve timing system, a world first for a passenger car Diesel engine. Safety is a major issue for the new ASX. It's targeting a 5-star EURO NCAP safety rating through one of the most comprehensive safety packages of any vehicle in the segment. To limit the effect of impacts from all directions, the ASX's body incorporates: High-tensile steel to reduce weight and increase stiffness, shape optimization of the octagonal-section straight front side members for better energy absorption, "Triple-leg" bearing structure, linking the rear end of the front side member with the dash cross centre and lower members, to efficiently disperse frontal impact energy and reinforced body construction, which helps to absorb crash energy. All of these measures compliment Mitsubishi's RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) uni-body, which brings dramatic advances in multi-directional impact safety performance. As a fundamental starting point, this proprietary design disperses energy loads during side and rear impacts and controls distortion, enhancing occupant protection and also helping to protect the fuel system during a rear impact. For optimum pedestrian protection, the front bumper, bonnet, fenders and cowling all employ impact energy absorbing structures. These elements provide an effective crumpling zone without affecting the strength or flexibility of the body. The internal structure of the front bumper is designed to provide an energy-absorbing zone, while the placement of appropriate material and a lower bumper beam reduces pedestrian leg injury. Service intervals for the new ASX stand at 15,000km while the vehicle is covered by Mitsubishi's 3 year/100,000km and three-year pan-European home and roadside assistance programme, the Mitsubishi Assistance Package (MAP). The new ASX range goes on sale in Ireland on September 2010 and Mitsubishi Motors Ireland expects to sell 500 units in 2011. The launch of the ASX is one part of an exciting and busy product roadmap for the Mitsubishi brand over the next six months with a renewed and extended range of passenger cars emerging. October will herald the launch of the 1.8L diesel engine in the Lancer range, with a Tax Band B (€156 road tax) rating. This will be followed in November by the new Outlander, with a 2.2L diesel engine in 2WD and 4WD automatic. Then in January 2011 Mitsubishi will launch the first electric vehicle from a mainstream manufacturer, the i-MiEV. • The Mitsubishi ASX is available at Brady's, Cavan, www.bradyscavan.ie or call 049-4331833.