Mitsubishi ASX 2017 pricing and spec confirmed

Mitsubishi Australia introduced its upgraded ASX range this week, with the small SUV picking up new safety features and smartphone technology, as well as revised exterior styling.

Pricing has held steady for nearly all variants, with only the flagship XLS grade incurring a rise in cost ($500). The line-up continues to kick off from $25,000 before on-road costs for the LS petrol in manual form.

All ASXs receive the latest interpretation of Mitsubishi's 'Dynamic Shield' front fascia, which includes integrated LED daytime running lamps (DRLs) and foglight lower bezel. A new rear bumper and tailgate design round out the exterior changes.

Inside, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto apps and digital radio have been added, which are complemented by a new-look centre console featuring two USB ports and a smartphone tray with removable padded liner.

Furthermore, the floor console panel has been updated with a silver geometric-grained finish, soft-touch leather knee rests, silver-trimmed power window switch panel and a larger centre storage box, as well as a new armrest and automatic transmission shift lever.

Noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels have also been reduced thanks to additional acoustic absorption materials throughout the body.

Mitsubishi has introduced a new mid-range variant, dubbed LS ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assist Systems), packing autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and high beam assist.

Priced from $28,500, the automatic-only LS ADAS is exclusively offered in petrol guise and attracts a $1500 premium over the equivalent LS variant. It further adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers and dusk-sensing headlights.

Meanwhile, the XLS model grade now also includes the new advanced safety features as standard.

These inclusions build upon the ASX's range-wide equipment list, which extends to seven airbags, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera.

There are no changes to the four-cylinder engines on offer, meaning the 110kW/197Nm 2.0-litre atmo petrol and 110kW/360Nm 2.2-litre turbo diesel carry on.

According to Mitsubishi Motors Australia chief operating officer Tony Principe, the Japanese carmaker's consistent efforts to refresh the model are starting to pay dividends.

"Through continuous improvement of one of our most popular SUV models, we have seen the ASX sales steadily grow, and it is now Australia’s best-selling small SUV in 2017," he said.

"The new ASX continues to evolve in this competitive marketplace with the introduction of advanced safety features, the latest smartphone connectivity and styling updates to maintain its well-earned position in the small SUV segment."

ASX sales have steadily improved this year, with 12,259 units sold to the end of August. This represents a 4.9 per cent increase over the 11,686 sales the Mitsubishi tallied during the same period in 2016.

Trailing the ASX in the 2017 small SUV segment is the Mazda CX-3 (11,931), Nissan Qashqai (9166), Honda HR-V (7992), Subaru XV (5599), Holden Trax (5031), Toyota C-HR (3465), Ford EcoSport (987) and Suzuki S-Cross (265).

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