All-New Mitsubishi ASX Now Available for Booking

October 06, 2010 (From The Source Of MMM)

Stylish compact crossover launching soon

The new ASX compact crossover from Mitsubishi Motors has been creating waves across the world. This exciting global car will reach Malaysian shores very soon. Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, the importer and distributor of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles, has announced that it will begin collecting bookings for the ASX from 8 October onwards.

The all-new ASX compact crossover is expected to be officially launched in early November 2010.

The ASX’s key concept is ‘Smart-Sized’- more compact than a conventional SUV, but larger than a compact car with a higher seating position, thus striking a fine balance between the two. Passenger car handling and agility from an SUV’s vantage point as well as utility are not sacrificed – the ASX offers both.

The ASX will be powered by a 2.0-litre 16-valve engine with Mitsubishi’s proprietary MIVEC system. This modern DOHC power plant has 150 PS of power and 197 Nm of torque. It will be paired with an INVECS-III CVT gearbox with 6-step Sports Mode.

Equipment levels are generous. The ASX comes with standard Active Stability Control (ASC), Hill Start Assist and dual front airbags plus a driver’s knee airbag. Also included are leather seats, a 2-DIN wide touch screen audio system, reverse camera, automatic air-conditioning and cruise control are luxurious extras. A full-colour LCD multi-information system in the instrument panel complete the vision of perfection.

Mitsubishi ASX Special Edition – A Sportier Package

Limited to just 50 units

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, the importer and distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, launched the Mitsubishi ASX Special Edition today. The launched was also in conjunction of the ASX first year anniversary since its debut in Malaysia. The ASX Special Edition is based on the fully imported ASX compact cross-over model and is limited to just 50 units.

Made especially for those with an outgoing and active lifestyle, the Mitsubishi ASX Special Edition adds on a sportier accessory package enhancement that includes window visor, front under cover, rear garnish and an exclusive body sticker. 

 

Priced at RM142,980.00 on the road inclusive of insurance, the ASX Special Edition is obtainable in two colours – White Pearl and Mica Black. Owners get to enjoy a 3-year/100,000 km warranty as well as Mitsubishi’s 2-year free maintenance package.

The ASX was developed to combine the utility and practicality of an SUV with the comfort of a sedan in just the right size, with high ride point, easy manoeuvring, good handling and comfort for active driving fun. 

Launched in Malaysia November last year, the ASX is powered by a 2.0-liter engine which uses a lightweight aluminium block for optimum performance as it puts out 150PS to take control of city streets. The fuel economical compact cross-over also uses MIVEC technology which is Mitsubishi Motors exclusive technology that adjusts intake timing for optimal performance across the rev range. 

The Special Edition ASX boasts a long list of additional features. The centre console houses a built-in GPS System with Bluetooth functionality. In addition, it also comes with an iPhone and iPod USB connectivity. This feature allows iPhone or iPod compatibility through the USB hub making it possible to playback quality music or video stored in these devices. The Special Edition ASX interior is also further enhanced with race-inspired redesigned leather seats with red stitching.

For safety purposes, the ASX comes with standard Active Stability Control (ASC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA) – to make it easy to start off on a steep uphill slope by preventing the vehicle from sliding backward. The ASX also comes with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), pretensioners and force limiters seatbelts as well as dual-stage SRS airbags plus a driver’s knee airbag.

ASX Review by Nora Ismail - Trippin’ to Penang with the ‘Husbands’

The Best Wedding Present

Before I got married, many married couples I met told me and my then-fiancé that as you get married, good fortune comes your way or in Malay, murah rezeki. We didn’t think much of it until the wedding day approached. In addition to help and some extra cash for the wedding, finding out that I won the ASX-perience contest was the icing on the cake!

By the way, the ASX-perience contest required people to tell why they deserve a road trip in the ASX based on the weekly scenario posted on Facebook or the ASX microsite. The most popular post with the most “Likes” won, and it turned out to be yours truly!

The timing was great, as we could take the trip after all three of our wedding events were over. As our honeymoon was only three weeks after the events, we decided to make it a pre-honeymoon trip, about a week before the honeymoon. What made it even more special that it wasn’t just our first road trip as husband and wife, it was our first road trip as a couple.

And I’m going with both my human husband and the other husband – the handsome red Mitsubishi ASX I’ve been eyeing since I saw it on the Internet. (I was a big Lancer fan previously).

The Ride

Driving up to Penang was fun, considering I’ve never driven anywhere outside of Selangor, with the exception of Seremban. We also stopped in Taiping to visit my husband’s late grandfather’s house. The ASX’s handling on corners made driving up the hilly, winding roads after Ipoh and on the way to Batu Ferringhi almost a non-existent challenge – we were going fairly fast as well. 

Driving on the straight roads, however, was a challenge. The speed easily reaches 140 km/h without flooring the accelerator so trying to go 90 km/h or 110 km/h in the speed trap zones was tough and required a lot of braking. But we managed. And we totally smoked a BMW outside of the speed zone, yeah!

Of course being a road trip, we stocked up on tons of snacks and drinks. It’s a good thing the ASX has more than just 2 cup holders in the front. Self shot photos for the co-pilot was also made even easier with large side view mirrors, heh. And oh, what a convenience the rear view camera is when reversing – it’s a good addition to a higher car, where you can’t really see if there’s a dog obstructing your way. The ASX doesn’t guzzle as much fuel for a 2.0 litre engine – we paid RM100 for RON97 to fuel up 5/8 of a tank.

Driving in Penang itself is pretty insane. Penang drivers are rather aggressive and it doesn’t help that the roads are pretty narrow so if you’re driving a compact vehicle, you’ll feel like everyone’s inching into you. But then again, it’s island driving as Bali’s the same.

 

 

The Island

I’ve only been to Penang once in my entire life, and that was to attend a cousin’s wedding. So I’m glad I get to do more things this time around, now that we had our own transportation. We went to the Batu Ferringhi night market, where we bagged some cool stuff, including a katana-inspired umbrella (the husband’s a geek, but a cool one), had the famous Nasi Kandar Beratur and Kek Seng homemade ice cream, bought preserved buah salak and nutmeg, dragon balls and empuk durian as souvenirs, and swam and chilled at Hard Rock Hotel Penang.

We also met up with a friend, John, who lives in Mount Pleasure, Tanjung Bungah with his parents. It was a five-minute drive from Hard Rock Hotel to his place and boy, it’s a beautiful neighbourhood! John’s place even has a roof that overlooks the coastline of Batu Ferringhi. His mom collects art so their house is packed with beautiful paintings, sculptures and other tasteful art knick-knacks. John and his parents saw the ASX and approved of it, adding that it looks like a cool, young version of the Nissan Murano.

John’s parents took us out to the Penang Swimming Club for dinner and his mom shared a secret with us – there’s a bakery called Sunflower in Tanjung Bungah that makes the best hard-to-find sugee cake and layer cake. Guess what we bought the next day before we drove back to KL? That’s right – sugee cake and layer cake. They didn’t disappoint!

 

 

The Rockstar Hotel

… unfortunately isn’t very rockstar. Breakfast is until 10am – wait, which rockstar wakes up before 12 noon? Jokes aside, the service was pretty slow but other than that, it’s a nice place, especially for a group of young buds. And how can we not enjoy a hotel that provides an iPod dock with a pretty bad-ass sound system? And with Elvis Presley looking on as we take a shower?

 

The End

Overall, it was a great prelude to our honeymoon. We got to drive my favourite car for a whole three days (I insisted on driving most of the time) and I got to experience Penang with someone whose family originates from there. We miss the ASX so badly now!

By: Nora Ismail

Mitsubishi ASX [Active Smart X-Over]

Mitsubishi ASX or also known as RVR in Japan has been release into Malaysia by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) in the fourth quarter of 2010. ASX a compact crossover vehicle in Malaysia is a fully imported CBU (Completely Built Up) from Japan which characteristic as a sedan with an overview on a SUV.  Façade of ASX appears almost alike as the previous model release by MMM, the Mitsubishi Lancer however size of ASX the Active Sporting Crossover has brought up a different character in it. Overall of ASX size is developed in smaller size comparing to usual SUV, this new model of crossover from Mitsubishi offers wide dimension of space if compares to a compact vehicle has developed a reputation of ASX as a Smart Sized vehicle.

Engineered Similarly in Power but Diverse in Size

Built-in with an engine similarly as Mitsubishi Lancer, the 4B11 engine is an inline 4 cylinder DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) 16-valve MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) engine with displacement of 2.0 liter (1,998cc) is initially developed under a joint venture of GEMA (Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance). Featured with aluminum engine block which lighten its weight and technology wise of VVT (Variable Valve Timing) system is integrated to assist ASX in producing high power and torque output over a broad engine speed range. As the engine utilized in ASX and Lancer is similar, power produce is slightly lower as Lancer capable to produce 155 hp and 199 Nm torque, but ASX only able to produce 149 hp and 197 Nm. 4B11 engine employed also boost a max speed of 190 km/h in Mitsubishi ASX.

Comfort of Transmission 

In Malaysia, Mitsubishi ASX is introduced in auto transmission mode and built as a front wheel drive vehicle, 2WD (2 wheel-drive) since ASX is initial as an urban crossover and assembled in lacking of off road pretensions. INVECS-III (Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electronic Control System) gearbox, a category of CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) offers efficiency, quietness and diminishing the harshness and power lag of traditional gear shift. In creating a convenience gear shifting, a magnesium paddle shift is positioned on its steering to benefit driver in handiness on changing gear by just placing its hand on the steering. Equipped with a 6-step sport mode provides a sporty ride with a manual like driving experience.

Active & Passive Safety Attributes

On safety, this sporty crossover offers several technology systems and incorporated with equipments to ensure safe in driving and provides protection to occupants. In technology wise, system such as HSA (Hill Start Assist) system, ASC (Active Stability Control) system, and ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) along EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) system is built in ASX.

• HSA System – benefiting in easily start on uphill slope and preventing vehicle in going backward while on uphill slope. The system is applied during hilly terrain is detected and brake-force is automatically applied to maintain the steadiness until vehicle is accelerated.

• ASC System – Engine output is automatically control in perfect balance and braking power is also applied to appropriate wheels as to maintain the stability and smooth control. The system utilized onboard sensors to evaluate motion or traction, later on identify the wheel slippage.

• ABS & EBD System – Firstly the ABS assist in preventing individual wheels from locking up during full force braking and offers great control while braking. Next the EBD system employed with purpose to reduce the braking distance by electronically tune braking force along front and rear axles which offers appropriate brake distribution through the wheels.

Equipment such as dual SRS (Supplement Restraint System) airbags and 3-point ELR (Emergency Locking Reactor) seatbelts is incorporated with pre-tensioner and force limiters are offer in Mitsubishi ASX. Airbags is provided to the driver and front passenger to protect and reduce injuries during accident. Knee airbag is also available to driver as a supplement safety to the driver. 3-point ELR seatbelts built-in ASX as it provides excellent degree of collision safety and pre-tensioner purposed to pull or reel back seatbelts automatically as collision is aware and force limiters will release seatbelts in slow motion as to reduce risk in injuries. Suspension developed in ASX also benefited in the safety purpose as MacPherson struts positioned front and multi-link suspension placed on its rear, both built with stabilizer bars is tuned for high level of agility and stability. Other than all mentioned this sporty urban crossover is structured with stiff RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body which offers strong protection to passengers and driver as it employs strategic front and rear crumple portions to absorb and disperse impact. High tensile steel in developing the body of ASX also provides the strength without having a heavy weight body.

Designed with Function

The brand new crossover introduced by MMM has a smart size reputation as the dimensioned of ASX has the length of 4,295mm, height of 1,815mm, 1,770mm in width and the wheelbase of 2,670mm which built in this compact SUV. Design of ASX is developed with aerodynamic purpose with imaging of an urban and fashionable style in a compact SUV. CD (Coefficient Drag) of 0.33 is present by the silky aerodynamic offered as the lowering of its rear roof edge which perfected in aerodynamic of air-flow combines with  the smoothening of under floor of ASX that also provides the aerodynamic feature. Front portion of ASX is designed with a ‘jet fighter’ front grille and assertive headlamps as the trademark of Mitsubishi. Prominent design lines on ASX sides and smooth curve roof lines carved on to ASX developed a sporty dynamic image on it.

Sporty and Dynamic Exteriorize but Luxurious Interiorize

 

Internally of this sporty crossover from Mitsubishi is build with deluxe features, thanking to the leather seats offered and also certain area wrapped up with black colored leather such as its tilt, telescopic steering wheel and gear knob. Apart from leather materials, stylish cabin and equipment provided in ASX also contributed on its luxurious. A Double DIN LCD touch screen with ICE (In Car Entertainment) system and provided in visualizing rear view as a reverse camera is available for safety purpose during maneuvering in reverse mode due to height of ASX. Information display is presented on a full color LCD multi information system is displayed conveniently on info such as fuel, average fuel consumption, trip, total distance, temperature outside vehicle and status of vehicle. Exclusive is shown by its silver frame meters with digits in it is illuminated in white. Other equipment such as USB ports, keyless entry and automatic air-conditioner is also available in ASX.

Further Up in ASX

Mitsubishi ASX has a fuel tank capacity of 63 liters, runs under a fuel system benefited by its 4B11 engine, ECI-MULTI (Electronic-Controlled multi-point fuel Injection) system assisted in curbing fuel consumption of this compact SUV, and making 7.7 liters for a 100km. Carbon dioxide emission releases by ASX is categorize in nature loving as it releases 181 gram of carbon dioxide per kilometer. Eco-friendliness is benefited by the aerodynamic design adding the fuel system employed. Next on its luggage volume capacity, the compactness of ASX capable to fit up a 442 liters capacity without flipping down its rear seats which making ASX a perfect vehicle for a family that are seeking for sedan agility and SUV utility because ASX is built with both purposed. MMM introduced Mitsubishi ASX into Malaysia with 5 various designed colors such as the Kwasemi Blue which is the signature of ASX, Black Mica, Titanium Gray, Red Metallic and White Pearl. Pricing of Mitsubishi Active Sporty Crossover in Malaysia is starting from RM136, 000.