Mitsubishi ASX’s Future in Australia: What You Need to Know

The Mitsubishi ASX, a mainstay in the small SUV market, is set for a significant transformation, but the timing might be a challenge for the Australian market. According to recent reports, the ASX, also known as the Outlander Sport and RVR in various regions, will be replaced with a new-generation model based on the Xforce by 2027. This potential change raises several questions about the vehicle's future in Australia, especially with the upcoming New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) due to be enforced in mid-2025.

The ASX's Imminent Replacement

The Mitsubishi ASX has been around since its debut in 2010, making it nearly twenty years old by the time it is expected to be replaced in 2027. The current model is built on the GS platform, which has been in use since the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander and 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer. Given that new vehicles typically undergo replacement or significant updates every four to seven years, the ASX is well overdue for a refresh.

The new ASX is anticipated to be based on the Xforce, a model that launched in Southeast Asia in 2023. However, Mitsubishi Australia faces a tight deadline to meet new safety and emissions regulations.

The Regulatory Challenge

The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), set to come into effect in mid-2025, introduces stringent emissions targets that could impact the ASX's viability in Australia. The current ASX exceeds the 2025 emissions target of 141g/km for passenger vehicles, which will gradually tighten to 58g/km by 2029.

Mitsubishi Australia is concerned that the Xforce, which may not meet these regulations in its current form, would require significant modifications to achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating—a crucial requirement for vehicles sold in Australia. The Xforce, also known as the XFC in concept form, is expected to score only three stars under the current ANCAP criteria, potentially excluding it from corporate fleets and private buyers who prioritize safety.

Potential Alternatives

With the Xforce facing challenges, Mitsubishi Australia is exploring alternatives. One option is to modify the Xforce to meet Australian standards, but this would involve re-engineering the vehicle to meet local ANCAP requirements. The alternative could be the European-market ASX, which is essentially a rebadged version of the Renault Captur. This model offers full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, which align better with the NVES's initial emissions targets.

The European ASX has already achieved a five-star ANCAP rating, but its safety features might not fully align with the latest ANCAP requirements, which now include advanced technologies such as front-centre airbags and enhanced autonomous emergency braking.

Conclusion

Mitsubishi Australia is actively working to secure a replacement for the aging ASX, but the timeline and regulatory challenges pose significant hurdles. Whether the new Xforce can be adapted to meet Australian standards, or whether Mitsubishi will pivot to the European ASX, remains to be seen. As the automotive industry navigates these regulatory changes, the future of the ASX in Australia will be shaped by how well Mitsubishi can adapt to evolving safety and emissions requirements.