Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Mistubishi’s Popular ASX Range Gets Two New Siblings

By H&H Admin

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) is making its range of sought-after vehicles accessible to a wider customer base with the introduction of a new ES specification level for the popular ASX. Slotting in below the two existing models, and badged as LS variants, there are now two new ES derivatives in either manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The ASX ES models cater to customers who put a premium on value for money but demand a proven crossover SUV with the best possible combination of attractive design, advanced technology, spaciousness, fuel economy and competitive pricing.

“The ASX was first introduced in South Africa in 2011 and since its launch, over 9300 units have been sold in South Africa, making it the most successful model for the brand in the last decade. The ASX has also opened the Mitsubishi brand to younger families seeking access to the legendary Mitsubishi way of life. The addition of the two ES models with revised specification levels now places this lifestyle within reach of buyers for whom affordability is a greater consideration,” explains Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at MMSA.

Apart from featuring the same powertrain combinations as the LS models, the ES additions boast the same striking exterior styling, spacious interior, upgraded seats and advanced mechanics.  These include

Exterior
  • Key exterior features include:
  • LED headlights
  • LED daytime running lights (DRL), 
  • LED fog lamps
  • electrically adjustable foldaway mirrors
  • LED brake lights, 
  • LED taillights, 
  • LED reverse lights 
  • Rear spoiler with a high-mounted stop lamp
Interior
  • Electric windows all round
  • Fabric upholstery
  • Manual air-conditioning. 
  • Radio/CD player
  • Touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay (Android Auto is available as an option). 
  • USB and accessory sockets 
  • Bluetooth connectivity with hands-free voice control
  • Cruise control
Performance

The new ES models use the same engine as their LS siblings, being Mitsubishi’s 2.0L MIVEC aluminium powerplant, which offers 110 kW at 6 000 r/min and peak torque of 197 Nm at 4 200 r/min.

As with the LS specification level, the ES is available with a five-speed manual transmission or CVT.

The ASX boasts a towing capacity of 1 260 kg (braked) for the manual transmission and 750 kg for the CVT (unbraked), making it a great getaway partner for families who seek adventure outside of the city.

Safety

As with all Mitsubishi products, safety features abound in ASX ES models. 

These include hill start assist (HSA) and active stability and traction control (ASTC), as well as anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist (BAS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).

Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body construction, which provides superior all-direction collision safety design, is supplemented by side impact protection beams, a collapsible steering column, brake pedal recession protection and whiplash injury reduction seats to ensure optimal occupant safety. 

Driver, passenger and knee airbags as well as ISOFIX child seat anchor points are also standard as part of the package.

ASX ES models also boast rear park distance control and a keyless operating system with a unique smart key that works within a 70 cm radius from the vehicle for easy locking and unlocking. 

Once inside, the driver can start the engine with the simple touch of a button.

Warranty and service

The ASX range is covered by Mitsubishi’s three-year/100 000 km manufacturer warranty, a three-year /60 000 km service plan and three-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km or once a year.

“The ASX has proven itself to be a youthful, urbanised crossover SUV for those who appreciate quality, capability, practicality and versatility in a vehicle. With the introduction of the ES models, more South Africans will now be able to benefit from Mitsubishi’s impressive SUV heritage and unrivalled reputation, while enjoying enhanced affordability and value for money,” concluded Allison.

Pricing
 
ASX 2.0 ES ManualR 369 995
ASX 2.0 ES CVTR 389 995
ASX 2.0 LS ManualR 419 995
ASX 2.0 LS CVTR 439 995

Mitsubishi Motors and AmaZulu Football Club enter into fan and customer focused partnership

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) and Durban-based Amazulu Football Club (FC), have entered into a partnership that will create a sustainable value proposition for both brands.

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) and Durban-based Amazulu Football Club (FC), affectionately known as Usuthu, have entered into a partnership that will offer football fans exclusive offers and create a sustainable value proposition for both brands.

It has been proven time and again that sport has the magical ability to unite people, not only in South Africa, but also worldwide. It creates friendships, promotes tourism within and outside South Africa’s borders, and thereby growing economies.

…following a great season, we are happy to align with AmaZulu FC, to allow both brands to continue to grow and flourish

– Thato Magasa, managing director, Mitsubishi Motors South Africa

 

Originally established as Zulu Royals, Usuthu was formed in 1932 and boasted a membership of approximately 1 million before the end of the 2020/21 season, and it aims to reach more than 5 million by 2032. In October 2020, the club was acquired by Zungu Investments Company (ZICO). 

 

AmaZulu sees the partnership between us and Mitsubishi Motors as the marriage of the aspirational and adventurous brands

– Sandile Zungu, president of AmaZulu FC

“Mitsubishi recognises the power and popularity of sport and following a great season, we are happy to align with AmaZulu FC, to allow both brands to continue to grow and flourish,” said Thato Magasa, managing director of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa.

“AmaZulu FC wants to conquer the continent as well as at home. This is akin to Mitsubishi vehicles conquering outdoors and in urban terrains. AmaZulu sees the partnership between us and Mitsubishi Motors as the marriage of the aspirational and adventurous brands. We are very excited,” commented Sandile Zungu, president of AmaZulu FC.

“There is a strong synergy between Mitsubishi and AmaZulu FC,” said Jeffrey Allison, general manager of marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa. “The club has a strong reputation for being fresh, agile and trustworthy, with strong ties to the community. These are all traits that Mitsubishi identifies with and is known for, so we believe the partnership will be a fruitful one for both brands.

“Usuthu has ambitious plans for their centenary in 2032, including becoming football warriors on the continent. With resilience and relentless passion, our partnership will set our brands on a course to achieve unprecedent success,” said Allison.

Added Magasa: “Our ultimate goal is not only commercial, but to also increase societal benefits for all parties. We are convinced this partnership will go a long way towards making a difference in the communities we operate in as more people get to experience the brand for themselves.”