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

Ubuntu Adventure 2021: Day 1 From Jozi to the Dolphin Coast

by Vuyi Mpofu

Setting off at the crack of dawn in the Mitsubishi Xpander CVT, a 7-seater MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle) the group drove in convoy towards Pietermaritzburg. The Xpander could easily have carried the entire group’s luggage thanks to its 3rd rows of seats; which, when laid flat, increases the luggage area by a whopping 1.77m.  Fortunately, our other vehicle was the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which has a smaller boot; but given the size of some of the accompanying journalists suitcases, I can safely say that the Xpander provides ample space for a medium-sized family’s luggage.

With ample legroom for front and rear seat passengers, the 275km trek to our first rest-stop in Harrismith was comfortable and smooth.  The Xpander’s 45-litre fuel tank, with a claimed fuel consumption rate of 7.0L/100km pulled up to the fuel pump with just under half a tank of fuel and a further approximately 320kms worth of fuel left in it.  Our breakfast venue was 200km away and while I was confident that the Xpander could easily make the stretch, we filled up the tank because the group wasn’t in the mood to cut it fine.

On the other hand, when the Eclipse Cross, with its substantially bigger 63-litre fuel reservoir reached the petrol station, its gauge hovered just below the three-quarter mark.   I won the argument against refuelling the Eclipse Cross and we before long, we were back on the road.

KwaNogqaza, aka Howick Falls

With the sun peeping over the horizon, we arrived at Howick Falls, a geographical gem adjoining the centre of the small town.

Also known as KwaNogqaza which means ‘the ‘place of the tall one’, the waterfall cascades into a churning pool of water, 95-metre below.  The waterfall is regarded with more than a dash of superstition by locals because legend has it that the Falls and surrounding area is sacred space; inhibited by the spirits of ancestors of the Africans who inhabited the area as far back as the 19thcentury.  Folklore also has it that a giant snake-like creature lives in the depth of the waters.

 

 

The view from the top of the Falls is one to behold.  Inhaling the fresh air and listening to the sounds of the awakening birds against the backdrop of the thundering waters, we let out a collective sigh of appreciation for the moment.

Nelson Mandela Capture Site

Next, we travelled a short 9km to the most important historical landmark of our trip; the site where the late former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela was arrested on 5 August 1962.

Tata Mandela had been travelling on the R103, disguised as the chauffeur of the car he was driving at the time of his arrest.  The Apartheid police had been hunting for him for 17 months prior to his capture and was apprehended as he drove past what is now the Nelson Mandela Capture site.

The Capture Site not only commemorates this significant moment in history with a cultural and historical exhibition, it’s also has a world renowned sculpture.  The late Nelson Mandela spent the next 27 years of his life in prison, awakening the consciousness of South Africans and the world to the inequalities and unfair treatment of people in our country; a battle which culminated in the first non-racial democratic election held on 27 April 1994.

Without a doubt the Nelson Mandela Capture Site is a must-see place for anyone with a desire to learn the history of our nation and how the purpose and sacrifice of one man has so greatly shaped our country.

KwaZulu-Natal Museum

Leaving Howick, the Adventurers headed to Pietermaritzburg to visit the Natal Museum – one of South Africa’s five national museums.

Set in a building which dates back to the early 1900s, the KwaZulu-Natal museum is dedicated to increasing understanding of the history of mankind in South-Eastern Africa and of the Natural World, through the collection, study and display of real objects. The Museum opened its doors on 30 November 1904 and is now home to several of South Africa’s most important heritage collections.

The collections are of international renown and feature regional archaeology, African cultural products, European settler history, seashells, insects and other forms of animal life. The KwaZulu-Natal Museum is proud to be the custodian of one of the most important collections of Zulu craft objects. It also boasts a room dedicated to KwaZulu-Natal history, including a reconstruction of a Victorian street, complete with shops and period homes.

The visit to the museum is yet another must-see place as it clearly illustrates how the various races and cultures of South Africa have co-existed alongside one another over generations.

CMH Mitsubishi Ballito

Leaving Pietermaritzburg, the we drove further down the N3, headed to the Dolphin Coast.  There we met newly appointed Dealer Principal Nathi Mhlongo, who heads up CMH Mitsubishi Ballito*.

CMH Mitsubishi Ballito is more than a dealership; rather, it is the embodiment of motoring lifestyle, offering its guests and customers a barbershop, nail & beauty salon and restaurant.

Over a hearty lunch, Nathi Mhlongo interacted easily with the media on topics ranging from his rise within the CMH group, becoming a Dealer Principal, the history of the CMH and Mitsubishi brands in South Africa and a few of his plans for the dealership’s growth, impact and relevance to its target market.

*CMH Mitsubishi Ballito is one of  5 newly opened Mitsubishi dealerships. The other 4 are Mitsubishi Motors Zambezi in Pretoria and CMH Mitsubishi Midrand (Gauteng), Morgan Mitsubishi Bethlehem (Free State) and Mitsubishi Motors Paarl (Western Cape).

It had been a long but fun and informative day but we still had a further 210km to our accommodation for the night – Hluhluwe Game Reserve.   The drive to the Reserve provided more excitement than anyone could have anticipated but I’ll share that story for Day 2 of Ubuntu Adventure 2021.

Vehicle Pricing:

  • Xpander 1.5L manual: R299,995
  • Xpander 1.5L automatic: R319,995
  • Eclipse Cross – 2.0L GLS CVT 4×2: R459 995
  • Eclipse Cross – 1.5L GLS CVT 4×2: R499 995

Pricing includes a three-year/100,000km manufacturer’s warranty and a two-year/30,000km service plan1

Ubuntu Adventure 2021, celebrating our heritage with Mitsubishi Motors South Africa

“I am who I am because we are”

The Ubuntu Adventure began as a road trip down memory lane. Conceptualized by founder, Vuyi Mpofu, as a way to reminisce about her childhood in the village, she set off on the first Ubuntu Adventure in 2018. True to the spirit of Ubuntu, the trip focused on the societal values which embody the meaning of the word: compassion, respect and solidarity.

Leaving behind her heels, nail tips, make-up kit and a vast array of wigs, Vuyi ventured towards the coast in the peak of the festive holiday period. It was a spontaneous adventure and she began her trek without booking accommodation, let alone knowing exactly where she would sleep.  The idea was to knock on doors in whichever community she found herself in at dusk and ask for a place to sleep; similar to how hers and countless other African families had done in the good old days when strangers were treated with hospitality, simply based on trust and humanity.

The loosely structured inaugural Ubuntu Adventure resulted in Vuyi arriving in the village of Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape at nightfall and being accommodated by the chieftain of the village.

To pay her way, Vuyi embarked on various household chores in return for her stay.  These included fetching water from the river, repairing a mud hut and fetching firewood; tasks innumerable Africans have and continue to do across the country.

Although well-received on social media and by its then corporate partners, Ubuntu Adventure did not take place again until now in 2021.

What is the event about?

Ubuntu Adventure aims to promote and celebrate South Africa’s diverse cultures, traditions and beliefs. We want to ignite a new appreciation for our beautiful country and all its people. Unlike its founding event of 2018, due to current COVID-19 restrictions, Ubuntu Adventure 2021 could not translate into an engagement at grassroots level.  Rather, it aimed to explore the scenic treasures within Kwa-Zulu Natal and focused on historical land sites which have shaped who we are as a nation.

Participants of Ubuntu Adventure 2021 were 6 motoring and lifestyle media professionals who collectively have an audience of over 10 million readers, viewers and listeners.  Driving vehicles from Mitsubishi Motors – the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Mitsubishi Xpander, both mid-size family-orientated vehicles, the journalists set off to explore the northern part of the province while testing how the Mitsubishi vehicles would fare over the 1 200km round trip.

The media, all family-orientated individuals, were on the lookout for aspects relating to space, fuel efficiency, comfort, safety and ease of driving along the journey.

Led by Vuyi Mpofu, the Adventure began in the culturally diverse Maboneng District in Gauteng, for an informal photo op, get-together and lunch.  Briefed and ready to roll, the real adventure began the following day.

Look out for highlights from Day 1 on our social media platforms.