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Mitsubishi Motors Philippines launches the all new ASX - Active Sport Crossover

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) launches a completely new vehicle from within its specialty SUV category. The all new ASX, or Active Sport Crossover, is an ideal compact crossover which achieves superior utility and running performance, excellent environmental efficiency and a refined interior and exterior in a compact size. Considered as a 'little brother' to the Outlander, the all new ASX measures 4295mm in length, 1770mm in width with an overall height of 1625mm and a ground clearance of 195mm. The all new ASX was also developed to respond to the growing concern for the environment as many consumers now are looking for a just the right size vehicle, fuel efficient, provides excellent driving pleasure and enhanced safety. The all new ASX is optimized to fulfill the role of a "Smart Life" vehicle, fitting perfectly into the lifestyle of each individual, whether for daily use or weekend getaways.

Exterior:
With its compact body the all-new ASX provides an attractive SUV-like design. The front mask carries "Jet fighter" grille which is similar to the Lancer EX, communicating Mitsubishi Motors' design identity of sportiness and excitement. It has sporty, energetic exterior lines and a curving roof line with superior aerodynamics considering front, side and rear drag reduction to express a dynamic silhouette. Multiple LED brake lights at the rear provide superior visibility. The top-of-the-line GLS SE 4x4 has a 160-degree super wide range H.I.D. headlamps which sends out a broader beam of light, illuminating a much wider section of the road ahead. The front and rear lamps are extra wide which is designed to give a high-grade impression. All three ASX variants are equipped with a multi-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels mounted with 215/60 R17 rubber.

Interior & Utility:
Driving pleasure has always been one of Mitsubishi Motors' commitments to its customer. In fact, the all-new ASX features an interior that is ergonomically designed and yet boasts of style and elegance. A new inclusion for convenience is the top-of-the-line GLS SE 4x4's Push Start/Stop Engine button. Steering wheel position now has tilt and telescopic adjustments to fit anyone's preference. High Contrast gauges flank the multi-information meter that can show the trip meters, fuel economy, and average speed among others.

Providing superior mobile entertainment to the occupants is a 6.2 inch touch screen LCD monitor that has a built-in DVD/CD/MP3/WMA player with FM/AM tuner. The same headunit also provides GPS Navigation for the GLS and GLS SE models, handsfree Bluetooth pairing, plus iPod and USB connectivity. Keeping things cool for the three models is the automatic climate control.

Even with its compact size, the interior offers ample passenger room and cargo space. Five full-size adults can comfortably sit on the seats wrapped in sporty black 3D embossed fabric. Just in case you need to haul a lot of stuff, just fold flat the 2nd row seats and instantly 384 liters of available cargo capacity is provided. The easy opening tailgate is wide enough to provide ample space for even the bulkiest items and the low floor height makes it convenient to move heavy cargo in and out. An under-floor compartment is also included, giving you a handy storage space.

Performance:
The All-new ASX is powered by the same 4B11 2.0-liter engine found on the Lancer EX but retuned to match the ASX' weight and specific drivetrain. Power output is now at 150 Ps at 6,000 rpm and torque at 197 N-m at 4,200 rpm thanks to the MIVEC or Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control technology. Transmission options are the 5-speed manual transmission and the Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT with 6-speed Sportronic mode that could either be operated by the gearshift lever or the steering column mounted magnesium alloy paddle shifters. The GLS SE 4x4 gets a multi-mode 4WD system that can be controlled via a rotary knob located at the floor console which allows selection of three drivetrain mode settings:

• 2WD - only the front wheels are driven for best fuel economy on dry paved roads


• 4WD - automatically shifts up to 30% of the torque to the rear wheels for better traction on slippery surfaces


• LOCK - torque shift to the rear wheels is increased to 50% on demand, to gain maximum traction in extreme weather conditions or in difficult terrain

The all-new ASX' comfortable ride can be attributed to its wide track and long wheelbase coupled to a dependable MacPherson strut front suspension and a sophisticated rear multi-link set-up, secured by front and rear stabilizer bars, for stable and predictable handling. Electronic Power Assist not only makes the ASX easy to maneuver but more efficient by eliminating the extra engine load.

Safety:
The all-new ASX provides superior safety for all occupants. With the Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body design crush zones progressively crumble to absorb impact energy, and key structural areas direct energy away from the cabin. To keep occupants in every seat safe in the event of a collision, the ASX GLS SE is available with a 7-airbag system to provide protection from all sides. Curtain airbags extending along both sides protect front and 2nd-row occupants in a side collision, while the 1st-row occupants are additionally protected by front and side airbags. For further safety, a driver's knee airbag helps to protect the legs in a forward collision. While the GLS and GLX versions are equipped with the dual stage SRS Airbags for both driver and front passenger.

All models come with Anti-lock Braking System with Electonic Brakeforce Distribution and Brake Assist to deliver the optimal braking performance under any situation.

A Hill Start Assist System (Hill Start Assist) is also standard on the ASX GLS SE. When starting on an upward slope, the HSA automatically holds the brakes for about 2 seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal and applies the accelerator, to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards. Plus the GLS SE also comes with Active Stability Control or ASC to automatically control the brakes and power output to stabilize the car in the event of a detected lateral slippage.

Truly compact but ingeniously spacious, stylish and elegant, the all-new ASX is available in 3 variants: ASX GLX 4x2 MT, ASX GLS 4x2 CVT, and ASX GLS SE 4x4 CVT and comes in six colors: Quartz Brown Metallic, Virgil Gray, Carbon Black, Kingfisher Blue, Amazon Red and Biscuit White. Suggested introductory prices are P1,145,000 for the GLX 4x2 MT , P1,225,000 for the GLS 4x2 CVT, and P1,498,000 for the GLS SE 4x4 model. Visit your nearest Mitsubishi Motors dealers or check out www.mitsubishi-motors.com.ph for more details.

Note: MMPC reserves the right to change specifications and prices without prior notice. Please get in touch with us for clarifications.

500,000th Unit Milestone Achievement for Mitsubishi Motors Philippines

Commemorating the recommencement of MMPC’s passenger car production as well as the 500,000 unit milestone, MMC President Osamu Masuko was in the country last week to partake in the celebrations. Says Mr. Masuko, “Mitsubishi Motors Philippines has been resilient and has persisted with uninterrupted manufacturing and marketing activities through periods of difficulty including the economic crisis of the early 1980s. Through periods of recovery and growth, MMPC has expanded and has been aggressively pioneering advancements in the different manufacturing processes.”

However, MMPC’s achievement is not without serious challenges. MMPC can easily reach the 600,000 production mark in just five years, but government support through economic and political stability is vital. According to Mr. Masuko, the government must implement the proposed Motor Vehicle Development Plan or MVDP and put an end to the importation of used cars. He added that the more new cars are sold here, the more companies like Mitsubishi will consider assembling locally, resulting in more affordable cars. He also reiterated that the government must also provide incentives for both car manufacturers and car parts makers, specifically those engaged in local production and assembly; a timely statement given that the national elections next year can pave the way to change in both governance and policies.



Though the elections are still five months away, and no one knows what will happen by then; MMPC has given its solid backing of Philippine operations, giving some glimpse of what to expect in 2010 and beyond. Of course, the first is the locally assembled Lancer EX with its revised Evolution X-style nose and black-out tail lamps. According to a product literature provided by MMPC, this will be followed by the all-wheel drive, turbocharged 240-horsepower Lancer EX Ralliart. MMPC President Masahiko Ueki also confirmed the arrival of the Outlander-based RVR crossover in late 2010. A diesel version of the Fuzion MPV and a new global small car is also being considered.



Mitsubishi Motors Philippines’s positive attitude towards the Philippine automotive market as well as its new and improvement manufacturing facility will undoubtedly mean they can indeed reach their 600,000 production milestone in five years. Their commitment to provide the best in the car ownership experience has awarded them not only the J.D. Power Asia Pacific Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) and Customer Service Index (CSI), but also a place in Philippine culture as well. After all, no other car manufacturer has its cars colorfully nicknamed like “itlog”, “pizza pie” and “pating” than Mitsubishi.


* By Ulysses Ang (The Philippine Star) Updated December 16, 2009
* Pictures from Mitsubishi Motors Events and News