Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited’s (MMAL) popular ASX has been named the best value compact SUV in the Wheels Magazine Gold Star Value Awards.
Wheels Magazine editor Bill Thomas said the ASX was a deserving winner thanks to its reasonable purchase price, economical fuel consumption and industry-leading warranty.
“The diesel ASX offers great value across the floor, making it a smart investment,” Thomas said.
Vehicles were assessed across a range of criteria including warranty, fuel economy, purchase price, depreciation, insurance costs, and service schedules and prices.
The diesel ASX beat competitors Hyundai ix35 and Honda CR-V to the top spot thanks to its 5.9L/100km combined-cycle fuel economy, low insurance cost and retained value after three years.
MMAL’s president and CEO, Gen Nishina, said the company was delighted to receive the accolade from such a respected publication.
“The ASX combines comfort and safety with economical driving and we are pleased that Wheels Magazine recognized the value and performance offered by the ASX,”Nishina said.
The Mitsubishi 4WD ASX diesel is powered by a 1.8-litre MIVEC engine with six-speed manual transmission and comes with superior safety features including seven airbags, Active Stability and Traction Control and reverse parking sensors.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced increased safety and luxury appointments to its popular compact SUV, the ASX, as part of a model year 2012 range update.
The highlight of the update is the availability of a new reversing camera to entry level variants, meaning the entire ASX range in Australia now has access to this important safety feature.
MMAL’s President and CEO, Genichiro Nishina, said the availability of the reversing camera across the range had been a focus of the first comprehensive update for the popular compact four-wheel drive, originally released in August 2010.
“With the growth in popularity of SUV vehicles, rear view monitoring is an increasingly important safety factor, so we are very pleased to ensure a rear view camera is available on all models in the ASX line-up,” Nishina said.
In addition to the availability of the rear monitoring system, the MY12 ASX gains a number of safety, comfort and style improvements as part of the 2012 model year upgrade, including new seat trims, new rear-seat centre armrest with cup holders and new interior finishes.
Within the two- and four-wheel drive, diesel and petrol variants available in the ASXline-up, it is the entry level two-wheel drive ASX which has seen the greatest change. The 2WD variant is the most popular model in the ASX range, claiming just on 70 per cent of sales. Given the high demand, MMAL decided to introduce two optional packages featuring upgraded specifications for the 2WD model.
The first is the Convenience Pack which includes reversing sensors, Bluetooth 2.0 hands-free phone system with steering wheel controls, along with steering wheel mounted audio controls – available for a retail price of $500.
The second is the Luxury Pack which also includes steering wheel mounted Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio controls, and adds the electro-chromatic mirror with rear view monitor, leather seat trim, heated front seats, and power operated driver’s seat. The Luxury Pack adds exterior improvements including 17 inch alloy wheels and front fog lamps and a chrome exterior package which has all the visual enhancements normally reserved for the top-of-the-line Aspire ASX. These include a fog lamp bezel, radiator grille details and belt line moulding. The Luxury Pack can be added to the 2WD ASX variant for a retail price of $3,700.
Further upgrades are continued across the ASX four-wheel drive range, with 4WDvariants (both diesel and petrol) gaining the electro-chromatic mirror with rear view monitor, as well as receiving updated trim material and rear seat armrests with cup holders.
The top of the range Aspire, while already sporting just about every luxury appointment you could imagine – including the Mitsubishi Multi Communication System, which already features a rear view camera – receives a little extra “bling”in the form of some chrome touches to the instrument cluster and panel.
Remaining unchanged is the engine line up with the two-wheel drive sporting a fuel-efficient 110kW/197Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine that drives the front wheels through a choice of either five-speed manual gearbox or smooth stepless Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
The mid-range ASX 4WD is powered by a 1.8-litre diesel engine which enjoys the best fuel efficiency in its class. This economical performance is achieved via the variable valve timed diesel engine which features Mitsubishi’s MIVEC system. With maximum outputs of 110kW of power and 300Nm of torque, the turbo diesel engine, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, returns an official ADR 81/01 fuel consumption of just 5.9-litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of only155grams per kilometre.
The 2.0-litre petrol engine with CVT and the 1.8-litre diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission are offered as standard on both the ASX 4WD variant and the top of the range ASX Aspire.
The introduction of the availability of a reversing camera across the ASX range underlines Mitsubishi’s commitment to making the ASX line-up as safe as it can be. Already highly specified from a safety viewpoint, the ASX range includes Mitsubishi’s acclaimed RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) structure, and combines an extensive array of safety features fitted standard across the range including ASTC (Active Stability Control with Traction Control), Hill Start Control system, ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist, and seven airbags, including driver and passenger front, side and curtain, and driver knee airbag.
The three-model line-up of ASX 2WD, ASX 4WD and ASX Aspire are all comprehensively equipped for superb comfort and convenience with the ASX 2WDdesigned to perfectly complement a city lifestyle. Standard features include fully automatic climate control air-conditioning with air filter, cruise control, front and rear electric windows and exterior mirrors, electric tailgate opener, AM/FM radio/CD/MP3 player with auxiliary and USB inputs, variable intermittent windscreen wipers, tilt and telescopic steering column adjustment and 16-inch alloy wheels.
For those who wish to venture off the beaten track, the four-wheel drive ASX is the vehicle of choice. In addition to the Mitsubishi AWD electronically controlled four-wheel drive system, the ASX 4WD models also gain front fog lamps, Bluetooth 2.0handsfree phone connectivity with steering wheel mounted controls, steering wheel mounted audio controls, and rear parking sensors.
The top of the line all-wheel drive ASX Aspire combines all the safety, versatility, and comfort features of the ASX 4WD and adds a number of luxury features that are rarely found in this class of vehicle. These include leather seats with seat heating for driver and front passenger, power driver’s seat, keyless operating system with a one-touch start, rain sensing automatic windscreen wipers and dusk sensing automatic lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, and chrome accents for the radiator grille and belt line moulding.
The ASX Aspire also features a premium Rockford Fosgate audio system with nine speakers and the Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS), which includes satellite navigation, DVD with video input, Bluetooth 1.0 handsfree phone connectivity with steering wheel mounted controls, iPod integration and control, and reversing camera. The MMCS also allows you to customise a number of vehicle functions, including wiper control, auto unlock functions and climate control.
Mitsubishi provides its industry leading warranty on all ASX vehicles, including a comprehensive five year/130,000 km whole vehicle warranty, backed up by its 10 year/160,000 km powertrain warranty and a five year/130,000 kilometre roadside assistance package.
MMAL’s President and CEO, Genichiro Nishina said the MY12 ASX upgrades make a good vehicle even better.
“Since its release in 2010, the ASX has proved very popular and thousands of the vehicles have been sold in the Australian market. This MY12 update includes many improvements to the ASX, making it the perfect city-sized SUV,” Nishina said.
CIRENCESTER, UK – Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is delighted to announce in connection with the CABLED trial the findings from 12 months Electric Vehicle (EV) usage throughout the Coventry and Birmingham area.
Having collated and analysed a full 12 months of data from electric vehicle (EV) users, CABLED – the UK’s largest study into long-term low carbon vehicle use – reveals:
As the largest of eight public trials taking part in The Technology Strategy Board’s £25m Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator programme1, CABLED2 (Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators) has now collected robust data that can be used to support future decisions relating to transport and infrastructure planning.
The data, taken from 25 Mitsubishi i-MiEVs and 20 smart fortwo electric drives during the course of the trial3, shows that in spite of initial scepticism surrounding the capability of EVs and concerns over range anxiety, they are more than capable of meeting the needs of drivers that require efficient urban transportation.
This is reflected by the finding that most journeys undertaken (77 per cent) lasted less than 20 minutes and only 2 per cent used more than 50 per cent of the battery – enabling a return journey to be made without the need for recharging in the majority of cases. The data also showed a trend towards drivers travelling longer journeys over time – indicating increased confidence and reduced range anxiety.
Project Leader Neil Butcher, from co-ordinating CABLED partner Arup, believes the data presents a positive outlook for EVs: “These findings form part of the largest study of low carbon vehicle use ever compiled and, whilst our study is on-going, it’s already clear that EVs offer a viable, practical urban transport solution. We must now consider how our homes, offices and public spaces will need to evolve in order to cater to both users’ needs and the rapidly developing technologies powering these vehicles.”
In relation to charging behaviour, the CABLED data clearly shows that EV users are not motivated to replenish their vehicle’s battery by reaching a particular point of depletion; rather they are driven by convenience and with data showing the vehicles are parked for 97.2 per cent of the time (23.3 hours each day) it is apparent that there is ample opportunity for them to be plugged-in.
The most popular point at which people commenced charging was when the battery had between 81-87 per cent of its charge remaining. With the majority of journey’s using less than 2kWh of power (around 12 per cent of charge) this behaviour indicates that charging habitually takes place upon reaching a destination.
The average charge time was between two to three hours (typically equivalent to half of a full charge) with an energy transfer of 6kWh costing around 60-80p depending upon tariff (equivalent to one load in a washer dryer). Peaks for charging were observed from 7-9am and from 6-7pm, which can be most likely attributed to charging on arrival at work in the morning or home in the evening. Another peak was seen after 11pm when CABLED participants used timers to take advantage of off-peak energy tariffs.
Charging data such as this helps inform the development of energy infrastructure and Smart Grid technology, as head of group E-Mobility R&D at E.ON Charles Bradshaw-Smith explains: “Meters installed at each user’s home are giving us invaluable information on charging behaviour. The most popular time to charge a vehicle is rightly overnight. But as most journeys are relatively short (with five average journeys per charge) this allows scope for exactly when the car is charged each night to minimise cost and maximise carbon savings. Such evidence supports the need for automated intelligent charging technology that will allow EVs to interact with the distribution grid – an area which E.ON is researching into.The ultimate goal is to allow drivers to take advantage of low cost power due to EVs both drawing and feeding into the grid to smooth demand peaks and save carbon.”
CABLED is one of several government measures designed to increase the number of low carbon vehicles on Britain’s roads and reflecting on these findings Mitsubishi Motors’ in the UK managing director, Lance Bradley added: “It’s very encouraging to see this statistical evidence from the CABLED trial. It clearly backs up our own experience and studies in Japan that people adapt very quickly to driving a pure- EV, such as the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. To know that people complete up to five normal journeys per charge, and at such a low cost, underlines the fact that EVs are here to stay and can find mass-market appeal.
“Mitsubishi’s new range of plug-in hybrid vehicles and our on-going development of pure-EVs will also help establish electric powertrains in the broader UK market, and go a long way to reducing automotive CO2 emissions.”
Brian Price from Aston University, which was responsible for analysing the data obtained from each vehicles on-board telemetry, commented: “Through satellite tracking and on-board telemetry, we have been able to monitor real-world usage of the latest ultra-low carbon vehicles technologies on an unprecedented scale.
“Journey data over the first 18 months of the trial shows us that the battery range of electric vehicles (EVs) more than covers most users’ needs, with most drivers finishing their daily journeys still with over 40 per cent charge remaining. Typical users only need to recharge every two to three days and choose the convenience of a home charge overnight or at their place of work over 85 per cent of the time.
“Public charging points provided as part of the trial are proving popular, but less necessary than originally thought, as users gain confidence in the range capability of the vehicles. The trial has shown that the current generation of low carbon vehicles are as capable as conventional diesel and petrol engines for performance and ease of use, whilst having significantly lower emissions and operating costs.”
1 The Technology Board’s Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator Competition
As part of the Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform, £25 million has been allocated to eight highly innovative, industry-led collaborative research projects in the field of ultra-low carbon vehicle development and demonstration. The competition, which culminated in June 2009 with the announcement of successful applicants, focused on encouraging the development of industry-led consortia that can deliver in bringing significant numbers of vehicles onto roads quickly.
The journey towards low carbon transport will not be easy but the demonstrator programme is a major step in the right direction. With over 340 cars being trialled in several regions across the UK, and with the involvement of large and small manufacturers, RDAs, local authorities, universities and infrastructure companies, it is the biggest project of its kind to date.
2 About the CABLED consortium
The West Midlands consortium, called CABLED – short for Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators – is made up of 13 organisations, led by Arup, a company with experience that crosses all areas that touch this project, from vehicle design to planning to infrastructure and energy.
The West Midlands consortium will trial 110 of the 340-plus vehicles taking part in the Technology Strategy Board’s £25m Ultra Low Carbon demonstrator programme. During which each of the vehicle manufacturers – Jaguar/Land Rover, Mitsubishi/Colt, Mercedes Benz/smart, Tata Motors and Microcab Industries – will contribute vehicles, which includes a mix of fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell cars.
Electricity providers E.ON are delivering charging points for the trial with assistance from the city councils of Birmingham and Coventry. Three of the Midland’s leading universities play a major role in the scheme with Coventry University undertaking the selection process of drivers, Aston University analysing vehicle usage data and the University of Birmingham contributing access and expertise gained from its hydrogen fuelling station, which is currently one of the very few of its kind in UK. A new hydrogen station is planned for Coventry University.
3 Vehicles, data collection & analysis
The CABLED data so far has EV users in both Mitsubishi i-MiEVs and Smart Fortwo electric drives. The data is for a year’s driving in 25 i-MiEVs (which were handed over to members of the public in December 2009) plus 20 smart fortwo electric drives that were rolled out gradually over the second six months of 2010.
Each vehicle in the CABLED trial is fitted with GPS and data logger, designed and installed by Coventry based RDM Automotive. These record the usage, location and charging habits of each vehicle. From this data the following information can be analysed:
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) is pleased to welcome back a very popular special edition of its Outlander SUV, the Outlander ACTiV, which offers the superior quality, safety, space, versatility and comfort the Outlander is renowned for, and adds numerous interior and exterior upgrades.
With a limited release of 1,750 units, the Outlander ACTiV is based on the entry-level Outlander LS and is packed with additional features, at no extra cost. Exterior enhancements include 18-inch alloy wheels, a chrome accented radiator grille with a stylish black centre, black roof rails with sporty cross bars, fog lamps, a chrome exhaust tip and a special edition ‘ACTiV’ badge.
The interior of the Outlander ACTiV doesn’t miss out either, and now sports an interior style package which includes chrome handles and silver accents throughout the vehicle, enhanced safety with the addition of reversing sensors, and hands-free Bluetooth with microphone. Additionally, the two-wheel variant also receives automatic air-conditioning and side and curtain airbags, features the four-wheel drive already carries as standard.
MMAL Vice President of Brand and Marketing, Paul Unerkov welcomed the return of this special release edition of the versatile Outlander.
“This special edition Outlander ACTiV offers a great package to our customers. Already popular for its styling, flexibility and safety, the Outlander is now even more value-packed.” said Mr Unerkov.
The Outlander ACTiV is powered by the company’s economical 2.4-litre DOHC 16-valve MPI MIVEC engine, which generates 125 kW of power @ 6,000 rpm and 226 Nm of torque @4,100rpm. The 2.4-litre engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with Sports Mode sequential style shift changes and INVECS Smart Logic.
Available in both two- and four-wheel drive variants, the Outlander ACTiV comes with five seats and has an additional option of a seven seat version available as a four-wheel drive CVT. The ACTiV is available in the full range of Outlander colours.
Safety is a focus of the Outlander range, with all models featuring driver and front passenger dual stage SRS airbags, active stability control, ABS with EBD and RISE body protection and three-point ELR seatbelts. The 2011 range also includes upgraded electric window systems, remote-control locking, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls, two-speed variable and intermittent wipers and a USB port.
The Outlander ACTiV is covered by Mitsubishi’s 10 year / 160,000 km non-transferrable drive-train warranty, five year / 130,000 km new vehicle warranty, free five year/130,000km Roadside Assist and Capped Price Servicing for the first four years or 60,000 km of ownership*.
* Excludes government, rental, and some fleet buyers
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has re-introduced the value-packed Limited Edition Pajero RX with additional new features. The RX, based on the already highly-specified Pajero GLX sees customers receive enhancements normally reserved for upper-end models.
Vice President of Marketing and Brand Management, Paul Unerkov, said he is delighted to be able to bring back the Limited Edition Pajero RX for customers looking for a value-packed vehicle with unique styling.
“The Limited Edition Pajero RX has always been a popular inclusion in our Pajero line-up. The limited release of 1,200 units will feature all the technology, power and four-wheel drive capabilities Pajero is famous for, while giving our customers a little something extra.” said Mr Unerkov
For an additional $1,350 above the RRP of the GLX, the Pajero RX makes a statement with exclusive exterior features such as the RX chrome grille, chrome highlighted bumper protector, fog lamps with chrome insets, exclusive RX badging and 18” inch alloy wheels.
Enhancing the sleek lines of the RX are chrome mirrors and door handles, integrated side steps and a silver front skid plate. The sporty rear spoiler, silver rear bumper highlight and silver roof rails are the perfect finishing touches to the impressive styling.
The interior also receives a myriad of elegant additions including privacy glass, Titanium-look instrument panel surround, Titanium-look power window switch panels, a sporty alloy gear shift selector, chrome door handles, sun visor extensions and vanity mirror lamps.
Technology upgrades also abound with the Pajero RX receiving the Mitsubishi Multi Communication System incorporating Satellite Navigation with Voice Command, a reversing camera, rear-zone air-conditioning, a electro-chromatic rear-view mirror and exterior mirrors with integrated turn repeaters, puddle lights and demisters.
And if the customer wants just that little bit more, they can choose the Family Convenience Pack for just an extra $1,350. This option includes dusk sensing headlamps, rain sensing wipers, headlamp washers and rear seat entertainment, which includes a DVD, nine inch screen and two wireless headsets.
Available in Cool Silver, Black Mica, Warm White, Ironbark and Graphite the Pajero RX is an impressive addition to the legendary Pajero line-up and is priced from $57,990* for the 3.8-litre petrol automatic and $59,990* for the 3.2-litre diesel automatic.
*Prices listed are vehicle only price before adding dealer and statutory charges.
The Pajero RX offers all the first-class occupant and driver safety available across the Pajero line-up. Standard safety equipment includes RISE body protection, ABS braking system with EBD, Active Stability and Traction Control along with front driver and passenger, side and curtain SRS airbags.
The RX is fitted with Mitsubishi’s All Terrain Technology (MATT) to give superior driving control and first class safety. MATT incorporates the latest in four-wheel drive technology and includes Super Select 4WD II, which features four driving modes.
The Pajero RX is covered by Mitsubishi’s 10 year / 160,000 km non-transferrable drive-train warranty, five year / 130,000 km new vehicle warranty, free five year/130,000km Roadside Assist and Capped Price Servicing for the first four years or 60,000 km of ownership*.
* Excludes government, rental, and some fleet buyers
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has confirmed pricing of its new i-MiEV electric vehicle at $48,800.
The pricing is applicable to the newly announced model year 2012 vehicle which will be available for outright purchase by members of the public. The new model i-MiEV features upgraded specifications including side and curtain airbags and stability control.
MMAL’s President and CEO, Genichiro Nishina, announced the revised pricing today.
“We are very pleased to announce the new recommended retail price of our 2012 model year i-MiEV is $48,800 plus on road costs,” Nishina said.
“This represents a 22.5 per cent reduction on the cost of the previous model, and makes this ground-breaking technology more accessible to general consumers.”
The i-MiEV, which stands for Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle, is the first volume produced electric vehicle to be available for sale on the Australian market. Last year, 110 were leased to local, state and federal governments and selected innovative organisations. The large number of public enquiries received regarding the launch of the i-MiEV prompted the company to release details of the model ahead of its Australian arrival.
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV will be available from selected Mitsubishi dealers in all capital cities from mid-August. In the interim period, all customer enquiries regarding the availability of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV should be directed to 1300 13 12 11.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited recommends that the i-MiEV electric vehicle always be charged using renewable or “green” energy.
Trition was the standout performer, posting a sales record for April with 1,840 units across 4×4 and 4×2 models. The Triton 4×4 product line proved popular with 1,245 units, an exceptional growth of 80 percent from April 2010, 14 times greater than the segment growth of 5.7 percent.
Challenger recorded outstanding growth despite a 19.5 percent downturn in the medium SUV segment, posting a 59 percent improvement over April 2010.
Lancer recorded a solid month with 1,468 units while the ASX continues to grow with 477 units.
MMAL continued the all-time records with year-to-date figures of 20,592 for imported vehicle sales in the January to April period, a notable six percent increase on 2010. This increase was in contrast to the total market volume which fell 3.2 percent for the same period.
Vice president of sales, Anthony Casey said he was pleased with the positive sales results for April 2011.
“Mitsubishi ended April with solid sales across the board. Our sales are continuing to build on a consistent basis, proving that our product range meets customer’s needs,” said Casey.
Tokyo– Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today commenced taking briefings at MMC’s dealerships right through Japan for the Minicab-MiEV economic mini EV that is arranged to depart on sale headed for the end of the year.
Derived from the Minicab Van economic mini vehicle, Minicab-MiEV is being deduced to make largest use of the technologies and knowhow advanced from the development of i-MiEV in bringing ahead the useful utility and propellingrecital called for of a economic vehicle. Reliability, durability and cost recital are in addition main concern areas. The vehicle commenced a fleet investigating program with Yamato Transport Co., Ltd. in October 2010 created to verify itsuseful utility.
Minicab-MiEV is arranged to be proposed with a option of two storage battery sizes*1 to get concurrently divergent buyerneeds.
With government enticements, tryout derived ideals suggest that Minicab-MiEV will draw close with a customer’s meshcharge from throughout 1,700,000 yen and from throughout 2,050,000 yen for the 10.5 kWh and the 16.0 kWh storage battery versions respectively. The derived ideals are premised on Japanese government’s eco-car enticement programcarrying on in the 2011 fiscal year and unchanged in particulars from fiscal 2010. As with the i-MiEV, Minicab-MiEV will be marketed on both a support lease*2 and a currency basis.
*1: 10.5 kWh (giving a assortment of throughout 100 kilometres/charge under JC08 mode conditions) and 16.0 kWh (range of throughout 150 kilometres).
*2: A lease in which the monthly payments embrace some of the duties, indemnity and support costs
For more information on the Mitsubishi I-MiEv Click Here.
The MMC group in Japan has confirmed a donation of 30 million yen to assist the victims and damaged areas. As an additional support, MMC will supply vehicles to accommodate the circumstances and needs of local authorities in the area.
In conjunction with MMC’s overseas distributers and business partners, we will try to find out the most efficient and optimum ways to render further assistance to those affected.
YOKOHAMA/TOKYO – Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today advertised two managerorganisation appointments for the connection endeavour that will supervise the wares arranging and mechanicalapparatus of mini motor vehicles for the Japanese in the household market. The establishment of the connectionendeavour was part of the accord noted in December 2010 to extend the scope of support between the two companies.
Junichi Endo, presently Senior Vice President of Nissan, will be selected as CEO (Chief Executive Officer), while Shinichi Kurihara, presently Senior Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors, will be selected as COO (Chief Operating Officer).
Further particulars on the connection endeavour will be divulged at a afterwards date.
