The refreshed 2018 Mitsubishi ASX has copped a handful of design updates as well as the introduction of active safety features…

MITSUBISHI HAS REVEALED its updated 2018 ASX featuring tweaks to its snout and integrated LED daytime running lights, there’s also a new bumper and tailgate design.  But the headline grabber is the new active safety suite that’s now on the ASX although it’s only available from a new LS ADAS for Advanced Driver-Assist Systems and up; the entry-level LS misses out and it’s hard to see why anyone would buy that variant when for $1500 extra they can have the same car with all the active safety features.

Mitsubishi’s active safety system includes, Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning and automatic high beam features. The top-of-the-range XLS also adopts these features as standard and lists from $32,000 and $37,500+ORC depending on whether you choose petrol or diesel.

In addition, all 2018 models gain Mitsubishi’s Smartphone link Display Audio (SDA) and DAB radio. To complement the new smartphone technology afforded by the SDA system, the new centre console design has two USB ports and a mobile phone tray with removable padded liner; this doesn’t include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity.

Other changes include a geometric design silver finish, soft knee rests, new armrest with a larger console box and new design automatic transmission shift lever. The refreshed ASX also gets improved noise insulation.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Tony Principe, said “Through continuous improvement of one of our most popular SUV models we have seen the ASX sales steadily grow and it is now Australia’s best-selling small SUV in 2017,” he said.   

“The new ASX continues to evolve in this competitive market place with the introduction of advanced safety features, the latest smartphone connectivity and styling updates to maintain its well-earned position in the small SUV segment,” said Mr Principe.   

2018 ASX KEY CHANGES

LS:

• Improved NVH
• New front bumper design with LED Daytime Running Lamps
• New rear bumper design
• Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA) 
• New design centre console with mobile phone tray and two USB ports
• Floor console panel silver geometric grained finish
• Soft touch, stitched leather knee rest
• New-look automatic transmission shift lever
• Silver trim power window switch panel

LS ADAS (same as LS, plus):

• Forward Collision Mitigation
• Lane Departure Warning
• Auto High Beam
• Electro-chromatic rear view mirror
• Rain sensing wipers
• Dusk sensing headlamps

XLS 

• Forward Collision Mitigation
• Lane Departure Warning
• Auto High Beam