Mitsubishi ASX production ends for Japan, Australia unaffected; all-new model could be an EV

“[ASX] production continues for Australia and other markets until further notice,” said a Mitsubishi Australia spokesperson.

Several reports from the Japanese motoring media claim RVR production ended this month for the Japanese market, with one outlet – Response [↗️]– claiming a new-generation model will debut in 2025 exclusively with an electric powertrain.

It will reportedly measure 4380mm long, 1810mm wide and 1650mm tall, with a 2670mm wheelbase – making it 15mm longer and 10mm taller than the current ASX, with an identical width and wheelbase.

Excluding the tiny Mitsubishi i-MIEV – sold in Australia between 2010 and 2012 with now-outdated technology – the rumoured small SUV would be the first Mitsubishi electric car available globally.

Also known as the RVR in Japan and Canada and Outlander Sport in the United States, the current Mitsubishi ASX launched in Australia in 2010, making the 14-year-old small SUV one of the oldest cars still in production today.

It has received several updates over the years, including four facelifts, as it faces newer competition from the likes of the Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Kona and GWM Haval Jolion.

“There’s still a place for it. It’s still selling strong, and the demand for that product far exceeds our supply so it’s still got some legs in it, but it is getting towards the end of its lifecycle. A replacement is intensively under study at the moment,” he said.

Mitsubishi’s European division unveiled its own replacement for the ASX in late 2022 as a rebadged Renault Captur. A facelifted version of the Renault-based European ASX was unveiled last week.

However, Mitsubishi Australia has no plans to offer the Renault-based version here, while another small SUV contender – the Southeast Asian-focused Mitsubishi X-Force – won’t be sold in Australia due to our stricter safety and emissions regulations.

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