the Japanese cousin of the Renault Captur also undergoes the restyling process (video presentation)

In general, a car is restyled after 3 years of good and loyal service. Not at Mitsubishi. The ASX is getting a facelift just over a year after launch. The cause of this short lifespan of the first version lies with Renault. Because the Japanese mini SUV is just a clone of the diamond Captur that has just unveiled phase 2 of its own model, five long years after its birth. Logically, Mitsubishi therefore follows the example of the French to also launch its phase 2.

Mitsubishi ASX (2024): the Japanese cousin of the Renault Captur also undergoes the restyling process (video presentation)

But although the first version of the copy was a bit lazy and contented itself with a change of the logo and a few tricks that did not fool many people, the restyling allowed the Japanese to work more deeply on the changes, especially on the front side. . And if it is not unrecognizable, it at least has the merit of distancing itself from that of its cousin.

The triangle around the logo disappears and the grille features six Jeep-style chrome lines. At Mitsubishi we call this design dynamic shields. The shield has also been redesigned. Otherwise ? On the outside there is not much new, except new taillights at the rear, but also at the front.

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Inside, as with the Captur, we are not changing a winning team as the Renault SUV has sold 2.2 million units since its launch in 2019. So at Mitsubishi we adapt, we just change the logo on the steering wheel and we get the same interior. The dashboard is absolutely comparable and the central, vertical 10.4-inch screen gains a few millimeters, a gain comparable to that of the Captur.

A Google account to use certain equipment

This new screen contains a brand new interface called “Google built-in” and called OpenR at Renault. It offers voice support (say “Hey Google”) and provides access to navigation, messaging and multimedia content. We obviously see the advantage for the manufacturer and the user, but also for Google, since in order to benefit from all these facilities, the customer must open an account with the giant of Mountain view.

In terms of habitability, nothing changes between the two models. The rear seat slides 16 cm. A very practical maneuver to increase the trunk space. But since it holds 442 liters, it is certainly not negligible, but it increases to 536 liters if the seat is pushed forward, but in this case be careful with the legroom. Two USB-C connections are offered in these rear seats.

In addition to the classic equipment, this ASX also has the system Mid-pilot, on the high-end versions equipped with the automatic gearbox. It combines the adaptive controller and the lane assist for basic autonomous driving.

Underneath the more or less new dress there are of course well-known insiders. The platform remains the CMF-B shared between the Renault Captur and this Mistubishi ASX. Both come from the same line at the Valladolid factory in Spain and both share their engines, all more or less hybrid, apart from the entry-level: a 1.0 liter turbo that produces 90 hp. This is the 3-cylinder Renault TCE, renamed MPI-T by the Japanese.

More powerful, the 1.3 DI-T micro-hybridized offers two power outputs: 140 and 160 hp. The latter is only available with an automatic gearbox. Finally, like Renault, Mistubishi offers to complement its range the HEV hybrid (E-Tech full hybrid at the diamond) with 145 hp. He is also entitled to two electric motors, a 1.6 liter petrol engine and an automatic gearbox. A device that can achieve emissions of 104 g/km.

The choice between the original Renault and the Mitsubishi copy will remain when both machines go on sale in the middle of next summer. Issue of network branching, there are no photos. With its 550 dealers, Renault largely dominates the 125 Mitsubishi panels in France. It is therefore logically easier to find and maintain a Captur than an ASX. But there is more to life than closeness. Certainly, the Japanese risk being slightly more expensive than the French. The latter has already announced its prices, which start at 24,900 euros.

As for the ASX, it hasn’t delivered its own version yet. But like the previous one, it should offer a more complete level of equipment, including some specific features such as the panoramic roof or specific front seats. Elements that can justify the higher prices.

Moreover, the Japanese have a secret weapon. Like the Hyundai range, it offers a 5-year and/or 100,000 km warranty, while Renault is still satisfied with the statutory two years. A difference that could possibly tip the balance to the Japanese side.