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

The Mitsubishi ASX small SUV has been discontinued in its Japanese domestic market, but production will continue for Australia “until further notice”.

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

The Japanese motoring media reports production ended this month for the domestic market, with one outlet – Response [↗️] – claiming an all-electric successor to the ASX will debut in 2025.

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According to the report, the electric ASX successor will be based on the same Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi ‘AmpR Medium’ platform as the Nissan Ariya, Renault Megane E-Tech and Scenic E-Tech.

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Excluding the tiny Mitsubishi I-MIEV – sold in Australia between 2010 and 2012 with now-outdated technology – the rumoured small SUV would be the first Mitsubishi electric car available globally.

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“As for what happens next, we are still working towards the most appropriate solution that will satisfy our safety, emissions and other requirements,” added the Mitsubishi Australia spokesperson.

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

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

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In December 2023, Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott told Wheels the ASX was approaching the “end of its life” but it remains “one of Australia’s best-selling light SUVs” despite its age.

“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.

“Watch this space,” added Mitsubishi Australia’s marketing and product strategy boss Oliver Mann.

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 debuted last week.

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