details, photos and first impressions on the Japanese Renault Captur

Since the fate of Mitsubishi will ultimately remain in Europe, the Japanese manufacturer has no other choice than to rely on Renault, one of its partners within the Alliance (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi). So for two years Colt and ASX, which used to be two complete models made in Japan, have become Clio and Captur with the Mitsubishi logo.. A calendar series, these “Mitsu” Renaults are now reborn following the same profession as their French matrices. And the ASX in turn takes on a new look that was unveiled on the facelifted Captur a few weeks ago. However, unlike the Colt, copied/pasted from the Clio, the ASX is more distinguishable from the Captur now.

For this new version, the Japanese uses the “Dynamic Shield” grille principle, close to the house’s identity. On the other hand, there are no surprises about the front projectors and the light signature. Although, more perceptive eyes will have noticed visible streaks in daytime running lights, when “full” on Renault Captur. At the back, there’s no change, with the manufacturer’s name taking up the entire width of the tailgate… and the reversing camera still prominent.

Classic but efficient interior

Inside, however, there is no difference, apart from the three-diamond logo on the steering wheel. On the automatic transmission version, the gear lever is lower than before. In terms of volume, Mitsubishi claims a carrying capacity of 332 liters, which can be increased to an additional 401 liters by sliding the bench as far as possible (16 cm).. This is good, without making older children feel restricted, while the middle seat remains an additional solution. Depending on the level of finish, the upholstery changes from fabric to natural leather, which the Captur is denied, while the digital instrument is 7 or 10 inches. A 10.4-inch portrait-format touchscreen is standard at the entry level.

Plus, Google’s infotainment system is still fun to use and lets you do just that control some of the car’s functions such as the air conditioner, or of course the GPS direction of Google Maps through the voice command “Hey Google”. The revised ASX has four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport and Personal. There is no need to worry about the stability of the software as the small Japanese SUV can benefit from remote “Over The Air” (OTA) updates.

Similar engines

It’s only natural that the new Mitsubishi ASX uses the same engine type as its French cousin. Under the hood, there is a choice between 100% petrol engines and different hybrid levels. With 91 hp, the smaller 1.0 MPI-T block is still there, linked to a 6-speed gearbox only.. As for the hybrid, the revised ASX is available with a 1.3 turbo four-cylinder with a small hybrid (alternator-starter) of 140 hp in a six-speed manual gearbox and 158 hp once with a two-speed gearbox- single clutch for one. The latter is no longer on the Captur 2024. Finally, a traditional hybrid version with 143 hp is on the list. On the other hand, the 160 hp plug-in hybrid variant, which the Japanese had kept longer than the Captur, has not been updated.

The facelifted Mitsubishi ASX will be assembled from May at Renault’s Valladolid plant in Spain, alongside the new Captur. In France, the arrival of traders is planned for September. According to the manufacturer, the prices should remain the same as before the reform. For the record, entry ticket is currently set at €24,990 for the Invitation finish and will go up to €37,990 for the premium version called the Invitation..