2026 Mitsubishi ASX VR-e: Long-awaited Taiwan-built crossover and new rival to the MG4 Urban or BYD Atto 3 breaks cover ahead of Australian launch

Mitsubishi has thrown the covers off its long-awaited electric crossover, dubbed the ASX VR-e.

The new ASX, built in Taiwan in partnership with electronics giant Foxconn, will continue to be sold alongside the French-built and Renault Captur-based combustion ASX which launched locally late in 2025.

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The brand said that it has undergone extensive local testing and tuning by both global and regional teams.

Technical details yet to be confirmed, overseas models give an idea

Mitsubishi didn’t confirm any technical details on the car at this time, other than it will arrive in four familiar variants, LS, Aspire, Exceed, and GSR.

However, specifications for the Foxtron Bria on which it is based can give us an idea of what to expect.

Overseas this car is equipped with a single 57.7kWh LFP battery option in either rear- or all-wheel drive layouts. The RWD versions produce 171kW, while the AWD version produces 299kW. The latter can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds according to Foxtron.

Range is 516km for RWD variants or 466km for the AWD variant although this is to the more lenient NEDC measuring standard. All cars can charge at a max rate of 134kW on DC for a roughly 30 minute 10-to-80 per cent charge.

On the styling front the car shares largely the same key elements as the Foxtron Bria, but has unique lighting signatures as well as Mitsubishi badgework and wheel designs.

Inside is also said to feature unique Mitsubishi touches, while featuring a large central touchscreen and small digital instrument cluster, alongside a floating centre console and other contemporary design motifs.

When will the ASX VR-e arrive, and why is it so important for the brand?

The ASX VR-e will be added to the brand’s local line-up in the fourth quarter of 2026. Expect more detailed local pricing and specifications closer to its launch window.

The new EV, Mitsubishi’s first pure electric model since the experimental i-MiEV city car which launched in 2010, will be crucial for the brand in helping it keep on top of potential penalties under Australia’s new vehicle efficiency laws.

Its line-up continues to be heavily combustion-weighted, currently consisting largely of the Triton ute and Outlander mid-size SUV.

The highly anticipated return of the Pajero nameplate, slated to arrive at a similar time to the ASX VR-e, is expected to be diesel powered at launch although recent news that the company is investing in upgrades for the Thai plant at which it is built suggests electrification may be on the way.