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Finally, a Mitsubishi ASX replacement? Renault Group will build the next Mitsubishi small SUV on its compact EV platform for a 2025 launch - report

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The electric small SUV might be the replacement to the ageing ASX, launched in 2010.
The electric small SUV might be the replacement to the ageing ASX, launched in 2010.

Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo has confirmed a new global Mitsubishi small SUV is on the way, which will be electric and built on a platform shared with the Group's eponymous French brand.

When discussing the connections between the new Ampere venture and other Renault Group brands like Nissan, de Meo said Ampere will provide "solutions for the entire Group", with a slide highlighting its applications for EV tech and manufacturing for Alpine, Renault, Dacia, Nissan and Mitsubishi.

"On top of that, I can confirm that Mitsubishi will produce a C-SUV EV for the world on the Ampere medium platform. Of course, in Douai [France], and of course all-electric. And this is, in our opinion, only the beginning," he said at a Renault Group market day focused on launching its new Ampere electric car arm.

The confirmation follows months of (outward, at least) uncertainty regarding the future of the Mitsubishi ASX, a now-13-year-old model that's been replaced in Europe by a new generation.
But Europe's new generation of ASX is actually just a rebadged Renault Captur small SUV, and Mitsubishi Australia isn't going to do the same here.

At the time the ‘new ASX' was announced for Europe, Mitsubishi Australia boss Shaun Westcott told CarsGuide the local arm wouldn't necessarily follow the international lead.

For some time, there was also rumour that the production version of the brand’s XFC concept would replace the ASX.
For some time, there was also rumour that the production version of the brand’s XFC concept would replace the ASX.

"Our primary goal at Mitsubishi Australia is to develop and bring to market vehicles that are relevant and appropriate, but still have that distinctiveness about them that make them uniquely Mitsubishi that appeals to our target market," he said.

"Quite frankly, what appeals to a Renault buyer and what appeals to a Nissan buyer might be completely different."

“Having an ASX replacement is very important for us,” Mitsubishi engineering boss Hiroshi Nagaoka told media earlier this year.
“Having an ASX replacement is very important for us,” Mitsubishi engineering boss Hiroshi Nagaoka told media earlier this year.

For some time, there was also rumour that the production version of the brand's XFC concept would replace the ASX, though that was quashed as it was revealed the model was targeted at ASEAN markets and won't meet local ADRs.

"Having an ASX replacement is very important for us," Mitsubishi engineering boss Hiroshi Nagaoka told media earlier this year.

"We're doing everything we can to get an ASX replacement. You heard from Kato-san himself, they're working very hard to get a vehicle for us. It's not a simple answer. It's a complex issue.

Expect more details surrounding the electric small SUV next year, closer to the expected 2025 launch. (Image: Glen Sullivan)
Expect more details surrounding the electric small SUV next year, closer to the expected 2025 launch. (Image: Glen Sullivan)

"There's the XFC concept, and there's the Renault Captur re-badge. What hasn't been explained yet is that those are the bookends. It's not two absolutes, it's not that-or-that."

Expect more details surrounding the electric small SUV next year, closer to the expected 2025 launch.

Chris Thompson
Journalist
Racing video games, car-spotting on road trips, and helping wash the family VL Calais Turbo as a kid were all early indicators that an interest in cars would stay present in Chris’ life, but loading up his 1990 VW Golf GTI Mk2 and moving from hometown Brisbane to work in automotive publishing in Melbourne ensured cars would be a constant. With a few years as MOTOR Magazine’s first digital journalist under his belt, followed by a stint as a staff journalist for Wheels Magazine, Chris’ career already speaks to a passion for anything with four wheels, especially the 1989 Mazda MX-5 he currently owns. From spending entire weeks dissecting the dynamic abilities of sports cars to weighing up the practical options for car buyers from all walks of life, Chris’ love for writing and talking about cars means if you’ve got a motoring question, he can give you an answer.
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