Automotive
The 2010 Mitsubishi ASX arrived at the perfect intersection of timing, demand, and market transformation. As the global appetite for compact crossovers surged, Mitsubishi capitalized on its rich motorsport heritage - anchored by victories in the Paris-Dakar rally and the World Rally Championship - to re-enter the mainstream market with a versatile, city-friendly SUV. Derived from the DNA of the Mitsubishi Lancer, the ASX combined rally-bred styling cues with everyday usability, featuring a raised trapezoidal grille, sharply angled headlights, and a strong, upright stance that gave it the presence of a larger SUV in a smaller footprint.
Originally released in 2009 as the RVR in some regions, the ASX was part of a global strategy to reinvigorate Mitsubishi’s presence with a fresh, youthful offering. Early success prompted quick refinements. In 2012, Mitsubishi introduced a facelift to improve its image in the fast-growing crossover category. The redesign brought a bolder front fascia, a wider lower grille, and more aggressive fog lamp housings. A distinctive A-shaped grille with a 3D mesh pattern gave the car more personality, and standard 18-inch alloys added a touch of rugged flair. These changes aimed to keep the ASX competitive and visually appealing in a rapidly evolving market.
By 2016, with competition fiercer than ever and ownership under the Renault-Nissan umbrella newly confirmed, Mitsubishi introduced another update. The facelift included a more refined Dynamic Shield front-end design, complete with chrome accents, vertical fog lamp bezels, and a faux skid plate borrowed from the larger Outlander. These aesthetic tweaks, along with updates under the hood, helped sustain interest in the aging platform.
Technically, the ASX remained practical and efficient. It offered a lightweight chassis powered by a 2.0L MIVEC 16-valve engine, delivering power through a five-speed manual or the INVECS-III CVT with six-speed Sports Mode. Customers could choose between front-wheel and all-wheel drive, making the vehicle flexible for both urban and light off-road use. Mitsubishi also included a strong set of safety features like the RISE impact safety body structure and Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) braking system to build confidence among family-oriented buyers.
The ASX proved resilient in the face of industry shifts, selling over 1.32 million units globally. Yet by the early 2020s, Mitsubishi faced increased pressure in the European market and dwindling R&D resources. In 2023, the company pivoted with a strategic move - rebadging the Renault Captur as the second-generation ASX. While some enthusiasts lamented the departure from an original Mitsubishi platform, the partnership significantly reduced development costs and secured the model’s presence in Europe. The execution, however, was more literal than creative. Unlike VW Group’s nuanced badge engineering across brands like SEAT and Skoda, Mitsubishi’s ASX re-skin was minimal: remove Renault logos, install the three-diamond badge, and ship.
Despite that, the ASX continues to serve as a reliable, value-oriented compact crossover for everyday drivers who appreciate smart packaging, efficiency, and proven safety systems. And for owners who rely on dependable vehicle access and key security, SherlockLock has become a trusted partner. Known for handling everything from key fob replacement and ignition repair to emergency vehicle lockouts, SherlockLock’s expert locksmiths are fully equipped to work with Mitsubishi’s evolving platforms - whether legacy ASX models or the new badge-engineered generation. With a commitment to precision and speed, SherlockLock delivers peace of mind and professional service to every Mitsubishi driver on the road.
