In preparation for new Australian Design Rules (ADR) regulations coming into effect in March 2025, Mitsubishi has ceased production of the current ASX, Eclipse Cross, and Pajero Sport models for Australia.
The company said re-engineering these vehicles to meet the updated standards was not commercially viable. To manage the transition, the company has ensured adequate supply of outgoing models into 2025. In a recent statement, Mitsubishi Australia CEO, Shaun Westcott, said:
“This is not unprecedented; we have seen similar situations before, and our teams are well-prepared to manage this transition. We have worked closely with our dealer partners to ensure each model line will be ordered in sufficient quantities ahead of time. This will support our customers while we continue to confirm our future model plans as a core Mitsubishi market. We will announce these future models in due course.”
Mitsubishi has also reassured customers that servicing and parts for the discontinued models will remain available through its extensive dealer network.
In related news, the company has announced that the new-generation ASX will arrive in 2025, marking an important milestone in the brand’s Momentum 2030 business plan. Already available in Europe, the new ASX is based on the Renault Captur, under the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
The Momentum 2030 roadmap includes plans for battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hybrids alongside traditional combustion-engine models.
With that shift to a Renault foundation, prices are likely to increase for the popular small SUV, which currently starts from $24,490 (excluding on-roads). However, more advanced powertrain tech will justify some of that expected price hike, with mild-hybrid and/or conventional hybrid options set to be in the mix.
Renault Australia recently confirmed the new MY25 Captur will go on sale locally in the second half of this year. Specs and prices are yet to be announced. Overseas, power outputs span from 66kW for a 1.0L turbo three-cylinder, up to 147kW for a 1.6L E-Tech plug-in hybrid.
In 2025, Mitsubishi will also debut the updated Outlander range, with the 2025 PHEV receiving a larger battery, enhanced performance, and improved connectivity. Additionally, the Triton lineup will grow with the inclusion of more variants, such as a cab-chassis model to cater to wider customer needs.
As for the Pajero Sport, prototypes of the next-gen model have been spotted out and about, which means Mitsubishi is busy in the developing stages. The new model is expected to carry over most of the updates from the latest Triton, including the twin-turbo engine which produces 150kW and 470Nm. It is expected to arrive some time in 2026.
