Smart design meets performance
Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ) has confirmed pricing for its all-electric ASX VR-e, with the new four-model range arriving in dealerships in December.
The range includes three rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models. These are the LS, which starts at $57,990, the XLS from $63,990 and the Exceed from $67,990, all plus on-road costs. The range-topping dual-motor GSR AWD will be available from $72,990.
Combining premium styling, advanced EV technology and, for the first time in New Zealand, Mitsubishi Connect smartphone technology, the ASX VR-e has been built “to stand out from the crowd”.
Tony Johnston, MMNZ’s chief operating officer, says the line-up has been developed to offer something different in a rapidly expanding EV market.
He adds: “There are more EVs available to New Zealanders than ever before, so the ASX VR-e needs to offer more and we believe it does.
“It was developed in partnership with renowned Italian design house Pininfarina and EV manufacturer Foxtron, delivering an impressive combination of smart design, genuinely advanced technology and serious performance.
“Importantly, it also comes with the reassurance of Mitsubishi’s nationwide dealer network, Diamond Advantage Warranty and more than five decades’ experience supporting Kiwis.”
Spotlight on efficiency
The ASX VR-e combines its design with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency. Its low, wide proportions are complemented by an s-duct front design, air curtains, active grille shutters, flush door handles and rear aero spoiler to help achieve a drag coefficient of 0.26.
Inside, there is a 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen and a 9.2-inch digital driver display standard across the range.
Three selectable drive modes – eco, comfort and sport – allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s characteristics to suit their journey or preference. Each makes a tangible change to the driving feel, with corresponding changes to the digital driver display and, when fitted, ambient interior lighting.
Drivers can also independently select standard, heavy or light steering effort, providing another level of personalisation.
The long 2,800mm wheelbase, wide body and flat EV floor help maximise interior space, despite the ASX VR-e’s compact 4,315mm overall length to create “generous” legroom and shoulder room for three rear passengers.
From the XLS upwards, the model’s specification includes heated and ventilated front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat with memory, four-way power passenger seat, ambient interior lighting and multi around-view monitor.
Remote parking assist allows the driver to move the vehicle forwards or backwards from outside using the key fob.
The Exceed and GSR add 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, hands-free power tailgate and premium 12-speaker audio system. The GSR also features a distinctive microsuede seat trim with blue stitching and two-tone exterior colour options.
Range and performance
All ASX VR-e models use a 57.7kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, with the RWD LS delivering up to 403km. The XLS offers up to 398km and the Exceed up to 380km. The high-performance AWD GSR delivers up to 328km with all figures based on the WLTP testing standard.
The three RWD models produce 171kW and 350Nm, with acceleration from 0-100kph in 6.8 seconds. The GSR boasts a second electric motor and AWD, doubling maximum output to 342kW and 700Nm and reducing the 0-100kph dash to 3.9 seconds. This makes the ASX VR-e the fastest Mitsubishi ever sold in New Zealand.
The vehicle supports DC fast-charging at up to 134kW, enabling a 10-80 per cent charge in approximately 30 minutes under suitable conditions. Five levels of regenerative braking and a one-pedal mode give drivers further control over energy recovery and vehicle deceleration.
Vehicle-to-load capability also allows the ASX VR-e battery to provide up to 3.6kW of external power through an accessory adapter, which is useful for everything from tools and equipment to camping and other outdoor pursuits.
Smarter operation via phone
The ASX VR-e will be the marque’s first model in this country to introduce Mitsubishi Connect, bringing a new level of connected functionality to the local range.
Using the smartphone app, owners can remotely check charging status and remaining EV range, view and export charging history, pre-condition the cabin, locate the vehicle and check information such as tyre pressures and vehicle warnings.
Remote functions include door locking and unlocking, window operation, and horn and light activation. Over-the-air software updates allow compatible vehicle systems to be updated without a dealership visit.
The ASX VR-e also introduces e-call, providing an automatic connection to an emergency call centre following events such as airbag deployment as well as manual SOS functionality.
Post-supply support
The ASX VR-e’s technology backed by more than 60 MMNZ dealerships. Each car comes with Mitsubishi's Diamond Advantage Warrant. This comprises a five-year/130,000km new-vehicle warranty, a 10-year/160,000km powertrain warranty and an eight-year/160,000km drive battery warranty.
Johnston says: “Customers will have the technology and performance they expect from a new-generation EV backed by a Mitsubishi dealer and service network that reaches right across New Zealand.
“We think that combination will matter to buyers looking beyond price alone.” The ASX VR-e will be in dealerships nationwide from December 2026.
