Mitsubishi ASX Black Special Edition launches

Mitsubishi ASX Black launches - with satin black styling upgrades

Mitsubishi has launched a Special Edition version of their compact SUV – the Mitsubishi ASX Black – with styling and specification upgrades.

It’s just over a year since we reviewed the Mitsubishi ASX, Mitsubishi’s new offering in the compact SUV / crossover market. And we thought it a decent effort from Mitsubishi, if a little generic and a little bland.

So the news that Mitsubishi has launched a new version of the ASX – the Mitsubishi ASX Black – is welcome, as its upgrades answer many of the criticisms we levelled at the 2WD ASX 3 1.8 Diesel we reviewed last year.

The looks of the ASX have been given a bit of a trendy boost with the liberal use of satin black to style the exterior. The roof, rear spoiler, mirrors, grill and fog light surrounds all get the black satin finish, and there’s a set of matching 17″ alloys to complete the picture.

Inside Mitsubishi has upped the quality levels by fitting special edition black leather (no, we don’t know what the difference is between ‘Special Edition’ leather and normal leather) and there’s carbon fibre inserts too.

As the ASX Black is based on the ASX4 (that’s the top-of-the-heap trim level) there’s a decent level of standard kit including the very good (even if the buttons are irritatingly minuscule) Kenwood SatNav, a reversing camera, iPod connection and Mitsubishi’s Active Stability and Traction Control (even on the 2WD versions).

Engine options for the ASX Black are the 115bhp 1.6 litre petrol with a five-speed ‘box, the 147bhp 1.8 DiD Diesel (the star of the range) with a six-speed manual ‘box, which also has option of AWC electronically controlled 4WD.

It’s a sensible move from Mitsubishi to stick an ASX Black at the top of the range. Many ASX buyers are likely to be downsizers, and something that looks a bit special and has a big spec is far more appealing than a stripped to the bone compact SUV.

It also gives Mitsubishi a bit of extra ammunition when Peugeot launches their 4008 crossover and Citroen their C4 Aircross.

Both of which are based on the Mitsubishi ASX.