The Australian Mitsubishi ASX range has been updated yet again, with the compact SUV scoring a new entry-level GS variant for 2023 as well as a couple of key spec updates for the other low- and mid-range variants.
Priced at $23,990 plus on-road costs in manual form or $26,240 as an automatic, the GS slots into the Aussie ASX range $1200 beneath the elevated ES grade, which has now forgone its manual option as it’s no longer the base model.
The GS is powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as ES variants as well as the MR, developing 110kW/197Nm regardless of the transmission.
As before, the manual has five forward ratios while the automatic is a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that brings marginally lower fuel consumption – 7.6 versus 7.7L/100km.
The only real external indication the GS is the cheapest version of the ASX is its 16-inch ‘covered’ steel wheels, with the rest of the exterior looking relatively mid-range thanks to its standard LED headlights and tail-lights, chromed grille and body-coloured door-handles, wing mirrors, rear bumper and spoiler.
Inside you’ll be greeted by an 8.0-inch infotainment interface sporting smartphone mirroring, DAB+ digital radio, Bluetooth connectivity and voice control, plus black fabric seat upholstery, piano-black and chrome trim accents, grey headlining and a four-speaker sound system.
Things on the active safety front are a little sparser compared to some newer rivals, however, with highlights comprising autonomous emergency braking (AEB), electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, electronic brake distribution, emergency brake assist system, hill start assist, reversing camera and the usual array of airbags.
With the GS’ addition to the range, the ES has been bumped up the range both in spec and price, and now starts at $27,490 including the CVT auto as standard.
Most of the key spec upgrades revolve around the standard safety suite, which have been given a booster shot in the arm for 2023 – so much so it’s rendered the old ES ADAS redundant.
The ASX ES gains automatic headlights and wipers, automatic high-beam, LED fog lights and rear parking sensors, with the rest of its standard equipment largely mimicking that of the new GS, save for the climate control and 18-inch alloys.
Moving up to the sports-themed MR ($29,240) and luxury-minded LS ($29,990) grades, both versions nab a new six-speaker sound system for 2023 but otherwise continue unchanged from the 2022 model year.
No changes have been made to the even sportier GSR and flagship Exceed grades or their more powerful (123kW/220Nm) 2.4-litre engine for 2023, save for the $250 price bump that’s been applied to all MY23 variants irrespective of their varying spec tweaks.
All of the familiar colour and option packs are being retained for 2023, with the first MY23 variants due in showrooms as of December.
How much does the 2023 Mitsubishi ASX cost?
GS – $23,990
GS (a) – $26,240
ES (a) – $27,490 (+$250)
MR (a) – $29,240 (+$250)
LS (a) – $29,990 (+$250)
GSR (a) – $32,240 (+$250)
Exceed (a) – $34,740 (+$250)
* Prices exclude on-road costs