Mitsubishi Re-enters the Pure Electric Market with ASX VR-e as a New Option for Australia
Mitsubishi Motors Australia officially announced on August 10 that it will launch the all-new pure electric SUV ASX VR-e in the fourth quarter of 2026, marking the brand’s return to Australia’s pure electric vehicle market since the i-MiEV. The new model will be available in four variants—LS, Aspire, Exceed, and GSR—signaling a significant step forward in Mitsubishi’s electrification strategy.
Shunichi Kihara, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Australia, stated that the ASX VR-e is not only the brand’s first pure electric vehicle since the i-MiEV but also represents a new milestone for Mitsubishi in the Australian market. He emphasized that the model will carry forward Mitsubishi’s spirit of innovation in electric vehicles while being optimized for local market demands.
Developed Through International Collaboration with a Focus on Design and Performance
The development of the ASX VR-e breaks from Mitsubishi’s traditional approach, which typically relied on in-house development or partnerships within the Nissan-Renault alliance. Instead, Mitsubishi collaborated with Taiwan-based electric vehicle manufacturer Foxtron Vehicle Technologies, utilizing its platform. Mitsubishi confirmed that extensive testing and tuning have been conducted to adapt the vehicle to Australian road conditions, ensuring it meets the sporty performance and responsive handling implied by the “VR-e” designation.
The vehicle’s exterior design was led by Italy’s renowned design firm Pininfarina, with Mitsubishi incorporating its brand-specific elements into details such as the front and rear bumpers, wheels, and interior. Aerodynamically, the ASX VR-e features an S-shaped air duct at the front to channel airflow over the hood, along with active grille shutters that automatically open and close based on driving conditions to reduce drag. While Foxtron’s Model B concept car previously achieved a drag coefficient of 0.26, Mitsubishi has not confirmed whether the production version of the ASX VR-e will adopt this figure.
Key Specifications Await Announcement as Market Competitiveness Remains a Focus
Mitsubishi has yet to disclose critical specifications for the ASX VR-e in the Australian market, including battery capacity, driving range, motor output, charging speeds, and pricing. According to specifications for Foxtron’s Bria model in Taiwan, the vehicle is equipped with a 57.7 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, a single motor with a maximum output of 171 kW, and a rear-wheel-drive variant offering an NEDC range of 516 km. However, Mitsubishi has not confirmed whether these specifications will apply to the Australian version.
Kihara noted that the ASX VR-e will be offered in four variants, with the inclusion of the GSR model indicating Mitsubishi’s ambition to cover a broader market segment. He added that the vehicle is part of Mitsubishi’s “Momentum 2030” electrification plan, with more electric models expected to follow to meet the evolving demands of Australian consumers.
Over a decade ago, Mitsubishi introduced the i-MiEV as Australia’s first mass-produced electric vehicle but subsequently shifted its focus to plug-in hybrid models, particularly the Outlander PHEV. The launch of the ASX VR-e marks Mitsubishi’s return to the pure electric market, though it faces intensifying competition in Australia’s electric vehicle sector. The market now includes offerings from traditional automakers as well as aggressive expansion by Chinese brands, and Mitsubishi’s ability to establish a foothold with the ASX VR-e will depend on the specifications and pricing announced in the future.
Mitsubishi stated that the Australian version of the ASX VR-e will be tailored to local needs, including adaptations for varying climate conditions and road environments. While exact specifications remain unannounced, Mitsubishi emphasized its commitment to delivering an electric vehicle experience that aligns with Australian consumer expectations. As the fourth quarter of 2026 approaches, the market will closely monitor the ASX VR-e’s final performance and its positioning within the highly competitive electric vehicle landscape.
