If you’ve been considering a Mitsubishi ASX or Eclipse Cross, you might want to act quickly. Both popular SUVs have been officially discontinued in Australia, and remaining stock is rapidly disappearing from dealer lots across the country.
Why These Popular SUVs Got the Axe
The decision to discontinue the ASX, Eclipse Cross, and Pajero Sport wasn’t taken lightly. New Australian Design Rules (ADR) taking effect from March 1, 2025, require all vehicles to have advanced autonomous emergency braking systems that meet specific performance standards.
While these Mitsubishi models already came with basic emergency braking, they didn’t meet the new technical requirements. Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott explained that “investment towards the re-engineering of these vehicles to incorporate the new ADRs was not commercially feasible”.
The Numbers Tell the Story
The affected models were showing their age:
- ASX: 16 years on the market (since 2010)
- Eclipse Cross: 9 years old (launched 2017)
- Pajero Sport: 11 years in current generation
Despite their vintage, these SUVs remained surprisingly popular. The ASX captured 8.1% of the small SUV market with 12,330 sales, while the Eclipse Cross secured 6.1% with 9,221 units sold.
Current Stock Situation: What Buyers Need to Know
Mitsubishi Australia boss Shaun Westcott was frank about the situation: “It’s gone. Some of our dealers might hold a little bit of stock but that’s it”.
The company was caught off guard by continued strong demand. Westcott admitted: “I guess where we got caught out a little bit is demand for ASX exceeded our expectations. That car sold more this year than it did last year”.
What This Means for Shoppers
If you find remaining ASX or Eclipse Cross vehicles at dealers, they’re likely to be:
- Final production runs from late 2024
- Limited color and trim options
- Potentially discounted as dealers clear inventory
- Covered by Mitsubishi’s standard 10-year/200,000km warranty
The New ASX: A European Makeover Coming Soon
Don’t worry – the ASX name isn’t disappearing forever. A next-generation ASX is officially confirmed for the second half of 2025, but it’s going to be quite different.
What to Expect from the 2025 ASX
The new model is essentially a rebadged Renault Captur, built in Spain rather than Japan. Here’s what we know:
Available Trim Levels:
- LS (entry-level)
- Aspire (mid-range)
- Exceed (top-spec)
Expected Features:
- 10.4-inch infotainment touchscreen
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster display
- 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels
- 360-degree camera (higher trims)
- Multiple powertrain options including hybrids
The Price Reality Check
Entry-level variants are expected to start above $30,000, a significant increase from the outgoing ASX GS which was priced at $24,490. This price jump reflects:
- European import tariffs (5% duty)
- More sophisticated technology
- Modern safety systems
- Higher manufacturing costs
Mitsubishi’s Shrinking Australian Lineup
The discontinuation leaves Mitsubishi with just two core models in Australia:
- Outlander SUV (getting a refresh in 2025)
- Triton pickup truck
A new-generation Pajero Sport based on the updated Triton platform is expected in early 2026, which should help fill the lineup gap.
Brand Strategy Moving Forward
Westcott emphasized that Mitsubishi’s value proposition extends beyond just pricing: “We want to definitely make sure that people understand that we are a value for money brand, and that value is more than just price”.
The brand is banking on:
- 10-year warranty coverage
- Capped price servicing
- Australia’s second-largest dealer network
- Improved technology and efficiency
Discontinued Models Comparison
| Model | Years on Sale | 2024 Market Share | Final Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASX | 16 years | 8.1% (12,330 sales) | From $24,490 |
| Eclipse Cross | 9 years | 6.1% (9,221 sales) | From $32,990 |
What Current Owners Should Know
If you currently own an ASX, Eclipse Cross, or Pajero Sport, don’t panic. Mitsubishi has committed to:
- Continued parts supply and service support
- Honoring all existing warranties
- Maintaining service through their extensive dealer network
The vehicles remain perfectly legal to drive and register – the new rules only affect new vehicle sales.
Resale Value Considerations
Discontinued models often see interesting resale patterns:
- Initial value drops as buyers seek newer alternatives
- Potential long-term collector interest for well-maintained examples
- Parts availability may affect future values
Shopping Alternatives
With ASX and Eclipse Cross stock virtually gone, consider these similar options:
Small SUV Alternatives:
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Hyundai Kona
- MG ZS
- Mazda CX-30
Compact SUV Options:
- Mitsubishi Outlander (still available)
- Toyota RAV4
- Mazda CX-5
- Subaru Forester
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still buy a new ASX or Eclipse Cross?
A: Very limited stock remains at some dealers, but production has ended. Most dealers report being sold out.
Q: When will the new ASX arrive?
A: The Renault-based ASX is confirmed for the second half of 2025 with significantly higher pricing.
Q: Will parts and service still be available?
A: Yes, Mitsubishi guarantees continued parts supply and service support for all discontinued models through their dealer network.
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