Mitsubishi has introduced a new compact electric vehicle, the ASX VR-e, for the Australian and New Zealand markets. The ASX VR-e is a result of a collaboration between Mitsubishi and Foxtron, the automotive subsidiary of Foxconn, the company behind the iPhone. The partnership was announced in May 2025.
The ASX VR-e is a rebadged model, but it differs from other recent Mitsubishi electric vehicles, such as the Eclipse Cross and Eclipse Sportback, as it is not based on a Renault or Nissan model. Instead, it is derived from Foxtron’s first in-house model, the Bria.
The ASX VR-e measures 4.3 metres in length, 1.9 metres in width, and 1.5 metres in height, with a 2.8-metre wheelbase. It offers a luggage space of 320-1,043 litres and features a 52-litre frunk. The design of the vehicle was outsourced to Pininfarina, an Italian design house, and Mitsubishi has retained most of the original design, giving the ASX VR-e a bold and smart exterior.
Mitsubishi made some changes to the design, including replacing the pixel-like turn indicators with new ones comprising four horizontal bars. The 20-inch wheels and C-pillar decal have also been redesigned. At the rear, the pixel-like pattern in the combination lamps has been replaced with four horizontal bars.
Related: Website blocks access with error message
The ASX VR-e will be available in LS, Aspire, Exceed, and GSR trims in Australia, while in New Zealand, it will be offered in LS, XLS, Exceed, and GSR trims. They are likely to use the same powertrains and battery pack as the Taiwanese model in both markets.
The regular trims will likely feature a rear-mounted motor that develops 171 kW and 350 Nm of torque, paired with a 57.7 kWh LFP battery pack. This setup should allow the car to reach 0 to 100 kph in 6.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 180 kph, with a range of 516 kilometres on a full charge, according to the NEDC.
In the high-performance GSR trim, the ASX VR-e will likely feature a combination of a rear-mounted primary motor and a second motor powering the front wheels when needed. The two motors should generate 299 kW of total power and 700 Nm of system torque, cutting the 0 to 100 kph acceleration time to 3.9 seconds.
Mitsubishi is unlikely to launch the ASX VR-e in Europe or other regions, at least not in the immediate future. According to the memorandum of understanding signed with Foxconn last year, they plan to market this car only in the Oceania region. The ASX VR-e will be sourced from Yulon Motor’s factory in Miaoli, Taiwan.
Related: User Blocked by Social Media Platform
For people in Australia and New Zealand, the introduction of the ASX VR-e means they will have access to a new compact electric vehicle with a range of trim levels and powertrains to choose from. This development may also contribute to the growth of the electric vehicle market in the region, as more consumers consider environmentally friendly options.
The ASX VR-e is expected to be available in the market soon, with pricing and further details to be announced by Mitsubishi.
As the company continues to expand its electric vehicle offerings, it will be interesting to see how the ASX VR-e performs in the market and how it compares to other compact electric vehicles.