Mitsubishi confirms ASX VR-e launch timing, trims and New Zealand pricing

Mitsubishi confirms ASX VR-e launch for Australia and New Zealand

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announced on 17 August 2026 that it will launch sales of the all-new ASX VR-e battery electric vehicle in Australia and New Zealand in 2026. The company said the model will be supplied on an OEM basis by Foxtron Vehicle Technologies Co., Ltd., a Foxconn Group company, and positioned it in the small SUV segment for markets where BEV demand continues to expand, particularly in urban areas. ⁴

In the same announcement, Mitsubishi said the ASX name carries forward the heritage of the long-established compact SUV badge in Australia and New Zealand, while the VR-e name references the Galant VR-4 and the brand’s electrified technology. Mitsubishi also said its engineers extensively tested the vehicle on local roads and applied dedicated suspension tuning to deliver responsive handling and strong road-holding performance. ⁴

Design and development details

Mitsubishi’s launch statement also set out several design features intended to support the new model’s efficiency and identity. It cited an S-duct that channels air from the centre of the front bumper over the hood, active grille shutters that reduce drag depending on driving conditions, and horizontal stripe motifs incorporated into the lighting signatures, C-pillars and wheel design. ⁴

Chasing Cars reported in August that the ASX VR-e would be developed with Foxtron and described it as a reskinned Foxtron Bria. Mitsubishi’s own announcement identified Foxtron as the OEM supplier, while also saying the company will continue to build its lineup through collaboration with alliance and other partners as it accelerates electrification. ¹⁴

Timing, trims and pricing

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand said the ASX VR-e range is due to arrive in Q4 2026. MMNZ said the line-up will be headed by a high-performance GSR model, with Exceed, XLS and LS options also available, and added that full pricing, specification and additional model details will be announced later. ⁵

7NEWS reported that Mitsubishi Motors Australia has not yet announced local pricing and quoted Mitsubishi Motors Australia chief executive Shunichi Kihara saying the company would not be the cheapest option in the market. The same report said Australian release is due in the fourth quarter of 2026. ⁶

According to 7NEWS, New Zealand pricing starts at NZ$57,990 before on-road costs for the single-motor rear-wheel-drive LS and tops out at NZ$72,990 plus on-roads for the dual-motor all-wheel-drive GSR flagship. The report also said the base ASX VR-e is priced above the entry Kia EV3 and the top-spec MG S5 EV in New Zealand, while the BYD Atto 3 is priced lower there. ⁶

Published New Zealand specifications and context

7NEWS reported that New Zealand variants use a 57.7kWh lithium iron phosphate battery and can charge at up to 134kW on DC power. The report said rear-wheel-drive versions use a 171kW/350Nm motor, with a claimed WLTP range of 380km to 403km and a 0-100km/h time of 6.8 seconds. ⁶

For the dual-motor all-wheel-drive GSR, 7NEWS reported outputs of 342kW and 700Nm, a claimed 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds and a WLTP range of 328km. It also said the model measures 4315mm long with a 2800mm wheelbase and claimed a 0.26 drag coefficient. ⁶

7NEWS said the ASX VR-e will be sold in Australia alongside the unrelated petrol-powered ASX small SUV, and that Mitsubishi says local testing and tuning has been carried out in Australia. The report also said Mitsubishi’s new EV is its first since the i-MiEV was discontinued in Australia in 2012. ⁶

Mitsubishi Australia’s current ASX pages

Mitsubishi Motors Australia’s current ASX pages still describe the existing ASX as a compact SUV sold in LS, Aspire and Exceed grades, with features such as Google built-in, advanced safety systems and a 10-year warranty on the range pages. The broader SUV and 4WD pages list ASX separately from Outlander and other Mitsubishi models, rather than as the new electric SUV. ²³