Mitsubishi's dealers in North America have been struggling to maintain their business for many years by relying on product lines that have become outdated and have only undergone minor facelifts. However, the situation is different overseas. The ASX VR-e electric performance hatchback, which boasts 459 horsepower and all-wheel drive, is a clear example of this.

First, let's clarify the technical details: The Mitsubishi ASX VR-e is not manufactured by Mitsubishi itself. It is produced in Taiwan by Foxconn, a giant in mobile phone and television manufacturing, under its Foxtron automotive brand.

If you're skeptical, you might think that ASX VR-e is just another product with a new brand name introduced to fill up dealer showrooms.

However, for more emotional car enthusiasts – those who associate Mitsubishi with turbocharged rally beasts and high-tech GT sports cars – the situation may not be so clear. The article mentions that while Magna Steyr produces the iconic G-Wagen for Mercedes-Benz, this does not diminish its Mercedes identity in any way. Similarly, Porsche has created V-Rod for Harley-Davidson, and the initial Eclipse and Talon models were not manufactured by Mitsubishi or Chrysler, but by Diamond Star Motors. With this perspective, this purely electric performance hatchback, manufactured in Taiwan by Foxtron and known for its high speed, is fully qualified to be regarded as the spiritual successor to the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4/ Lancer EVO.

The author writes that this is his opinion.

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This vehicle is equipped with a relatively small lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of 57.7 kilowatt-hours, which also results in a lighter weight. It powers two electric motors, providing a combined output of 459 horsepower (342 kilowatts) and approximately 516 pound-feet (700 N·m) of torque, which is sufficient to enable the new EVO ASX VR-e to accelerate from a standstill to 60 miles per hour in less than 4.0 seconds.

For those who pay attention to the specifications, this power level is significantly higher than that of the strongest fuel-powered version ever produced – the Evo X FQ -440 MR which is only sold in the UK market. The latter has “only” 440 horsepower, and its torque is also over 100 pounds-foot less.

Currently, ASX VR-e is already available for sale in the Taiwanese and Australian markets. Similar to the previous Lancer, it also comes in a version with weaker performance but a more everyday-oriented design, yet it offers a longer battery life.

However, since these models are unlikely to enter this market anyway, the article suggests that it’s better to focus on the version that everyone really, really wants. It’s hoped that this year, someone—whether it’s Santa Claus, Krampus, or Jeff Bezos—will have one parked under the Christmas tree.

Readers can watch the video officially released by Mitsubishi below and share their thoughts on ASX VR -e.

Mitsubishi ASX VR -e released

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