What's the news?
Mitsubishi has used the Los Angeles Auto Show to update two of its smaller models, the ASX crossover and the Space Star supermini. Although, in LA, they're called something different - the Outlander Sport and Mirage. Well, who amongst us hasn't tried to adopt a cooler name when in America?
The updates are mid-life facelifts for both cars. The ASX gets a new front end, looking very much like what Mitsubishi recently introduced on the larger Outlander (it's called the Dynamic Shield front end in Mitsubishi-speak) while inside, the cabin quality has been improved and there's a new 6.1-inch display for the infotainment system. Buyers can also get new-look alloy wheels and the door mirrors now have the indicator repeaters built in to them.
On the Space Star (Mirage sounds much better, no?) there are similar changes. There's a new front end here too, with a new grille and lights, while inside there are also material upgrades, a new instrument binnacle and, for the first time, the option of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the stereo and infotainment system. Buyers can also upgrade the sound system to a full-on Rockford Fosgate (trust me, it's good) stereo.
Underneath, Mitsubishi has tweaked the suspension (stiffer location points, new dampers and springs) and fitted larger brakes, front and rear.
Anything else?
Mitsubishi Ireland has confirmed that the updated Space Star will arrive by April 2016, but the new-look ASX may not go on sale much earlier than the '171' period in 2017.