Mitsubishi’s New Australian EV Is Actually a Pininfarina-Designed Foxtron

Mitsubishi is returning to the electric-car game in Australia with the ASX VR-e, and there's a little surprise hiding behind that badge. The new hatchback is based on the Foxtron Bria, so Mitsubishi hasn't reinvented the car from the ground up.

Instead, it has taken a Pininfarina-designed EV, added its own branding, and given it a familiar name.

That isn't necessarily a bad thing. The Bria already has a clean, modern shape, with a full-width LED light bar, slim headlights, and a chunky black section across the lower bumper. There's also a wide air channel beneath the light bar that runs into the hood, helping the car cut through the air. Mitsubishi has changed almost nothing visually, aside from its badges and lettering.

Inside, the ASX VR-e keeps the same basic layout too. The Australian version gets right-hand drive, a floating central touchscreen, physical shortcut buttons, a digital gauge cluster, and a four-spoke steering wheel. It looks noticeably more modern than some of Mitsubishi's existing models, which could make this little EV an interesting addition to the range.

The ASX VR-e will come in LS, Aspire, Exceed, and GSR trims, although Mitsubishi hasn't released the full specifications yet. The Bria uses a 57.5-kWh LFP battery and offers either 229 hp with a rear motor or around 400 hp with dual-motor all-wheel drive.

Mitsubishi is expected to stick with those figures. Sales begin in Australia in the fourth quarter, with pricing to follow.