Mitsubishi Australia Phases Out ASX, Eclipse Cross, And Pajero Sport Due To New ADR Rules
by AutoExpert | 22 January, 2025
Mitsubishi Australia is calling it quits on three big-name SUVs: the ASX, Eclipse Cross (including the PHEV), and Pajero Sport. These models are bowing out because they don’t meet the stricter Australian Design Rules (ADR) kicking in on March 1, 2025. According to Mitsubishi Australia’s CEO, Shaun Westcott, re-engineering these aging SUVs just didn’t make financial sense.
Surprisingly, these SUVs continued to sell strongly in 2024. The ASX, a model that’s been around since 2010, moved 12,330 units (up 34% from 2023). The Eclipse Cross sold 9,221 units (+18%), and the Pajero Sport saw 7,306 sales (+31%). Combined, they accounted for over a third of Mitsubishi Australia’s sales last year.
Production for these models is now over, but Mitsubishi says they’ve stocked up to keep dealers supplied through the year. They’re also working on new plans for their lineup. Australia will welcome the second-generation ASX, which is essentially a rebadged Renault Captur, later in 2025.
Mitsubishi hasn’t spilled the details about the local version yet, but it’s already on sale in Europe.
What is the next step for Mitsubishi? Mitsubishi is tight-lipped about replacements for the Eclipse Cross and Pajero Sport. However, a next-gen Pajero Sport is reportedly in the works, using the platform from the latest Triton ute.
The company’s Momentum 2030 strategy hints at a big overhaul, with new and updated vehicles, ranging from BEVs to hybrids—slated to hit Australia before 2030. This includes the facelifted Outlander, arriving in 2025 with an upgraded PHEV system.
