Platinum pack for Mitsubishi ASX, Outlander and Pajero

MITSUBISHI Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has released value-added Platinum versions of its ASX crossover and Outlander and Pajero SUV models.

Based on the entry-level two-wheel-drive variant, the ASX Platinum gets extras including leather seats – including a heating function for driver and passenger – as well as audio and Bluetooth phone controls on the steering wheel.

Rear parking sensors and a reversing camera mounted in the rear-view mirror are also included, while the car gets cosmetic additions in the form of a chrome muffler tip, front fog lights and a Platinum badge on the tailgate.

The special edition version is powered by an unchanged 2.0-litre petrol engine from the standard front-drive ASX variant, and is matched to either manual or continuously variable transmissions (CVT). Pricing is unchanged over the base ASX donor car, with the manual version available from $25,990 plus on-road costs and the CVT adding a further $2500.

Platinum versions of the popular Outlander compact SUV, meanwhile, have been based on the MY2012 petrol-powered LS five-seater variant, and can be had in either two- or four-wheel drive configurations.

Most notably, the front-drive version gets side and curtain airbags as standard as part of this extras package (the potentially life-saving feature is already standard on normal Outlander LS 4WD variants).

The special edition Outlander also gets reversing sensors and a rear-view camera, as well as leather seats (heated for driver and passenger), Bluetooth steering wheel controls and silver detailing on the door trims and centre console panel.

Like the ASX, Outlander Platinums also get a chrome muffler tip, fog lights and special badging.

Pricing is unchanged over the standard Outlander LS, with the 2WD available for $29,340 in manual guise and the 4WD priced at $33,490 for the self-shifting option.

These prices do not include on-road costs, while the CVT option costs an extra $2500 on both variants.

MMAL says just 1000 units of the outlander Platinum will be made available across its national dealer network.

For the third time since September 2009, the Japanese brand has also released a Platinum version of the venerable Pajero medium-sized off-roader, based on the mid-spec GLX 3.2-litre turbo diesel variant and limited to 2000 units nationally.

Additional features include privacy glass, chrome door handles and mirrors, integrated side steps, fog lights, a chrome grille and Platinum badging.

Inside, the Pajero special edition gets the Multi Communication System with voice command, steering wheel controls and a traditional dash-mounted reversing camera display.

Also added are creature comforts like dusk-sensing headlights, rain sensing wipers, leather steering wheel and gear shifter, air-conditioning vents in the rear, Platinum floor mats and a high-end 850 watt Rockford Fosgate 12 speaker sound system.

Pricing for the automatic-only Pajero platinum is $59,990 plus on-road costs – a $4000 increase over the GLX donor car.

All three Platinum model lines retain MMAL's industry-leading five year/130,000km warranty with 10 year/160,000km drivetrain coverage, five year/130,000km roadside assist and capped price servicing for either four years or 60,000km.

As we have previously reported (see stories linked below), all three models listed here received minor tweaks in October last year, with the ASX getting minor exterior and interior cosmetic changes and the Outlander gaining more equipment in return for small price increases.

The Pajero, meanwhile, gained a new front bumper and grille design and improved safety credentials, while Mitsubishi also deleted several petrol-powered variants from the now majority-diesel line-up.