Mitsubishi’s Foxconn-Built ASX VR-e Returns to Australia with 459 hp and 3.9-Second Acceleration

Key points

• The ASX VR-e is manufactured by Foxconn under its Foxtron brand in Taiwan, not by Mitsubishi directly.
• The flagship GSR model delivers 459 hp and 700 Nm of torque, outperforming the previous combustion Lancer Evolution X FQ-440 MR.
• Three rear-wheel-drive variants (LS, Aspire, Exceed) offer 229 hp and 6.8-second 0-60 mph acceleration.
• All models use a 57.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, with DC fast charging capped at 134 kW and AC charging at 6.6 kW.
• The vehicle features Pininfarina styling, a 15.6-inch central display, and a 5-year/100,000 km warranty extendable to 10 years.

Background

Mitsubishi has struggled with an aging lineup in North America, but this move marks its return to the Australian electric vehicle market after 15 years. The ASX VR-e is a rebranded version of the Foxtron Bria, designed by Pininfarina. While Mitsubishi previously entered the EV segment with the i-MiEV, this new model represents a shift toward leveraging external manufacturing partners for performance-oriented electric vehicles.

How outlets are covering it

Electrek frames the ASX VR-e as a spiritual successor to the Lancer Evolution, emphasizing its performance metrics and the romantic notion of Mitsubishi’s rally heritage, despite the car being built by Foxconn. Carscoops highlights the performance comparison to the FQ-440 MR but notes the small battery and slow charging as drawbacks, while praising the Pininfarina styling. Fleet EV News focuses on the practical aspects for fleet buyers, including charging limitations, safety features, and the need for further range and consumption data. UA.NEWS provides a neutral summary of the technical specifications and market availability in Taiwan and Australia.

Why it matters

The ASX VR-e signals Mitsubishi’s strategic pivot toward leveraging global manufacturing partners like Foxconn to compete in the electric vehicle market. Its performance figures challenge the perception of EVs as solely practical, while its charging limitations and small battery raise questions about its suitability for long-distance travel. The vehicle’s launch in Australia and Taiwan, with uncertain North American availability, reflects Mitsubishi’s regional approach to electrification.

What to watch

Mitsubishi will announce pricing later in 2026 as the ASX VR-e arrives at dealerships in Australia. Fleet buyers will need to assess confirmed range, energy consumption, and cargo capacity. The company may expand the model to other markets, but North American availability remains uncertain. Further details on charging infrastructure compatibility and long-term reliability will be crucial for consumer adoption.