Mitsubishi ASX Dominates Australian Small SUV Market in January 2025 – Chery Makes an Impact

2025-02-12

In an exciting turn of events for the Australian automotive market, Mitsubishi held onto its 16 percent share of the small SUV segment in January 2025, with its ASX taking the top spot. Despite the soon-to-be-released replacement, the ASX has managed to secure its position as the number-one small SUV in Australia, marking a notable moment before its successor – a Renault-based model – hits the market later this year.

Mitsubishi ASX: Australia's Best-Selling Small SUV

According to VFACTS new-car sales data, Mitsubishi delivered 1,304 units of the ASX in January 2025, just three units ahead of the Hyundai Kona, which secured second place with 1,301 units sold. This success adds to Mitsubishi's strong presence in the Australian market, with their combined sales for both the ASX and the Eclipse Cross reaching a total of 1,929 vehicles last month. Mitsubishi's dominance is also reflected in the overall growth of the 'small SUV under $45,000' segment, where the brand holds a significant share.

However, with the upcoming changes to Australian Design Rules, which will make autonomous emergency braking technology mandatory in March 2025, the ASX and Eclipse Cross will no longer meet compliance. As a result, Mitsubishi will cease production of these models in Australia and shift focus to the new-generation ASX, which is expected to launch in late 2025. While this marks the end of an era for the current models, Mitsubishi assures that enough stock is available to meet demand until the end of 2025.

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro: A New Challenger

While Mitsubishi continues to perform well in the market, a new contender has emerged: Chery. The Chinese automaker made waves by overtaking established brands like Hyundai, GWM, and MG, with the Tiggo 4 Pro becoming the brand’s best-selling model. Chery delivered 1,486 units across its Tiggo 4 Pro and Omoda 5 models, including the all-electric Omoda E5.

Chery's success is significant, especially considering that it is a relatively new player in the Australian market. Their strategy of offering high-quality vehicles at competitive prices has helped them carve out a niche and challenge the dominance of established brands like Hyundai and MG.

Other Notable Performers in the Segment

Alongside Mitsubishi and Chery, other small SUVs making an impact include the GWM Haval Jolion, MG ZS, and Mazda CX-30. These models, priced affordably under $30,000, are popular choices for Australians seeking a compact, budget-friendly option. The GWM Haval Jolion and MG ZS sold 1,286 and 1,212 units, respectively, proving that the competition in the small SUV market remains fierce.

The small SUV market has seen an overall growth of 6.5% compared to January 2024, with 11,861 units sold across the segment. This is a promising sign of continued demand for compact, cost-effective SUVs, with the segment now being the third-best-selling in Australia, following mid-size SUVs and 4x4 utes.

What's Next for Mitsubishi in Australia?

Looking ahead, Mitsubishi's future in Australia will hinge on the launch of the new-generation ASX, which is set to be heavily based on the Renault Captur. While the new ASX is expected to come with a higher price tag than the current model, its Spanish-built design and updated features should attract a broad range of buyers. The current Mitsubishi ASX, starting from $24,490 (plus on-road costs), has been a reliable and popular choice in the segment, but with rising demand for more advanced safety features and technology, the new model will likely offer significant upgrades.

At the same time, the fate of the Eclipse Cross remains uncertain. Mitsubishi Australia is currently awaiting an appropriate global successor, but until then, the ASX remains the backbone of their small SUV offerings.

Conclusion: Small SUV Market in Australia Heating Up

The small SUV segment in Australia is undoubtedly evolving, with new entrants like Chery making a significant impact and established players like Mitsubishi, Hyundai, and MG continuing to battle for dominance. As the market continues to grow, consumers will have an increasingly wide range of options at various price points.

For those in Sydney or looking for the best deals on new cars, Tynan Motors offers a comprehensive selection of vehicles, including the popular Mitsubishi ASX and MG ZS, to meet every budget and need. Whether you're looking for an affordable first car or a versatile family SUV, Tynan Motors is ready to help you find the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle.

As we move further into 2025, one thing is clear: the small SUV market is more competitive than ever, and it's only going to get more exciting.

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