Mitsubishi's New 400HP ASX VR-e Is a Rebadged Foxtron Bria

Mitsubishi has revealed a new electric hatchback for Australia called the ASX VR-e, but it's essentially a rebadged Foxtron Bria. The car wears Mitsubishi badges, yet its styling, penned by Pininfarina, remains unchanged from the Bria, aside from the branding. It won't be sold in the United States.

The ASX VR-e features a full-width LED light bar up front, with main headlamps below it and a large black grille in the bumper. A duct under the floating light bar aids aerodynamics, similar to the electric Dodge Charger Daytona. No rear images have been released, but it's expected to match the Bria.

Inside, the cabin mirrors the Bria's design, including a large floating infotainment screen, shortcut buttons, a digital instrument cluster, and a four-spoke steering wheel. The ASX VR-e is right-hand drive, while the Bria has been shown in left-hand drive so far.

Mitsubishi Australia will offer the ASX VR-e in LS, Aspire, Exceed, and GSR trims, though specs haven't been detailed. 5 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery, with a rear-motor version making 229 hp and an all-wheel-drive dual-motor version making 400 hp. The ASX VR-e is expected to use the same powertrain.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO Shunichi Kihara called the ASX VR-e a significant milestone, noting it's the company's first battery-electric vehicle since the i-MiEV. Pricing and full specifications are expected in the coming months, with dealership arrivals set for the fourth quarter.