You don’t need us to tell you that crossovers are all the rage – and why not? They combine the best of hatchbacks and SUVs. So, how does the Mitsubishi ASX shape up?
Slugging it out in one of the most competitive sectors of the car world can’t be easy, but you’ve got to hand it to the Mitsubishi ASX – it’s hanging in there and Feedback from owners is extremely positive.
Launched in 2013, the ASX is competitively priced and benefits from a raft of tweaks in 2015 – inside and out.
Priced from £15,249 for the manual 2wd 1.6 petrol, I tested the range-topper with a 2.2 diesel 4wd, mated with an automatic gearbox (£24,899).
Mitsubishi knows a bit about 4×4 and off-roaders, so it’s no surprise that the ASX is a very capable car.
My first impressions were that it’s a little dull, but it’s one of those cars that grows on you.
Put simply, the distinctive Mitsubishi ASX is an incredibly easy car to drive. It doesn’t feel big, its steering is light, while the 2.2 diesel and gearbox (lifted straight out of the bigger Outlander) are easy-going.
In fact, that big 2.2 diesel is economical too. In theory it’s capable of 48.7mpg, and while I didn’t quite achieve that, 45mpg is quite possible. The engine has plenty of pulling power, though it’s a little noisy when pushed hard at lower speeds.
I tried a little soft-roading in the ASX, but nothing too taxing, and it coped admirably. If you live out in the sticks and you want that peace of mind when the weather turns nasty or you tow a caravan, 4WD makes sense – otherwise you’re probably best sticking with the cheaper 2wd versions.
As you’d expect, inside there’s a commanding driving position – and it’s comfortable too. There’s also a panoramic sunroof with LED mood lighting, plenty of space for five people, storage spaces and a big 442-litre boot – a cavernous 1,193 litres with the rear seats folded. If there’s any criticism, it’s that the interior is a little bland, but functional.
The ASX drives well too, making a good long distance cruiser, while also surprisingly nippy around town. Yes, there’s a little body roll on country roads (it’s not alone among tall SUVs in that department), but generally it’s a good ride. There’s also a little wind noise from the front pillars at higher speeds.
It’s safe too, having gained a maximum five-star crash test rating from Euro NCAP. There’s ABS anti-lock braking, Active Stability Control, Traction Control, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist, Emergency Stop Signal System and and seven airbags as standard.
Summary. The Mitsubishi ASX is a practical, spacious, family car that’s surprisingly agile and cheap to run – a solid, well-equipped value-for-money left-field option.
Review: @gareth.herincx
Note: The car we tested has undergone a slight name change – it’s now known as the Mitsubishi ASX-H 2.2 Diesel 4WD Automatic.
The rest of the range is as follows…
ASX ZC 1.6 Petrol Manual £15,249
ASX ZC-M 1.6 Petrol Manual £17,499
ASX ZC-M 1.6 Diesel Manual £19,499
ASX ZC-H 1.6 Diesel 4WD Manual £23,499
