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By Jez Spinks
The Mitsubishi ASX might be the Japanese brand’s smallest SUV, but there are some big reasons why the model has been so successful over the last decade.
The ASX received a five-star crash rating from independent crash-test body ANCAP. However, the rating dates back to 2014, and things have changed a bit since then. But don’t write-off this people-mover just yet.
A range of driver assistance systems are included on most models, except for the ES base model and MR. These features include:
Designed as a compact SUV (less than 4.4 metres long), the ASX would appeal to smaller families.
In theory, it’s possible to fit a regular child seat, booster seat and baby capsule across the ASX’s rear bench, which measures 129cm. But if you place the booster seat in the middle-rear position, there’s little space for trying to click in the seatbelt. Three regular child seats are also pushing things. Realistically, you’re looking at two child seats maximum.
It’s also worth mentioning that a baby capsule limits the legroom upfront for taller parents, but there’s a good amount in the back for adults.
For added luxury (and some vitamin D), the flagship Exceed model comes with a glass roof so you can bask in the sun’s glory as you go about your day. But don’t worry; there’s an electric sliding shade to protect your little ones from harsh UV rays.
For everyday errands, a typical pram (such as our Mountain Buggy Swift test pram), fits sideways into the ASX’s 393-litre boot. Removing the parcel shelf will create more room for luggage (two large bags and two medium-sized bags), to be stored under the pram for family road trips.
Need more boot space? The rear seats fold 60:40, giving you the option to increase room on one side and still have room for a car seat. Flatten both sides, and Mitsubishi quotes a healthy 1,193 litres of cargo capacity. However, if you opt for the Exceed range, you will lose some boot space because of the subwoofer placed back there.
Other boot features include one bag hook, four tie-down points, a light, and a plastic storage tub.
As for cabin storage, the front doors have wide-ish pockets with moulded sections that can hold 1L bottles, and the centre console has two cup holders. There’s a lidded console cubby that doubles as an armrest, while the centre console also has a smartphone tray with a USB port.
The rear seats in all ASX models come with a centre armrest and cupholders, plus a map pocket on the back of the front passenger seat. The rear doors, surprisingly, lack bottle holders.
The compact design of the ASX makes it perfect for city dwellers, especially when manoeuvring around car parks or along tighter streets. There’s excellent visibility, and the seats are comfy too!
That said, the steering doesn’t always feel accurate in the way it commands movement of the front wheels, and the suspension feels too soft at times on the open road, including freeways. Noise from the tyres from the 18-inch wheels is also quite loud.
If you can afford the higher GSR or Exceed, you can opt for a bigger 2.4-litre petrol engine rather than the less powerful 2.0-litre in other models.
You’ll still need to work the 2.4L hard at times, such as going uphill, but it would ideally be fitted to every ASX.
The ASX is no longer available with a turbo-diesel engine that would provide stronger pulling power. At the same time, all-wheel drive is also now off the table – all models are front-wheel drive.
If performance is important to you, it’s worth checking out Mitsubishi’s Eclipse Cross SUV. It’s not much bigger and comes with a punchier 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine (you just won’t get as many features as a comparably priced ASX). Some Eclipse Cross models also come with all-wheel drive.
The best of the two petrol engines offered is the 2.0-litre, though 7.6L/100km is still high for a compact SUV. That’s with the CVT auto. You’re looking at 7.7L/100km when a manual gearbox is fitted.
The 2.4-litre petrol is higher again with an official consumption figure of 7.9L/100km. Both engines run on regular unleaded.
An ASX can be yours for as little as $23,990 for an ES manual, but ideally, you want the $27,490 ES ADAS with active driver aids.
The ES is otherwise well-equipped for a base model with its 18-inch alloy wheels, 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, keyless entry, smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and LED headlights and daytime running lights.
An ASX LS adds items such as roof rails and privacy glass, while the MY20 GSR features a black exterior styling pack and seats made from suede and artificial leather.
In addition to that huge fixed sunroof, the $32,990 Exceed adds navigation, partial leather seats, heated front seats, and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system.
Mitsubishi’s warranty covers the ASX for five years. Servicing costs are $199 per visit – every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever is sooner. The capped-price maintenance program is quoted for up to three years.
OVERALL RATING – 3 STARS
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