Mitsubishi ASX - AS AXPECTED?

The Mitsubishi ASX is the compact crossover that you probably left off your shortlist. Does the latest improved version deserve your attention? Jonathan Crouch reports.

Ten Second Review

What's Mitsubishi's most important model? To date in modern times, it's been the Outlander PHEV. In future, it could well be this car, the ASX small SUV, here substantially revised. It's not a new generation model, but everything is different from the A-pillar forward, plus under the bonnet, there's a new 2.0-litre MIVEC petrol drivetrain with 150hp. Buyers choose from front wheel drive and manual transmission and four wheel drive with a 6-speed CVT auto. And there's more interior space and equipment than you might expect from a car of this kind.

Background

There aren't actually many cars still on the market with designs dating back to 2010, but Mitsubishi's small SUV, the ASX, is one of them. Not that you would know that thanks to the far-reaching facelift applied to the car we're looking at here, which also gets a fresh 2.0-litre petrol engine.

As before, this ASX competes in the compact SUV segment, its strongest selling point being possibly that it's slightly larger than the Juke and Captur-segment norm. Known in other markets as the Outlander Sport and RVR, this model is one of the most important models in the Mitsubishi range. Globally it's the brand's third best seller, having accumulated 1.36 million sales around the world with the UK accounting for some 30,858 of those sales. At some point, Mitsubishi will launch a completely new ASX model, but now that the company is owned by the Nissan-Renault Alliance, it must use engineering and platform technology from those brands and isn't quite ready to do so yet.

Driving Experience

Mitsubishi decided that an all-new ASX design could wait, but a new engine for this car couldn't, hence the substitution of the previous 1.6-litre powerplant by the 2.0-litre MIVEC unit that's now all you can have in this car. It drinks petrol of course - there's not a lot of demand for diesel in the small SUV segment. And it's available in two forms; with manual transmission and front wheel drive or with a CVT auto gearbox and 4WD. This unit develops 150hp with 195Nm of torque, hence the 1.3-tonne towing capacity. In auto 4WD form, it's good for 62mph from rest in 12.2s en route to 118mph.

As you might expect from a basic design that's quite old, the driving dynamics aren't cutting-edge but there's enough to satisfy an undemanding buyer. Many buyers will want the 4WD version which ought to be quite capable by the very modest standards of the small SUV segment. Mitsubishi points out that this car's 190mm ground clearance is actually more than is offered by the next model up in its SUV range, the Eclipse Cross. The 4x4 system in the ASX offers a choice of three modes for various driving conditions with an electronically controlled centre differential to determine the optimum torque split to the front and rear, using sensor data on throttle position, vehicle speed, road conditions and driver inputs.

Design and Build

The ASX was previously a slightly apologetic-looking thing; this revised version is much more assertive thanks to all-new sheet metal from the windscreen forward as part of its bolder so-called 'Dynamic Shield' styling. That means sharper-looking LED headlamps, re-styled bumpers, LED rear light clusters and larger 18-inch alloy wheels on all versions.

The interior was always the original ASX's weakest link, rather dull and too patchy in its materials quality. The cabin here is much better, upgraded with finer grade materials for both the cloth and leather-trimmed variants. These are complemented by a black cloth headlining and small detail changes such as the more ergonomic air-conditioning and heater controls which are now finished in piano black and silver. The centre instrument panel also benefits from a piano black finish and now incorporates a larger eight-inch Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA) system. Increased from the previous seven-inch version, this SDA system features smartphone connectivity, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and DAB radio. In 'Dynamic'-trimmed models, the SDA system also features built-in TomTom navigation.

Rear passenger space is roomier than the class norm; and there's a slightly larger boot than you might expect from a model in this segment too, 406-litres in size, extendable to 1,156-litres with the seats folded.

[ThePabloG]

They have basically slapped that new Mitsubishi grille on everything.. and hoped for the best with everything else... Turbo charged is usually added to hide engine weakness.

[MarcoStarink]

A real nice review. Thanks very much. Been driving a 2012 ASX for 2 years now and i love it’s simplicity. It is fool-proof and handles nice. It gives me 18 kilometers on 1 litre fuel based on manual calculations. I think that is incredible and thanks to the reduced weight. Even after installing 18 inch wheels from the Outlander which really enhances the car’s look.

[Grant]

I like the chunky looks of this new version. I also like the simplicity as other cars in this class have so many gimmicky things on them these days. Things that most people will never use or will turn off!

[CliffDaviszootour]

I have had my petrol ASX3 since 2011. I am not a fan of the new front panels but otherwise the new one seems to be a nice upgrade. It is not a sporty car but it is cheap to run (40 mpg), roomy (bigger than a Juke in the passenger area by miles), comfortable, ultra reliable, in 60K miles not one fault and on Michelin Crossclimate tyres it will be fine in 2WD in ice and snow. Best of all the controls are buttons and knobs, no poking at screens and taking your eyes of the road. Engine likes to rev. But why bother?

[oddities-whatnot]

I like the fact it has a 2 litre non turbo engine. Similar spec to Subaru XV, both with CVTs. I currently have a turbo 1 litre three cylinder car, but im becoming tired of the noise and the odd way that all three cylinder engines seem to accelerate, compared to the more linear four cylinders. Not as smooth, and often find slight hesitancy with the power curve delivery when pushed hard, the unbalanced arrangement seems to display this anomaly in every three cylinder car ive driven, from cheap Kia to BMW and Audi. I wont get another three cylinder again. Non turbo engines will also last longer but for those people who stupidly trade in every three years they wont be bothered about that, but for long term ownership id sooner have a four cylinder non turbo engine any day. 150 bhp or so is fine for normal daily use, especially with CVT. Get one of these, pay it off after 4 or 5 years then keep it at least another five years. Saves you a fortune in monthly payments. You can save up and pay towards a flat to rent out somewhere as an investment instead of wasting your money on cars.

[nomdeplume]

Mitsubishi DOES offer a space saver spare wheel as an accessory. I have one on my 2020 model and it fits perfectly under the floor in the back of the car. When I ordered it the dealer threw it in for free as he did with a set of Michelin All Season tyres.
Great service.

[giginet]

Hi, im 30 year old and i have the 2019 mitsubishi Asx and it suits our family needs 👍👍👍

[whitemoor]

Looks good inside and out other than a rather dark interior and seems reasonable value for money too.

[TheDuvee]

I prefer the pre-2019 facelift. It looks more reserved and you could it with a really basic reliable 1.6 petrol.

[badrobot]

So does this model come in auto with 4x4?? And preferably diesel 😁😁

[davidtaylorbfd]

I have the 2017 base model. It has switch's which my dad's 1995 Mitsubishi lancer had. It's a ok car, needed a higher car after a knee injury but wished I had bought something else. My car cost me about £16000 but the new base model is now £22000 or so. Mitsubishi need to design better cars inside and out. So far only the button which you press to fold the mirrors from inside has failed, was hoping to keep the car for 10 plus years but not sure.

[andreymoskoveli]

И у меня ASX 2.0 L 4WD instyle 2021года и я счастлив!)

[jamesdaly]

So if you want a small suv that is a small suv not a super mini car wannabe suv buy the the asx...

[bextar]

Heard recently that Mitsu is pulling out of the USA ? Poor sales...…...

[drivingschool]

Very sad, how is that possible the driver so cold dressing up like going to the mountains?? No airconditionig in this car?

[rondhole]

From the past 20 years how Mitsubishi tried to be above the water in USA, I have no trust on any of their cars. Mitsubishi always used POOR piston rings, valve seals and stems, and always burn oil like mad in only about 60k miles. So far, only Toyota, Honda, and Newer Mazda have good history in USA. Even in Europe now, I cannot still swallow to get any of Mitsubishi cars. Mitsubishi heat pums, Diesel truck, and heavy industry are great, but not their cars.

[Trevorfoggia]

A very good review as would be expected from OSV however, what a shame you chose this boring vehicle to run.
Agreed the 4x4 system is very good and would be of benefit up here in Cumbria, but Mitsubishi really need to fit up to date turbo charging and decent auto boxes.
A Grand Vitara would make more sense I think.
I always enjoy watching your channel and seeing my home county of West Sussex - I worked in the particular area you film in for a number of years and loved it.
Stay safe and well everyone - this crap is not over yet, don’t let you guard down for one second.

[ArchieMakuwa]

Nice review, crappy vehicle. A secondhand Ford Kuga / a 2020 Nissan Juke will do.