- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.2DT, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
110kW, 360Nm
- Fuel
Diesel 5.8L/100KM
- Manufacturer
4XC
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
5 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
She says, he says: Mitsubishi ASX
The car: Mitsubishi ASX XLS 2.2-litre diesel 4WD.
The price: $36,490 plus on-road costs.
The details: 2.2-litre 4cyl turbo diesel; 6-sp automatic; 110kW and 360Nm; 5.8L/100km and 155g/km CO2.
She: Mitsubishi has given its ASX range a mild update, so we're putting it to the test. What changes have they made?
He: There are new daytime running lights and 17-inch wheels that bring a touch of sparkle to the ASX range, along with revised exterior trim and re-tuned suspension. This is a city-sized SUV that is smaller than its Outlander big brother, and more practical than the Lancer sedan or hatch. What do you think of its size?
She: The best part about the size, for me at least, was not just the practicality but the ease of handling. I loved the high driving position and, in its category, it seems to be one of the easiest cars just to slide into - great for shorter people, kids, or the elderly. I have to say though I didn't love the look of it.
He: The ASX is quite bland to my eyes, although it has a couple of highlights. My favourite touch is clever lighting along the sides of its panoramic sunroof, which looks pretty special at night. What did you think of the interior?
She: I loved the pimp lights along the sunroof, but again, as you say, the interior seemed a bit bland. The car grew on me the more I drove it, but when I first got in, it felt a bit ordinary. The dash was plain and took some getting used to, and the seats were quite flat although leather trim and seat warmers were nice to have. The parking sensors and night vision reversing camera were excellent. How did you find it to drive?
He: This 2.2-litre diesel model is the pick of the ASX range for me, thanks to a grunty engine and six-speed automatic transmission sourced from the larger Outlander SUV. It's not the most refined thing, with a grumbling vibe and the occasional tug of torque-steer at the steering wheel. But it certainly has plenty of mumbo.
She: Once it gets going, yes. I found it a little bit laggy but soon got accustomed to it. I felt some engine shudder and shake in drive, so I mostly drove it in manual mode, which was much more responsive. The only issue for me was that the paddle shifters on the steering wheel were not small-hand-friendly! Did you find any frustrations?
He: That's funny, I love Mitsubishi's paddles. Made of metal and fixed to the steering column rather than the wheel, they always seem to be in the right spot for me. On the whole, the car can be a little rough around the edges, but this mid-life update has improved what was a fairly jiggly ride. You put the car through a family test, how did it fare with the clan?
She: Not bad actually. For me, there was plenty of room in the back, but then again I am the size of an eight-year-old child so I will find any back seat comfortable (mind out of the gutter!). In the back seat area, there wasn't a light anywhere, which made rummaging around tricky. Putting seatbelts over child seats at night would be a nightmare, for example. In natural light though, the visibility all round was fantastic - for driver and passengers. It has plenty of boot space too.
He: The ASX isn't the roomiest thing in its category, and for a big lad like me the rear is downright cramped. It would work for many families, although taller tribes might want to look elsewhere. Could you see one in the driveway?
She: Is this the quietest or most exciting or most fun or most lovable car I've ever driven? No. But it did feel secure and solid, gear shifts were smooth, passengers felt comfortable, and the driving position suited me. The ground clearance seemed satisfactory, I mean you wouldn't want to go bush bashing in it, but for what it is, it's a pretty good package.
He: I agree. The Mitsubishi ASX isn't the most polished or attractive car on the road, but it is a fairly good compromise, and one worth considering in the world of compact SUVs.