Mitsubishi ASX: 2WD or 4WD

Tired of your regular hatchback and don’t want to trade in for a bigger sedan because of the low seating? Welcome to the world of crossovers or something which we call as elevated hatchbacks. Each and every manufacturer now has something specific to offer in this segment. Take the example of the Mitsubishi ASX. It is built on the very capable Outlander platform. However, the Outlander is a big SUV with space for seven seats.

The Mitsubishi ASX in the meanwhile is a smaller car with seating for five. As is the case with Mitsubishi SUVs or crossovers, even this one comes with a 2WD as well as a  4WD option. So, which one should you go for? We have considered aspects like safety, driving patterns as well as price. Read on to find out.

Powertrain

There is no difference in the engine of the two or four-wheel drive Mitsubishi ASX. Both use a 2.0-litre 16-valve inline-4 DOHC MIVEC petrol engine. The motor produces 150 PS of power and 190 Nm of torque. It is mated to a CVT on both with only the 4WD getting an option of paddle shifters. Fuel economy is in the 10 kmpl thereabouts. What is interesting is that the 2WD gets a slightly bigger fuel tank at 63 litres compared to the 4WD’s 60 litres.

Equipment and safety

In terms of equipment, Mitsubishi offers a lot as standard. As we all know the 2WD ASX is the base trim and the 4WD is the top spec model, out of the two trims available that is. List of standard equipment includes automatic projector headlights, auto wipers, LED DRLs, power foldable and adjustable mirrors, front as well as rear fog lights, keyless entry, leather seats, touchscreen audio system with navigation and automatic climate control. Three airbags are standard and so are ABS with EBD, Brake Assist as well as two front and four rear parking sensors. Mitsubishi also offers a rear camera as standard. 17-inch alloys with 215/60 section rubber are also available on both trims.  Mitsubishi also offers a leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt as well as telescopic function. Common to both the cars are also the leather upholstery.

What comes as exclusive to the ASX 4WD is Active Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, Traction Control and curtain airbags. There is also cruise control, push-button start, panoramic sunroof and chrome-ringed grille with black painted centre bumper.

Dimensions and suspension

As far as the dimensions of the ASX are concerned, there is no perceivable difference. 4,295 x 1,770  x 1,615 mm are the measurements for the length, width, and height with a wheelbase of 2,670 mm. The kerb weight of the 4WD though is 100 kg more than the 2WD at 1,475 kg. The ground clearance and turning radius stand at 195 mm and 5.3 metre. Ventilated discs at the front as well as solid ones at the rear comprise the braking department. MacPherson struts in the front and multi-link coil springs make up the suspension bits. The handling of the ASX is very good while the ride quality for either of the trims seems a bit bouncy. The 4WD brings in an on the fly knob that locks the rear differentials.

Pricing

This is the key element for many. Mitsubishi started locally assembling the ASX at its Segambut plant in Kuala Lumpur in 2014. This was when the 4WD was introduced and prices slashed to a great extent. RM 112,395 for the 2WD and RM 126,739 for the 4WD are the current prices of these two trims.

Verdict

So, the question rears its head. Which one should you go for? Given that the 4WD comes with more safety kit as observed above, those lovely paddle shifters so that you can have a bit of fun, bit more of equipment and more importantly 4WD, it is prudent that one goes for this trim. However, if you’re lacking RM 14k, then the 2WD isn’t as bad either. We urge you to stretch that extra bit and go for the 4WD though.