Mitsubishi ASX – All you need to know

KUALA LUMPUR: Competing against segment stalwarts such as the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage, the outgoing Mitsubishi ASX is now starting to show age. It was first launched back in 2010 and since then, the Japanese carmaker has given the ASX a few facelifts here and there. However, its rivals from Korea definitely look more modern, and also come with better and more feature-packed interiors. The third-generation ASX is built on Mitsubishi’s GS platform, which it shares with the Eclipse Cross and Outlander. Interestingly, even though it’s now a subcompact crossover SUV, the ASX nameplate initially belonged to the family of compact MPVs.

While its immediate Korean rivals might be better in terms of their overall appeal, the Mitsubishi ASX strikes back with its lower, more affordable price tag. In Malaysia, the present-gen ASX is sold in two avatars: there’s the RM 118,866 base 2WD variant and RM 133,336 top 4WD trim. This means that you can buy the top-of-the-range ASX and still have around RM 16,000 to spend on something else.

Exterior design

To begin with, the Mitsubishi ASX is not a very large car. Exterior dimensions-wise, it measures 4,295mm in length, 1,770mm in width, 1,615mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,670mm. Now, while its design surely looked pretty urbane and cutting-edge a few years ago, time has a way of eroding the aesthetic appeal of modern car designs. However, that’s not to say that the ASX looks bland or boring - it doesn’t. But its soft edges and more rounded corners may not be to everyone’s taste.

Up front, the ASX gets a taut bonnet with a subtle ‘power bulge’ in the middle and a few creases for that added visual pull. Further down, the ASX wears curved, projector headlamps and angular, C-shaped LED daytime running lights, and halogen fog lights located on the bumper. The protruding snout features a large grille with a split design, while the bumper integrates a centre air intake and a faux skid plate. Along the sides, the main styling highlights come in the form of the 17-inch alloy wheels, distinctly flared fenders, protective side skirts, character line along with the doors, and a rising shoulder line coupled to a dipping roofline.

The back of the ASX appears quite stylish, as it features a noticeable roof spoiler, curvy tail lights, and a moulded rear bumper which also incorporates a low-key diffuser and a chrome-tipped exhaust pipe.

Interior styling

While the overall design and layout look dated in comparison to its rivals, the styling of the ASX’s interior is decent enough. Just as with the exterior, though, the interior is also mostly comprised of soft curves and smooth edges - there are no fancy, sleek lines in here. Mitsubishi has added some piano black trim and metallic accents to help jazz up this cabin, though the results are a mix bag. The same can be said about the fit & finish and quality of the materials in this can. While some of the touchpoints feel decent, the majority of the surfaces are covered in low-rent, hard plastic.

The seats in the ASX are comfortable, and the material feels soft enough, though support for the lower back could have been better. You can seat five people in here, but because it’s relatively narrow in the back, it’s really best suited for four adults (and maybe a child). The windows are alright, but the rear ones are a bit compromised due to the sloping roof and shoulder line. However, it isn’t too bad if you’re less than six feet tall.

Equipment and features

The top variant of the Mitsubishi ASX specs sheet includes automatic headlamps, automatic front wipers, panoramic sunroof, power-operated door mirrors, keyless entry with push-button start, automatic climate control, leather seats, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel with paddle shifters, and a touchscreen infotainment head unit with navigation. The ASX’s safety tech includes seven airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, stability and traction management, hill-start assist, and all-round parking sensors with reversing camera.

Engine and performance

All variants of the Mitsubishi ASX come with a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine and a 6-step CVT gearbox. The 2.0-litre mill produces 148 horsepower and 197 Nm of peak torque, which can be sent to all four corners (only in the AWD variant). The 1.4-tonne ASX is far from quick, as it takes it 11 seconds to crack the 100 kmph barrier. However, it only runs out of breath at a relatively brisk 190 kmph. But you wouldn’t want to push this motor too hard, or you’d struggle to achieve its rated 12.5 kmpl fuel economy figure.

While it may not seem as exciting a car as some, the Mitsubishi ASX still offers many safety and convenience features, along with good driveability and city-friendly dimensions - all wrapped up in an affordable package.