Review
Mitsubishi ASX SUV
Price: £15,499 - £26,085
/5
- Pros:
- Comprehensive equipment
- Spacious interior and large boot
- Good economy and affordable running costs
- Cons:
- Not as sharp to drive as Nissan Qashqai
- Interior plastics look and feel a bit cheap
- Short service intervals with the diesel engine
pictured: Mitsubishi ASX sports utility vehicle 2012 5 door 4wd
reviewed by Carbuyer
"The Mitsubishi ASX looks good and is competitively priced, which makes it an attractive rival to the Nissan Qashqai."
At a glance
- The greenest
- 1.6 Black 5dr
£21,680 - The cheapest
- 1.6 ATTIVO 5dr
£15,499 - The fastest
- 1.8 DI-D Black 5dr
£23,935 - Top of the range
- 1.8 DI-D 4x4 Black 5dr
£26,085
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The Mitsubishi ASX is one of a growing number of SUV-inspired family cars that have been introduced to compete against conventional hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf. Described as a crossover, it blends together the commanding driving position of an off-roader, with fuss-free hatchback-style handling. The Nissan Qashqai kick-started this movement, and the ASX is hoping to cash in on the expanding marketplace. Two engine choices are offered, while the diesel is the only model that's available with four-wheel drive. All versions come with plenty of equipment as standard.
Drive
Great over speeds bumps and rough roads
The steering lacks the precision of the Nissan Qashqai's, while the ASX's soft suspension results in some body roll in corners. However, the car is comfortable on rough roads and is particularly good at dealing with speed bumps and potholes. The 147bhp 1.8-litre diesel feels strong, especially from 2,000rpm, when the turbo is working at its hardest. The 1.6-litre petrol needs higher revs to perform. The petrol ASX only has a five-speed gearbox compared to the diesel's six, so there's more engine noise at motorway speeds.
Comfort
Impressive comfort and good driving position
There's some clever technology on the 1.8-litre diesel that's designed to make it run smoothly, but there's still a fair bit of clatter under the bonnet when the engine starts up. The petrol is smoother, but all models suffer from wind noise on the move. The soft suspension offers impressive comfort, with the ASX riding ripples, lumps and speed bumps with ease. The ASX is the first Mitsubishi to offer a tilt and slide steering column, which makes it easier to get comfortable behind the wheel.
Reliability
Good reliability and safety spec
The ASX's interior is smart enough, and works well, too, but the plastics lack the quality look and feel of rivals like the Volkswagen Golf. Safety impresses, with the ASX scoring five stars in the Euro NCAP tests, while electronic stability control and seven airbags are fitted as standard. Watch the Mitsubishi ASX crash test video here.
Practicality
Large, practical cabin is bigger than closest rivals
The whole point of crossovers is practicality - and the ASX scores top marks. The boot is 442 litres (the Nissan Qashqai has 410 litres) and the back seats fold flat in seconds. The boot opening is large and there's some under floor storage, too. A ski hatch helps when carrying longer objects, while a large glovebox and centre stowage box provide plenty of places for CDs and the like. The ASX has a long passenger compartment, so there's lots of space in the back seats.
Value for money
ASX 3 model offers generous standard kit
Mitsubishi's ASX offers impressive value for money. Even the entry-level models come with air-conditioning, alloy wheels and remote central locking. The big-selling ASX 3 model adds climate control, cruise control and rear parking sensors to the comprehensive equipment list. Range-topping cars include a reversing camera, satellite navigation and leather seats. Compared to a conventional hatchback, such as a Ford Focus, the ASX is a lot of car for the money.
Running costs
Good economy but diesels have short service intervals
The 1.6-litre petrol-powered ASX 3 is likely to be the big seller and shouldn’t cost too much to run. Stop-start technology means the engine shuts down when you are sitting in traffic, which helps it to return an impressive 47.1mpg and emit 135g/km. The diesel has even better economy at 51.4mpg, but it has emissions of 145g/km, which means it costs £15 more per year in Road Tax - £125 instead of £110. The diesel also has shorter service intervals, needing a visit to the dealers every 9,000 miles, compared to 12,500-mile intervals for the petrol engine. Like other Mitsubishis, the ASX is offered with fixed-price servicing , which will help owners plan their costs.
