Air conditioners, escalators, optical telescopes and hand dryers are all
products that you probably didn’t know Mitsubishi produce. You probably did know
that Mitsubishi and 4x4s go together like itchy and scratchy or cheese and
crackers.
It all started with the Shogun back in 1982 which carved a healthy share
of the market rivalling the Nissan Patrol, Toyota Land Cruiser and later the Land Rover
Discovery. Over the last decade as fuel prices have
skyrocketed and the cost of road tax has climbed, demand for heavy 4x4s has
tailed off as buyers seek out lower running costs. As a result the compact
crossover was born and every manufacturer wants a piece of the
pie.
Since its launch in 2007 Nissan has shifted over 1 million examples of its
Qashqai which kicked off the compact crossovers journey to world domination.
Mitsubishi have enjoyed considerable success in the UK with the launch of their
Outlander crossover back in 2004, the latest version is even available in a more
frugal 2 wheel drive guise for those who love the idea of a 4x4 buy not the dent
in their wallets.
The ASX, or “Active Sports Crossover” is Mitsubishi’s attempt at repeating
its big brothers success but in a smaller package aimed squarely at not only
established crossovers but also traditional C-segment vehicles. We hit the road
to find out if the ASX is any good and whether it can crush the
opposition.
What is it?
The original RVR (not sold in the UK) |
The ASX, or RVR as it’s known as in Japan, was launched in the UK in early
2010 as Mitsubishi’s first foray into the lucrative compact crossover
marketplace. Overseas the ASX was a replacement for the long running previous
RVR which was essentially a 4 wheel drive version of Mitsubishi’s popular
compact MPV the Space Runner. As a result of Mitsubishi’s alliance with PSA
Peugeot Citroen two further developments of the ASX in the form of the Peugeot
4008 and Citroen C4 Aircross are due to be launched but as yet there is no
confirmation that these will make it to our shores. In the UK there are only
two engines on offer, a 1.6 petrol with 115bhp mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox
available in 2-wheel drive only or a 1.8 DiD turbo diesel with 114bhp and 221lb
ft of torque mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. This engine can be specified
with 2 or an electronically controlled 4-wheel drive system. Trim levels range
from the base “2” which costs £16,499 to the range-topping 4-wheel drive “4” at
£25,895. Here we are testing the mid-level “3” DiD diesel with 2-wheel drive
which tips the scales at £20,599
Rivals: Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008,
Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf
Joining a crowded market sector isn’t easy for any manufacturer especially one that has experience of larger 4x4s and superminis but nothing in between so the ASX has to be really special to stand out. Thankfully Mitsubishi’s design team have done a sterling job in designing a crossover that blends the best of both worlds.
What strikes you most is the aggressive front fascia which
sports the company’s bold “Jet Fighter” grille and angry-looking projector
headlights. Unlike other cars in Mitsubishi's range which have a slightly
tacked-on appearance the front treatment fits perfectly with striking
similarities to the fire-breathing Lancer Evo X that also sits in the
range.
The stubby rear continues the theme with smartly styled
pointy rear lights that sit high up just below the rear window. Side on is
probably the ASX’s weakest angle, don’t get me wrong its chunky, bulging arches,
swage lines and slim glass area look good, but its lacks the wow factor found
elsewhere , fortunately the smart looking 17” alloy wheels fitted help improve
things.
As the ASX is based on the same underpinnings as the
larger Outlander it has a long wheelbase but the tiny rear overhang make for an
unwelcome front heavy profile. Strangely Mitsubishi have done the opposite to
most rivals who try very hard to make their cars look smaller than they are, the
ASX looks much bigger than it actually is, its noticeably shorter than a Ford
Focus or Nissan Qashqai, this only increases its appeal.
Inside the ASX is a bit of a surprise, Mitsubishi are
renowned for their solid, hard wearing interiors that feel capable of outliving
their owners. This time round it’s all change, ASX has jumped on the soft and
squishy plastics bandwagon and is all the better for it. Every surface at eye
level feels classy and everything else is robust but still of great
quality.
Pleasing design and upmarket build quality impress, mass expanses of black trim do not. |
Dials incorporate a miniature screen which looks modern and displays all the information the driver could want. |
All of the major controls are perfectly situation and are
breeze to use, the dials are a particular highlight with their chrome surrounds
and cool red and white glow which Mitsubishi say were inspired by those on a
motorbike. Furthermore there is a glitzy smart phone-like screen between the
dials displaying a raft of driver information including the fuel and temperature
gauges. We also liked the chrome rotary heater controls which operate smoothly
and look really snazzy.
The steering wheel is generously smothered in quality
leather- it’s the perfect size and feels great to hold, it’s lovely and chunky
housing controls for the stereo and cruise control. There are smatterings of
silver effect trim on the doors, steering wheel and centre console but this
isn’t enough to lift the mood. There is simply too much black in the cabin which
makes it seem unnecessarily dark and drab.
The seats on the other hand; although black, are superbly
shaped and wouldn’t feel out of place in a sports car. There bulging sides grip
occupants well and offer plenty of support so backache will be a thing of the
past on longer journeys. Finding a comfortable driving position is as easy as
pie with bags of adjustment in the steering column for rake as well as reach
matched by equal amounts of height adjustment in the driver’s
seat.
Considering its relatively compact dimensions the ASX’s
interior packaging is clearly the work of the wizards at Hogwarts. Room up front
is more than generous and space in the rear isn’t far behind, at a squeeze 3 can
sit abreast with plenty of room to nestle feet neatly under the raised front
seats.
There’s no shortage of storage space either with big door
bins and lots of little nooks for oddments, there is even a usable glove box
which seems to be rare in today’s cars. Boot space is also plentiful at 442
litres with the rear seats in place swelling to a cavernous 1193 litres by
flipping them down. If this wasn’t enough lift the boot floor to reveal more
storage.
Plenty of space in the rear for even the tallest passengers, seat are incredibly comfortable |
Luggage space is plentiful with additional hidden storage under boot floor |
All ASXs have an abundance of standard equipment to keep
everyone happy, base models are adorned with alloy wheels, air conditioning, and
keyless entry. Our “3” model adds automatic air conditioning, one touch
starting, cruise control, heated seats, audio wheel controls, Bluetooth, leather
steering wheel and gear knob and automatic lights and wipers, what more could
you want?
Valuable safety items include Active Stability Control,
Traction Control, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, dual stage front side and
curtain airbags including driver’s knee airbag earning the ASX the coveted 5
star Euro-NCAP crash rating. If you are planning on mowing down pedestrians the
ASX is one of a small group of cars that have been designed to minimise
pedestrian injuries should the worst happen with its plastic front wings, double
bulge bonnet and energy absorbing bumper.
Powering this Qashqai-eater is
a thoroughly modern 1.8 DiD turbo diesel with 114bhp and 221lb ft of torque
arriving at a convenient 1,750 rpm. The unit is also the first diesel in the
world to feature variable valve timing dubbed MIVEC which boosts economy, torque
and emissions.
At idle the all too familiar diesel clatter is inaudible
and not much changes on the move, only when really hammering the throttle does
it become apparent that you are sat in an oil burner. Power delivery is
ultra-smooth without any annoying flat spots and with a 0-60mph time of 10.2
seconds its not going to win any drag races but it does a grand job of pulling
the 1400kg body around.
You will struggle to find a better diesel engine at this price point, variable valve timing is a diesel world first. |
Usually with any crossover there is always a compromise
to be made when it comes to running costs. The ASX however is different.
Mitsubishi’s Cleartec technology aids emissions and fuel consumption with the
use of electric power steering, regenerative brakes, low rolling resistance
tyres, low viscosity oil, LED lighting and weight reduction measures. Fuel
economy is remarkable returning 54.3 mpg on a combined cycle, we managed a
very honorable 46.9 mpg whilst with us. With emissions at 136g/km the DiD falls
into tax band E costing a wallet-friendly £120 in road tax.
It’s hard to know what to expect from the driving
experience of a car with a high centre of gravity but the ASX is nothing short
of incredible. When setting off the superb refinement of the engine lends itself
to a soothing drive which is aided by a well-judged ride that feels compliant
and able to deal with any road surface so is completely unflappable. The only
minor niggle is its slightly springy nature over sleeping policeman.
Show the ASX a sweeping rural road and it really comes
alive. The steering is pretty much perfect; it is beautifully feelsome sending a
raft of information about what the tyres are doing instilling confidence in the
driver when cornering. The gear change is equally well engineered. All too often
these days gearboxes don’t actually feel like they are designed for swapping
cogs, but the ASXs has a really nice smooth mechanical feeling action making
gear changes a joy. The ratios are also particularly well-spaced to exploit the
power on offer.
When approaching corners body movements are kept well in
check with next to no body roll and plenty of grip. We liked the way the
traction control system lets the driver have some fun before intervening. The
overall feeling is a one of a car engineered to perfection offering the driver
genuine driving thrills that so many cars lack and you certainly don’t expect
from this class of car.
Words and Photos by Rob McSorley
Technical Data
Price as tested: £20,599
Engine: 1.8 16v 114bhp - 0-62mph: 10.2 secs - Maximum Speed: 117mph -
Economy: 44.8mpg (urban) –62.8mpg (extra-urban), 54.3 (combined) - Emissions: 136g/km (Band E) - VED (12 months): £120
Dimensions: Length 4295mm - Width: 1770mm - Height: 1615mm - Wheelbase: 2670mm
Engine: 1.8 16v 114bhp - 0-62mph: 10.2 secs - Maximum Speed: 117mph -
Economy: 44.8mpg (urban) –62.8mpg (extra-urban), 54.3 (combined) - Emissions: 136g/km (Band E) - VED (12 months): £120
Dimensions: Length 4295mm - Width: 1770mm - Height: 1615mm - Wheelbase: 2670mm
*data from Mitsubishi
UK
The ASX is a really astounding car, its entering a very
cut-throat sector of the market and deserves to make a real splash. In every
area it has exceeding our expectations and then some. The level of driver
involvement on offer is simply breath-taking and it’s easy to see similarities
between this and the scorching Evo – yes it’s that good! If this wasn’t enough
the ASX is spacious, comfortable, well-built, refined and economical. With the
range kicking off at just over £16,000 it’s also a real bargain. There really
isn’t much not to like about the ASX without nit-picking, the cabin may be a
touch bland and the ride slightly bouncy over speed humps but this fails to
detract from a superb all-round package.
You will like
Engaging drive
Spacious, refined and well-built cabin
Aggressive looks
Value for money
Superb diesel engine
You won't like
Bland interior
Springey ride over speed humps
Special Thanks to;
Mitsubishi Motors, Watermoor,
Cirencester, GL7 1LF
All photographs and text are the exclusive property of Rob McSorley (except where stated otherwise). They are made available for your personal viewing enjoyment only. No images are within the Public Domain. The photographs may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, manipulated, projected, used or altered in any way without the prior permission of Rob Mcsorley (mrrobertmcsorley@gmail.com).
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