• Comment
• Print
• E-mail

Mitsubishi's ASX in the vanguard of new army

There will be no mistaking Mitsubishi's new, versatile, SUV-styled ASX on the road, writes Martin Brennan

The ASX comes with a 1.6-litre petrol delivering 117bhp or a 1.8-litre diesel engine with 150bhp; its 419-litre boot turns into a huge storage area when the rear seats are folded

• 1
• 2
• 3

Mitsubishi will be well placed to face a tough sales season in 2011 with the arrival of new models and a new engine line-up. The zero-emission electric i-MiEV arrives in January, the Lancer range now has a 1.8-litre diesel engine option in the B Band €156 tax bracket, and there will also be a new Outlander for tough outdoor work with a 2.2-litre diesel engine, with the option of two-wheel-drive, or a four-wheel-drive with automatic transmission.

But of most interest to the family or business buyer will be the versatile SUV-styled ASX, which has a mix of petrol and diesel power units and offers lots of space. There will be no mistaking it on the road as it approaches. The dramatic oversized grille/air intake design, combined with the slanting headlights, give an aggressive look but underneath are energy-absorbing zones for pedestrian safety which Mitsubishi hopes will help it to win a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

The five-door body shape is designed to bring together the best aspects of the Lancer family saloon and the high seating of the Outlander. Most of the Outlander's lower structure is tuned for two-wheel-drive passenger comfort. The electric power steering is light and has tilt and telescopic adjustment to accommodate the high driving position which is also another safety feature.

The ASX will compete in the price-sensitive compact crossover segment which now accounts for over 7% of all car sales.

There is just one trim level for both the 1.6-litre petrol and 1.8-litre direct injection diesel options. The frugal petrol unit is in the Band B tax category and is priced at €23,675 while the Band C diesel (€302 tax) is €25,550. The claimed fuel consumption figures are in the region of 5.2 to 5.7 litres per 100km (47-50mpg ) for both vehicles, with the diesel having the edge.

The petrol unit has a 117bhp output which is more than adequate for family use while the 1.8 unit has a hefty 150bhp with 300 Nm of torque between 2000 and 3000 rpm. This will be the obvious choice for commercial use despite the extra €2,000. CO2 emissions are 138g/km for the petrol and 150g/km for the diesel

The interior has lots of storage spaces and a well laid-out driving position with controls in easy reach. The 419-litre boot develops into a huge load-carrying area when the rear seats are folded flat into the floor and there is an underfloor storage area with a 30-litre capacity. Rear passengers can adjust the backrests for relaxed driving and there is an easy-to-use mechanism to drop the seats into the floor when commercial use is required.

Safety features include acceleration skid control, traction control and seven airbags; standard features include hill start assist, air conditioning, all electric windows, heated folding door mirrors and roof rails.

The ASX gives a lively performance with good roadholding and a suspension that irons out the roughest roads with ease.