Mitsubishi ASX: Test Drive Review

Date: 04 May 2010   |   Author:

Category: Small 4x4 P11D price: £18,549 Key rival: Nissan Qashqai

Coming this summer with a choice of 1.6 petrol and 1.8 diesel engines, the new ASX is well-priced at a significant margin below the Nissan, though lacks some of the Qashqai's muscular visual presence.

The new Mitsubishi looks a little weedy, especially from the side where its crossover status leaves it looking like something that's neither one thing nor the other - not quite a 4x4 but too tall to be a normal hatchback. The front is a good application of Mitsubishi's company face while from the rear the car looks classy, if less distinctive.

In the cabin, Mitsubishi has banished the cheap, hard plastics that have adorned previous models, leaving a pleasant, if slightly dark, interior with just about enough space for four adults to travel in comfort. The front seat doesn't, though, drop low enough or, on versions with electric seats, move back far enough to be comfortable for taller drivers.

The 1.8, a new unit developed in-house by Mitsubishi, produces just 145g/km and manages a decent 51.4mpg from its 148hp, and has good power delivery if plenty of noise and rattle to go with it. The diesel version also has a 4x4 alternative, priced at £1500 above the front-drive variant, and is 5g/km and 1.3mpg worse off. To drive, the ASX is good, maybe not quite up with the excellent Qashqai, but it can hold its own against anything else in the class. There is still a question mark over the ride quality until we get to try the car in the UK, with it being a little unsettled over the few UK-style bumps we could find on the continental test route.

The mid-spec ASX 3 trim level gets a decent equipment list including climate control, auto lights and wipers, Bluetooth and privacy glass, and those taking the £2000 step to top-spec ASX 4 trim also get leather seats and the slightly clunky Kenwood in-car navigation system with reversing camera.

While Mitsubishi is predominantly a retail brand, it's hoping for some fleet impact with the ASX, although residuals are still some way from being set as the whole-life cost providers haven't yet been given access to the car. But, as long as they come back okay, and the low volume aspirations of 3000 per year will help that, the ASX is a well-priced, well-kitted and slightly left-field alternative to lower medium hatchbacks.

Subscribe