2010 Mitsubishi ASX - First Drive

Finally they have a name – they’re called ‘Sub-Compact SUVs’. The term refers to small SUVs with engines of 2.4-litres or less and now Mitsubishi has an entrant – the all-new Mitsubishi ASX.

Also called ‘Crossovers’, the field includes vehicles like the Nissan Dualis and Hyundai ix35. Young families and ‘downsizers’ are the dominant buyers so the vehicles need to be versatile.

The fact is, Mitsubishi is thrilled to have a vehicle as competent as the ASX to compete in this segment because it is one of our fastest growing. The company says while Compact SUV sales have grown from 500 per month one year ago to currently average over 2,000 per month, the extra sales are coming primarily from these ‘Sub-Compact models.

2010 Mitsubishi ASX Overview

The Mitsubishi ASX is available in two model grades, offers a choice of turbo-diesel or petrol engines and all-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive. Priced from $25,990 to $36,990, Mitsubishi’s newcomer lobs straight into the sharply-priced end of the segment and – with Mitsubishi’s acknowledged strengths in SUVs – demands immediate consideration. 

Sharing Mitsubishi’s GS chassis architecture with the Outlander and Lancer, the Mitsubishi ASX has the same wheelbase as the Outlander SUV wagon but the newcomer’s shorter rear end means dimensionally it is almost identical to the Audi Q5.

Mitsubishi ASX offers 1193 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seat folded flat.

Currently, diesel-powered Mitsubishi ASX models are offered with the six-speed manual transmission – this is the predominate engine/transmission combination for Japan and Europe and it will be at least 12 months before an automatic diesel arrives.

2010 Mitsubishi ASX Engine

Big news in the engine department is the 1.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel which is a Mitsubishi-exclusive development (not shared with Peugeot). Mitsubishi claims its new powerplant is the world’s first passenger car diesel engine with variable valve timing.

With combined cycle fuel consumption of 5.6l/100kms, Mitsubishi is also claiming best-in-class fuel economy for its new ‘4N13’ turbo-diesel. 

Maximum power is 110kW at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 300Nm arrives at 2,000 rpm. Hyundai’s rival iX35 diesel provides 135kW/392Nm.

It’s a common rail high-pressure direct injection engine and the Car Showroom team was hugely impressed by its torque and quietness.

The Mitsubishi ASX’s petrol alternative is Mitsubishi’s familiar 2.0-litre, four-cylinder as fitted to the Lancer. Maximum power is 110kWat 6,000rpm and peak torque is 197Nm at 4,200 rpm. Dualis offers a 2.0-litre, 102kW/198Nm petrol while iX35 employs 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrols with 122kW/197Nm and 130kW/227Nm respectively.

The Entry-level Mitsubishi ASX front-wheel-drive models are powered exclusively by the petrol engine (five-speed manual or six-step CVT auto), while the mid-spec Mitsubishi ASX 4WD and range-topping 4WD ASX Aspire offer the turbo-diesel with a six-speed manual transmission and the petrol engine with the six-step CVT auto.

2010 Mitsubishi ASX Interior

Inside, you immediately notice a lot of Outlander in the Mitsubishi ASX – that’s a good thing because Mitsubishi’s crossover wagon is handily appointed. Pleasingly, the Mitsubishi ASX debuts reach/rake steering wheel adjustment for Mitsubishi and we found this provided a driving position noticeably better than the Outlander. 

Like the Outlander, instrumentation is the conventional two-gauge display with secondary information such as fuel tank level displayed on a compact screen between the two and providing clear blue graphics.

To the left on the centre console are controls for the standard climate-control air-conditioning and audio systems. Both Mitsubishi ASX 2WD and 4WD run a four-speaker CD/MP3 system with auxiliary and USB ports, while range-topping Aspire scores a nine-speaker Rockford-Fosgate audio set-up, the upgraded Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System (MMCS) with satellite navigation, seven-inch LCD touch-screen and 15GB hard drive music storage.

The four-wheel-drive selector dial (2WD, 4WD or Lock) is mounted on the centre console near the gear lever.

Mitsubishi ASX Aspire gains leather seats (heated fronts), keyless operation, rear privacy glass, automatic wipers and lights and an optional 954mm x 860mm panoramic glass roof. 

Like other ‘Sub-Compact SUVs’ rear-seat legroom in the Mitsubishi ASX isn’t massive but enough for small children or adults on short journeys. The rear seat is supportive, the seat backs recline and its high-riding stature affords a good view.

The rear seat split folds 60:40 for access to the 416-litre - 1193-litre, flat luggage area. Mitsubishi ASX uses a standard Spacesaver’ spare wheel and if you opt to pay $200 for the full-size spare, its does encroach into the luggage space and the flat floor gains a ‘hump’ in the middle.

2010 Mitsubishi ASX Exterior & Styling

First impressions count and Mitsubishi’s stylists have delivered a good-looker. The Mitsubishi ASX is actually very close in appearance to the initial Concept-cX prototype Mitsubishi first displayed at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Like Audi’s Q5, it blends a degree of chunkiness with just the right amount of curves to provide a combination of SUV-like on-road presence but an overall dimension that is not intimidating for mums and first-time SUV buyers. In fact Mitsubishi says the majority of Mitsubishi ASX buyers will be moving up from hatchbacks and small sedans due to lifestyle changes (such as the arrival of children). 

While the 2670mm wheelbase is the same as Outlander, Mitsubishi ASX is shorter and its smaller front and rear overhangs provide its smaller dimensions.

At the front, there is Mitsubishi’s now-familiar ‘Jet Fighter’ grille, sculptured bonnet and curved front guards. The latter are made from plastic for easy repair and pedestrian protection while one of the bonnet bulges is actually also for pedestrian protection.

An integrated roof spoiler and slim tail-lights provide a contemporary look for the rear.

ASX shares its exterior colours with the Lancer lineup with the exception
of a unique new colour – Kingfisher Blue.

Aspire models can be distinguished externally by some extra chrome around the grille and 17-inch alloy wheels.

2010 Mitsubishi ASX On The Road

We drove all of the Mitsubishi ASX models over a variety of roads between Brisbane and Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. Not surprisingly with its MacPherson strut front/multi-link rear suspension principally carried-over from the Outlander (re-calibrated for Mitsubishi ASX’s lighter weight and with a small 18mm rear anti-roll bar), on-road dynamics were high standard.

Mitsubishi’s new 1.8-litre turbo-diesel is a star and combined well with the easy-shifting six-speed manual transmission. Overall refinement levels for the diesel were high with just a little cylinder head noise perceptible in mid-range acceleration. 

The 2.0-litre petrol was its usual familiar self with its strong acceleration evident even when mated to the six-step CVT auto.

Like the Outlander, there was a degree of body roll at the limit in the Mitsubishi ASX and tyre noise was noticeable on some of the less-than A-Grade roads encountered in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

2010 Mitsubishi ASX Verdict

We’ve now spent considerable time driving Nissan Dualis, Hyundai iX35 and now Mitsubishi ASX. Our conclusion is these highly equipped, handily priced and clearly competent ‘Sub-Compact’ SUVs are actually perfect equipped for their primary role as family vehicles (hey, most of us at Car Showroom ‘nail’ this demographic as we have young families). 

For many, Mitsubishi ASX will be part of a two-car garage and so its combination of excellent packaging, good fuel economy and ease-of-manouvering in the urban jungle mean it is very well done.

2010 Mitsubishi ASX Competition

Clearly Nissan and Hyundai are the prime opposition with the Dualis and iX35. All three are competent performers and in many ways it boils down to a coin toss or individual styling preferences.

Dualis starts at $24,990 and iX35 at $26,990 so there’s not much to separate them on that front either.

The unknown at this stage is Kia’s all-new Sportage which is due for launch any day. Overseas reports suggest the Kia will be a keen addition to this segment.

Likes:

Looks good; excellent diesel; lots of kit

Dislikes:

No auto diesel

Related Articles: