Looking for a capable compact SUV but on a tight budget?
The Mitsubishi ASX (Active Smart Crossover) had a few updates at the beginning of 2015 and features an enhanced, sleeker exterior look matched by an improved centre console design with a more upmarket feel on the inside.
Continuing as a five-model range, the ASX line-up features GL, GLX and GLS derivatives, all powered by Mitsubishi’s trusted 2.0-litre normally-aspirated petrol engine which produces 110 kW and 197 N.m.
All derivatives of the ASX benefit from new black roof rails, chrome highlights inside and out, tinted windows and emergency stop signal brake lights. On GLX and GLS derivatives, new LED daytime running lights highlight redesigned front fog lamp surrounds, and new 17-inch alloy wheels add pizzazz to the side profile.
A bold new ‘Lightning Blue’ paint hue is also available, allowing the striking design to be further exhibited. On the mechanical side, an updated CVT system enhances driveability and lowers fuel consumption in the automatic model.
All derivatives are front-wheel drive, three of which feature a five-speed manual gearbox, alongside the two range-topping GLS automatics which feature a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) which has the ability to simulate a six-speed automatic gearbox.
For 2015, the CVT in particular has received extra attention. The most notable technical design change was made to CVT internals, where a larger-spectrum lock-up range provides for greater driving pleasure and enhanced fuel economy due to the bigger selection of theoretical ‘gear ratios’ available to the driver in auto mode, adaptive to driver input and driving style. As with the existing CVT derivative, manual shift mode is available, allowing the driver to manually override the transmission with six simulated gear ratios. NVH reduction has also been achieved with the new CVT.
Fuel economy is admirable on all derivatives, the manual models realising an average of 7.5-litres per 100 km on the combined cycle with carbon emissions of 175 g/km. The CVT model’s fuel consumption is now lower at 7.4-litres per 100 km, with carbon emissions of 178 g/km. A 63-litre fuel tank ensures long driving ranges – around 800 km on typical mixed driving.
The Mitsubishi ASX has excellent visibility for the driver and great agility with 195 mm of ground clearance available. The raised ground clearance means the ASX is equally at home on tarred city roads as well as out-of-town dirt roads.
Conducive to holiday trips as much as being expertly practical for the school run, the ASX features a spacious boot with a large, uninhibited opening for easy loading, with 442 litres of boot space available with the rear seats up. When the 60/40 split rear seats are folded down, a total of 1 193 litres are available.
Retail price
ASX 2.0 GL -R299 900
ASX 2.0 GLX -R329 900
ASX 2.0 GLS with Rockford Fosgate -R342 900
ASX 2.0 GLS CVT -R354 900
ASX 2.0 GLS CVT with Rockford Fosgate -R364 900