Mitsubishi ASX car review

Priced from £14,999 to £22,049 it’s competitively positioned, and being a Mitsubishi the level of equipment available is good, even with the entry-level ASX 2 trim level.

The Mitsubishi ASX is available with a 115bhp 1.6-litre petrol or 147bhp 1.8-litre DiD turbodiesel engine, the latter getting two- or four-wheel drive. Of the two, it’s the diesel engine which offers the best performance and most advanced technology.

Mitsubishi-developed diesel

It’s the world’s first diesel car fitted with variable valve timing, a technology pioneered in petrol engines. The result is a 1.8-litre motor with the power of a bigger engine. And it performs as well in the real world as it does on paper, with a quiet and smooth power delivery and willingness to rev.

In fourth gear in particular the 1.8-litre DiD ASX has a surprising turn of speed, making overtakes quick and safe. It reaches 62mph from a standstill in 9.7 seconds (10 for the 4×4) and has a top speed of 124mph.

It also manages 51.4mpg (49.6 for the four-wheel drive) and emits 145g/km of CO2 (or 150g/km). The petrol engine can achieve 47.1mpg while emitting 138g/km of CO2.

Mitsubishi has worked hard on improving economy and the ASX is fitted with stop and start technology, regenerative braking, low-consumption lights, low rolling-resistance tyres, electric power steering and uses low viscosity engine oil. And, while it might not look it, it’s also one of the most aerodynamic small SUVs on the market.

Mitsubishi Confirms ASX Crossover Vehicle for Australia

Mitsubishi ASX Compact Crossover

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited has confirmed its new sub-compact all-wheel drive vehicle will be known as the ASX when it arrives in Australia in August.

According to MMAL’s president and CEO, Masahiko Takahashi, the ASX nameplate is based on the concept of an “Active Smart Crossover.”

“The ASX is primarily a city car - very stylish and manoeuvrable around town - and the adoption of the European brand name reflects this.

“But ASX is more than just a pretty face. It also has the added benefit of being very smart, especially in terms of the technology that drives its engineering, design and all-wheel drive ability,” Takahashi said.

The ASX is closely based on the Concept-cX show car, first unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The vehicle is available in Europe and Japan with a variety of power plants, and the choice of either two or four-wheel drive configurations.

While MMAL has not yet revealed full specifications for the ASX range, the company has confirmed that the Australian line-up will include both diesel and petrol engines and will be available for sale in Australia in August.