Mitsubishi ASX Aspire diesel 2010 review

Australia's love for SUVs already has blurred the border between what is a four-wheel-drive vehicle and what is not. Compact SUVs which are more car-like in their driving character and lacking low-range gears are not deemed serious, off-road 4WDs but that hasn't stopped them selling like cold beer at the end of a hot run on the Strzelecki Track.

These "soft roaders" at least have reasonable ground clearance compared with a Corolla or Commodore and they have all-wheel-drive. Mitsubishi has added yet another model, the smart looking ASX and virtually created another sub-sector, for it's hard to find an all-wheel-drive SUV five-door available in petrol or diesel in its less than 4.3m length. Mitsubishi says ASX sits between its Lancer small car and the Outlander SUV and that ASX stands for "active smart crossover."

Lower cost versions of ASX have two-wheel-drive but we are in a 4WD version and the highest-equipped, Aspire, model at that and with diesel engine. It costs $36,990 but includes climate control, cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering column, front fog lamps, leather seats, rear park sensors, a Rockford Fosgate premium audio system (nine speakers enough?), a 7in screen communications system with touchscreen and sat-nav, reversing camera, power driver's seat, keyless entry and start and 17in alloy wheels.

Driving

Explore the 2010 Mitsubishi ASX range

• Mitsubishi ASX 2010 review: first drive
• Mitsubishi ASX 2010 review: road test
• Mitsubishi ASX Aspire 2010 review
• Mitsubishi ASX 2010 review
• Mitsubishi ASX Aspire diesel 2010 review

The 1.8-litre turbocharged diesel engine feels bigger. It putters about gently and quietly at low engine revs but once the tacho needle passes 1800rpm there's a strong surge to push along the 1525kg car. Mitsubishi has put its variable valve timing into the diesel intake system and the turbocharger also has variable geometry so excellent fuel economy is there as is performance if you want it.

The diesel is available only with a six-speed manual; the shift is light if not quick. Body lean on corners certainly is there if it's rushed. Its 4WD credentials include a good departure angle, hill-start assist and a dial that selects between front 2WD, 4WD (which gives from 98 per cent front/2 per cent rear to 50-50 torque split) and 4WD Lock for more slippery stuff. It uses a viscous coupling centre diff.

It means ASX will go along a muddy or dirt track where you wouldn't want to take a Lancer. But it's no Pajero, as the crashing rear suspension reminded us over a few ruts and pot holes. It has a space-saver spare wheel and bitumen-biased tyres but with 60-aspect sidewalls. It needs that reversing camera and park control because there is little rear three-quarter vision.

The diesel engine is quiet, attributed to a lower compression ratio, which means engine braking is not brilliant (though better than a petrol engine's). Cargo space (416 litres) is as much as you'd expect in a compact.