Mitsubishi ASX 2010 review

THERE always seems to be room for one more in the compact SUV class. Every time the family fight seems full, something new comes along and this week we have the Mitsubishi ASX.

It's a compact crossover from a company that made its name in SUVs with the Pajero, as well as in passenger cars with the Lancer Evo. So it's something between, with the front-end styling of an Evo and the practicality of a Pajero.

Or is it? The ASX - a silly name which stands for Active Smart Crossover, whatever that is - drops into the Mitsubishi lineup as a family car for young singles and small families. It's intended to do the job for people who like the look of an SUV, but don't need an off-road battleship or a seven-seater cabin.

The ASX comes in a variety of configurations, from a petrol-powered   front-drive price leader to a diesel-engined four-wheel drive. The price spread is $25,990 to $36,990 and Mitsubishi says the ASX is its first diesel passenger car.

"The all-new ASX will provide a logical bridge between our popular Lancer and Outlander line-ups," says Masahiko Takahashi, managing director of Mitsubishi Motors Australia. "Significantly, the ASX will enable us to compete in the new, fast-growing two-wheel drive compact SUV market segment, and allow us to attract new customers to the Mitsubishi brand."

Pricing and drivetrain

The ASX is smartly priced at the bottom end, as its $25,990 starting sticker sits well against front-wheel drive rivals such as the Nissan Dualis (from $24,990), Kia Sportage ($25,990) and under the RAV4 ($28,990). It's a good looking car and well equipped at all levels, as you expect in a Mitsubishi. Sales are likely to be sharply split between the front-drive base car and the diesel models, especially the CVT automatic, which will appeal   to people who do more long-distance work.

Technology 

The ASX is based on the Outlander SUV, which means it is a genuine four-wheel drive when you need it. But the front-drive model is what more and more SUV customers are buying, which means it's an easy disconnect from the back wheels with a choice still of a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed CVT with 'virtual' gears. The car has a rigid body and fully-independent suspension, big brakes and 16-inch alloy wheels. But you can tell it's not designed for bush work from the space-saver spare tyre in the tail.

Design

The ASX is one of the best looking crossovers around, combining the'jet fighter' front end of the EVO with muscular haunches and a reasonably roomy cabin. The dash is car-like and easy to use, there is space for five adults - with adjustable backrests in the rear - and the design work matches the quality finishing.

Safety

Mitsubishi says the protection package in the ASX starts with a very rigid chassis but the car also comes with a full complement of airbags including one for the driver's knees. It also has ABS brakes with assistance package, the usual pre-tensioner seatbelts and the promise of reasonable active safety with ESP. But there is no ANCAP test result yet.

Driving - Paul Gover

THE new Mitsubishi looks good, and looks good on paper, but is not great to drive. The basic front-drive petrol ASX is underwhelming in performance, cornering grip and general balance.

The motor feels to struggle too much of the time, even if you toggle the CVT into manual mode, and there is a slightly tipsy feeling in corners. It's way, way better than the Outlander - which did not win many friends at Carsguide - but the ASX is a car you must measure against a range of rivals and it comes up short against the Dualis.

Yes, it looks chunky and more fun than the Nissan but cannot convert on the road. Still, it's a relatively practical vehicle that will work well for active singles and it does well in things like fuel economy and emissions, as well as coming with plenty of standard equipment.

It's a pity that Bluetooth and parking sensors only come in a pack of optional equipment, but the basics will be good for a lot of people. There has been a lot of interest in the ASX and Mitsubishi has done some good work, but it's just not as good as it looks.

She says - Alison Ward

I know that a lot of people like the idea of an SUV, and sitting up high, but I don't think the ASX is as good as some of its opposition.  It definitely looks good and a lot of people ask about it, but I'm not sure I would pick it over something like a Toyota RAV.

The engine feels chuggy to me, where the RAV has more guts. I like the seats and the design of the cabin but, for someone who has a toddler and a pram, the boot is too small.

The back seat is nice and the doors give good access, but the good stuff is always balanced by something not so good. I also find the ASX isn't great to drive, because it feels a bit tippy in corners. Some of the other SUVs I've driven, like the Dualis, are more like a car and that means they are better to drive.

For ANCAP vehicle safety ratings, go to howsafeisyourcar.com.au