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Finally, a diesel Mitsubishi ASX with an auto - but it's not the diesel we were expecting. Instead of the 1.8-litre diesel that we have already, it's the larger 2.2 from big brother the Outlander.
Why? Because the 2.2-litre diesel was not available when the ASX was launched in 2010 and, well, because it's a better engine, says Mitsubishi (even though it doesn't have variable valve timing like the 1.8).
Historically diesels are more expensive to produce than petrol engines and car makers generally defray some of the extra cost by offering them with more expensive, better equipped models. There's a school of thought that people are not interested in diesels, at least not in this section of the market where vehicles cost less and the extra cost is even more difficult to disguise. But tell that to Toyota that is enjoying unprecedented success with its first ever diesel RAV.
Prices for ASX start from $25,990 for the entry, two-wheel drive, 2.0-litre petrol model with a manual transmission. Prices for the 1.8-litre, manual only diesel start from $34,990 - a big hike but bear in mind that it's in top spec, all-wheel drive Aspire form.
Prices for the new 2.2-litre diesel with an auto kick off from $31,900 for the no frills model or $36,490 for the better equipped Aspire - both of them with all-wheel drive. Accounting for just five per cent of ASX sales, you get the feeling the 1.8 is not long for this world . . .
Standard equipment for the new 2.2 includes 16 inch alloys, cloth upholstery, climate airconditioning, cruise control, keyless entry, power windows and mirrors, leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, leather bound gearshift, chrome interior door handles, and 60/40-split fold and recline rear seats. Bluetooth phone and audio with voice control are also standard along with a reversing camera.
The Aspire adds 17 inch alloys, leather, push button start, auto lights and wipers and interior mirror, heated front seats and a power adjust driver’s seat, fog lights, reverse parking sensors, 7 inch touchscreen with navigation and a panoramic sunroof.
Both the engine and transmission are a lift straight from the Outlander. The 2.2-litre direct injection, common rail turbo diesel produces 110kW of power and 360Nm of torque, the latter from a low 1500 revs - compared with the 1.8's 110kW and 300Nm.
In the Outlander, paired with an auto, it delivers fuel consumption of 5.8 litres/100km. In the smaller ASX with the same six-speed auto it also delivers 5.8. In comparison, the 1.8-litre diesel with a six-speed manual is good for 5.7 litres/100km. The six-speed auto features INVECS-II Smart Logic designed to optimise gear changes to driving conditions.
As good as it might be the new engine can't hold a candle to Kia/Hyundai's 2.2-litre diesel that boasts an impressive 145kW/421Nm, nor the smaller 2.0-litre version with 135kW/392Nm. Interestingly, although the hi-end Rockford-Fosgate audio system is offered as an option with the 1.8 - it's not available at all with the 2.2.
ASX is basically the off road version of the Lancer hatch, as they both share the same platform. Weighing in at 1530kg, it seats five and comes in two and all-wheel drive form, with a choice of petrol or diesel engines and manual, CVT or automatic transmissions - with a tow rating of up to 1400kg for the diesel.
The same platform also spawns Peugeot and Citroen versions of the same car, the 4008 and Aircross - all good looking wagons.
Contrary to belief Mitsubishi's research shows that 67 per cent of buyers shopping for this size soft roader will seriously consider a diesel, an even greater figure if it's less than $40,000. Services costs for the diesel are capped at $315 for the first service and $470 for the next three services or 60,000km - $5 more than the 1.8.
Gets a full five stars for safety in crash tests, with seven airbags and a full suite of electronic aids including electronic stability and traction control, hill start control, and anti-lock brakes with brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.
The 2.2-litre engine is a revelation after the 1.8. It's smooth, packs plenty of punch and the auto anticipates gear changes quickly. In the more expensive Aspire you even get steering column mounted change paddles, although with this much torque on tap they're overkill.
Point this thing at a hill, push down on the accelerator and the large reserves of torque become apparent as the wagon shoots up and over the rise with consummate ease. Although the standard model misses out on change paddles, the driver can still change gears manually via the shifter.
There's little body roll from the compact wagon, but it feels at its most comfortable driven sedately. Dirt roads pose little problem either, with the facility to lock in four-wheel drive for maximum traction - but with just 180mm of ground clearance we wouldn't get any ideas about taking any further off road.
Does the trick. Good performance and fuel economy. We'll just have to wait and see how buyers take to the price.
| Vehicle | Specs | Price* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| (4WD) | 2.3L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO | $12,100 – 16,060 | 2013 Mitsubishi ASX 2013 (4WD) Pricing and Specs |
| (2WD) | 2.0L, —, CVT AUTO | $11,990 – 15,950 | 2013 Mitsubishi ASX 2013 (2WD) Pricing and Specs |
| Aspire (4WD) | 2.3L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO | $13,860 – 18,260 | 2013 Mitsubishi ASX 2013 Aspire (4WD) Pricing and Specs |
| Aspire (2WD) | 2.0L, —, 5 SP MAN | $11,660 – 15,510 | 2013 Mitsubishi ASX 2013 Aspire (2WD) Pricing and Specs |
$8,990
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