Mitsubishi ASX Reviews

More and more people are downsizing vehicles and that means even SUVs are getting smaller and more urban focused. The original tiddler, the Suzuki Jimny, is now ridiculously outdated and silly costly at $20,490, but the newly arrived Holden Trax and a run of others are providing good driving at prices close to the small cars that are providing their basics. They're all about the city and suburbs, which means front-wheel drive mostly instead of the all-wheel drive needed for Outback work.The current sales leader is the Hyundai ix35, based on deliveries of 11,021 cars in Australia through July, but things are changing on both size and refinement. We're also looking at a class where the Trax slides in below Holden's family-focused Captiva couple, the 5 and 7, and is more likely to be shopped against a Subaru XV or a Mitsubishi ASX or a Nissan Dualis. Even the ix35 is bigger and more adult than most compact shoppers want, and fits more easily into the bigger family class with its Kia Sportage clone, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.But back to the Trax, which looks good and has a funky name that will resonate with 20-something shoppers, as well as the Holden badge that works for security and that ‘Aussie’ tick. It's priced from $23,490 and makes the grade with everything from five-star safety to a reversing camera across the line, a 1.8-litre engine and an infotainment system with a seven-inch touch screen and imbedded Pandora, Tune-In Radio and the potential at extra cost for a navigation app called BringGo.If you're wondering about the basics of the Trax, they are shared with the Barina hatch, but the SUV twist means its similar in size to a Nissan Dualis and there has been plenty of local testing and development work to ensure it drives like a Holden.It's the Dualis that usually gets the Carsguide tick for people who want a small SUV that's really just a high-riding hatchback, although the Subaru XV looks best and would do much better if it had a worthwhile boot and a CVT transmission that did a better job with its 2-litre engine. As for the ASX, it's not as refined as its rivals and let's leave it at that.We also like the new Ford Kuga, particularly as a drive, although it's also rated in the bigger class where the Mazda CX-5 sets the pace on class and sales, with 11,731 deliveries to the end of July. There is plenty of upside in the Trax and Holden is predicting big things as it finally gets the baby SUV it has needed in recent years. Now we, and they, are just waiting for the full-sized family hauler that will eventually roll in above the Captiva.Holden Trax Price: from $23,490Output: 1.8-litre four, 103kW/175Nm; 5-spd manual/6-speed auto, front-wheel driveThirst: 7.0-7.6/100kmA funky new SUV contender that's going to do well in Australia, especially as it's a fun drive and reflects the improving quality of Holden's cars from Korea.Nissan Dualis Price: from $24,990Output: 2-litre four, 102kW/198Nm; 6-speed manual, CVT auto, front/all-wheel driveThirst: 8.1-8.4L/100kmA smart family choice and practical, with a Dualis+ for people who need more cabin space. Not as trendy as some, but solid, sensible and a nice ride.Subaru XVPrice: from $28,490Output: 2-litre four, 110kW/196Nm; 6-spd manual, CVT auto, front-wheel driveThirst: 7.3L/100kmA good looker with an impressive badge, but getting well up in price. Hurt worst by a tiny boot and a fiddly CVT auto that dulls the performanceMitsubishi ASXPrice: from $24,990Output: 2-litre four, 110kW/197Nm; 5/6 speed manual, CVT auto, front/all-wheel driveThirst: 5.8-7.9L/100kmTime has left the ASX well behind, despite chunky looks that appeal to some and an available diesel engine. It's just too rough and ready, especially as a city runabout.

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.

The United Nations line-up that is the Australian compact SUV segment is in for a shake-up. A shift in the balance of power towards Japan is imminent, with the arrival of Mitsubishi's ASX in turbodiesel auto guise. To the end of May this year, the ASX was running behind the Hyundai's ix35, Nissan's Dualis, Subaru's XV

June 30 is D-Day. The end of the financial year is the best time to buy a new car because there are always special deals in showrooms. As carmakers and dealers aim to clear their outdated stock, Toyota uses a June push to cement its showroom leadership. Some of the special deals are on cars that have done demonstrator duty, or were built in 2012, or are just not selling as well as expected. So they're not the tastiest fruit in the bowl.But there is great buying across the board as demand for new cars fuels one of the longest growth periods in motoring. The bottom line is that you can save money -- and lots of it. So here's a look at the June sales, with Carsguide's assessment of the best deals on wheels.CITROENThe new importer is pushing hard so the Aircross SUV starts at $31,990 drive-away front-wheel drive or $33,990 with AWD, a saving of $3800. There's $5000 off the C4 Seduction turbo diesel auto hatch at $25,990. Carsguide says: The Aircross isn't great, but the C4 discount is tasty.FORDThe death notice for the Falcon and Territory has not helped buyer confidence but a 2.9 per cent finance push on Fiesta and Focus still looks good. The superseded Kuga SUV from $31,990 drive-away is a $10,000 saving. You can save about $3000 on a 2012 Escape SUV from $27,990 drive-away.The Territory gets a $6500 tickle, the TX seven-seater at $38,490 drive-away (third-row seat usually costs $2500). The impressive Mondeo liftback starts at $29,990. Good buying on Falcons, thanks to the arrival of the VF Commodore, from $33,990 and better if you haggle.HOLDENAs the VF Commodore creates queues, the outgoing Z-Series starts at $34,990 with five years' warranty and roadside assist. That also applies to the SV6 at $35,990 and the Cruze SRi and SRi-V at $23,490 and $26,990. Last year's Barina CD hatches are $15,990 drive-away with a sunroof. The Colorado is $39,990. Hard to see past the excellent Cruze SRi.HONDAClipped prices and free on-roads. The City VTi sedan is $17,990 and the (slightly) more lavish VTi-L automatic version starts at $21,990. The bigger Civic sedan is being cleared from $21,990. Free auto on the Jazz VTi at $19,990. The Civic is worth a look at $2500 off.KIAFree on-roads, discounts and $1000 gift vouchers on many models. A five-door Rio S is about $3K off at $15,990 drive-away with a $500 gift card; the three-door Rio is $14,990 and the five-door Si is $18,990. Runout Cerato TD sedans start at $17,990 for the S, saving about $5000, the Si sedan is $23,990 and hatch at $17,990. All get a $1000 gift card. Cerato SLi and SLS have drive-away pricing but miss the gift card. All Optimas have free on-roads. A 2012-build Optima Platinum is $37,990, saving about $4000 with a $1000 gift card. Most Sportage SUVs include on-roads and a $1000 gift card. Carnival and superseded Rondo pricing is drive-away. The Sportage diesel and Optima are top-notch.MITSUBISHIThe manual Lancer gets an old-school value pack on the Special Action Model for $19,990 drive-away. The Mirage is $12,990 drive-away for the ES manual, with a $500 cash-back that also applies to the auto.Driveaway prices also for the compact ASX at $24,990 for the 2WD manual, the Outlander LS 2WD auto at $29,990, Pajero GLX-R auto at $54,990 or $59,990 for VRX. Both come plus $3000 cash-back, saving about $6000.The Triton ute is now tackling Great Wall from China at $19,990 drive-away for a GL single-cab 2WD with alloy tray, or add luxury for a GLX dual-cab 4WD diesel at $31,990 drive-away with $2000 cash-back, saving about $14,000. The utes look good at those prices.NISSANA 2.9 per cent finance package, with agreed value after three years, makes the Pulsar ST sedan look good at $49 a week or $19,990 drive-away. The X-Trail ST 2WD petrol manual cops a $4000 reduction to $25,990 drive-away, while the Navara RX 4WD dual-cab manual is cheaper than ever with a $9500 cut to $30,990 drive-away. The Pulsar sedan deal is attractive.OPELThere are drive-away deals across the range. The basic Corsa is down by about $2500 to $16,990 drive-away, the Astra is from $22,990 drive-away for the 1.4-litre turbo petrol hatch with three years of free servicing, saving about $5500. The top-line Insignia sedan is from $39,990 drive-away with heated leather seats. The Astra is easily best of this breed.PEUGEOTFree on-roads at Peugeot on most models but not the cool new 208. The 4008 SUV cops a $1500 saving from $29,990 drive-away and there are deals on the outgoing 4007. Nothing to see here.RENAULTA Koleos from $26,990 drive-away looks even better with interest-free finance. The Megane hatch is from $22,990 drive-away with finance pegged at 1.9 per cent. The slow-selling Fluence and Latitude sedans are available with 2.9 per cent finance. The Megane CC convertible goes from $43,990 including on-roads. The sporty Clio RS is from $34,990 drive-away and the hotrod Megane RS has 2.9 per cent finance.Commercial deals start with the short-wheelbase Kangoo petrol manual with dual sliding doors from $20,990 drive-away, moving up to the Trafic short-wheelbase manual for $29,990 and the long-wheelbase manual for $32,990, while the Master large van starts from $46,990 drive-away. There's a five-year/200,000km warranty on all light commercials ordered in June. Hard to argue against a $3000 bonus on the Koleos but stocks are tight.SUBARUDrive-away pricing -- for savings of $3000 to $4000 -- is the bait, with Impreza pricing from $23,990 (excluding the WRX, of course). The Tribeca from $54,990 now includes on-roads but you need to visit a dealer to get the full story. Nothing outstanding.SUZUKIThe front-drive SX4 gets a Navigator pack with voice-controlled 6.6-inch satnav with Bluetooth for $19,990 drive-away for the manual and $21,990 auto. That also applies to the 2WD auto Grand Vitara at $29,990 drive-away, including reversing camera and satnav with Bluetooth. The Alto GL manual also gets satnav for $11,990 drive-away for the manual, with the Swift GL manual at $17,490 drive-away including cruise control and Bluetooth. The Grand Vitara is a polished piece.TOYOTAThere's 2.9 per cent finance on Aurion and Camry with the Camry Altise looking best at $29,990 drive-away. Other drive-away deals include $15,990 for the Yaris YR five-door, $21,490 for the Corolla Ascent automatic, $39,990 for the Kluger KX-R 2WD five-seater, $60,990 for the Prado GXL turbo diesel auto and $39,990 for the HiLux SR 4WD dual-cab ute. The right time for the cabbies' new favourite, the frugal hybrid Camry.VOLKSWAGENDrive-away pricing on passenger cars and zero finance on commercials. The Polo is $16,990 on-road, the Jetta is down to $25,990 and the Passat $36,690. The Polo is Carsguide's 2010 COTY.VOLVOFuel and servicing for three years or 60,000km plus roadside assistance. There are conditions -- with a pre-paid BP card based on 15,000km a year and $1.50 a-litre pricing -- and the latest V40 hatch is excluded. Clever twist on bargaining but a pity it doesn't apply to the V40.Paul Gover's 10 COMMANDMENTSYou must still do your homework. You must still check the fine print. You must still be prepared to haggle and compromise.But do it right, crunching the numbers and running right to the dealer's deadline, and you can drive away in something special at a special price.The starting point is all the deals, from sticker specials to cheap finance and steak knife-style free extras, being offered by most of the 60-plus brands in showrooms today.If something you want is on special, go for it. But check that the car was built in 2013, and is not a geriatric old-timer from 2012, and ensure your target is exactly what you want - not a stripped-out stocker, perhaps missing an automatic gearbox - that will cost thousands to get the way you want it.Once you lock down a target, don't think the advertised special is the end of the deal. You also need to negotiate for a better price on delivery and on-road costs, and avoid the trap of buying over-priced extras such as paint and upholstery protection, window tinting and extra-long warranties.No-one can expect to go into the ring with a showroom professional and expect to win, because buyers only get a new car occasionally and sales staff are dealing every day. But, by concentrating on the real bottom line - the changeover price - and being prepared to compromise, you can come out ahead.The best tips are the simplest. Run as close as you can to June 30 to sign the deal and get the car, because dealers are all aiming for targets that can mean tens of thousands in bonus money from headquarters. Also be prepared to take a car they have in stock, even if it's not your favourite colour, because dealers are aiming to clear everything they have on the lot.And have your finance in place before you arrive, especially if you're taking up a special deal, because that makes things quicker and you'll also be spared any hassle and potential extra costs.Watch out for 2012 cars because the warranty clock has already been running, don't forget that a big discount today will also mean less at changeover time, and remember that a demonstrator car could have had a hard life already. 

Fighting for visibility in the compact SUV market is probably like making a speech in the Taiwanese parliament - you have to do some swinging while getting your message across.Mitsubishi's little ASX has had a tweak to its face and features list but the punch from the drivetrain is unchanged. Mostly, that's not a bad thing, but the absence of an auto is hurting this competent all-rounder.We're sampling the updated top-spec Aspire turbodiesel model with a six-speed manual.The Aspire four-wheel drive flagship is priced from $34,990 and has plenty of features to go with that pricetag, which slots it in in the upper reaches of the price range for compact SUVs.The top-spec ASX gets plenty of gear - a touchscreen controlled infotainment system, with USB and iPod access, Bluetooth phone and audio link, a reversing camera and parking sensors, 17in alloys and leather trim.The front seats have heaters, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, a fixed glass roof (with a solid cover and ambient lighting), keyless entry and go, a power-adjustable driver's seat, reach and rake adjustable leather steering wheel with phone and audio controls.Sadly, the satellite navigation and a Rockford-Fosgate sound system upgrade are on the options list.It's not exactly a cutting-edge drivetrain when you consider how long manual gearboxes have been around - the ASX flagship is available only as a six-speed manual, which no doubt erodes its appeal on showroom floor in this market that is addicted to two-pedal operations.The nice manual gearbox is hooked up to a 1.8-litre turbodiesel that develops 110kW at 4000rpm and 300Nm at 2000rpm - it has common-rail direct-injection and it is a willing unit.The combined fuel economy claim of 5.7 litres per 100km is well within reason - we averaged in the 8s during our most recent stint in the car but a fuel economy drive undertaken last year in a similar machine had sub-5s over 1000km of driving.The ASX dwells in the soft-roader realm but it can run in front-wheel drive only (for slightly better economy) or automatic (but front-biased) 4WD, which sees most of the engine's outputs still heading for the front wheels but up to 50 per cent heading aft as required.There's also a 4WD lock mode that - as the name suggests - locks in that 50/50 split for more demanding terrain.Based on the Concept cX from the 2007 Frankfurt motor show, the ASX didn't get all the funky styling cues but you can see where they wanted to go.While it is not the prettiest soft-roader going around, it's not going to shame the rugrats at school pick-up to the point of parking around the corner either.While it sits on the Outlander platform the overhangs are more abrupt, but boot and cabin space don't suffer - quite the contrary, it has good bootspace and comfort in both rows of seats wasn't an issue. The only concern was for adults in the back as there is limited rear headroom.The ASX ranks five stars with NCAP and Mitsubishi says that's due in no small part to what the company calls its Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution body structure - basically a body structure that has impact beams and other structures to diffuse impact energy.There's also no shortage of electronic assistance - dual front, front-side and curtain airbags, as well as one for the driver's knee, plus stability and traction control, a hill start system, anti-lock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency braking assistance.The little ASX is a neat little machine, despite the lack of an auto. The manual is far from difficult when it comes to swapping cogs, and with 300Nm on offer you'll be starting off in second (unless it's uphill) and short-shifting to fourth or fifth.Make the most of the outputs and you'll go close to the 5.7 combined cycle figure. The engine does need 1500rpm on board to keep the turbocharger force-feeding the engine, but it will get along at a better-than-good rate.The update has also included a re-rating of the braked towing capacity to 1400kg. There's decent boot space - 416 litres says Mitsubishi, or 1109l with the seats down - and reasonable occupant space in the quiet cabin.Ride quality is no issue either, although the ASX isn't as dynamically adept as some other SUVs - Ford's Kuga and the new Mazda CX-5 are two that spring to mind.But the ASX is capable and gets the job done when the road surfaces . The lock function on the 4WD system gives more assurance and ability - certainly above the class average - on unsealed surfaces and it feels capable of more than what most will ask of it.

The Mitsubishi ASX (for Active Sports Crossover) is either a compact SUV or a crossover depending on its mechanical specifications. When it comes with 2WD it’s effectively a hatchback with good interior space and better than average ground clearance. Add 4WD and you get some reasonable ability off sealed surfaces.The cute looking little ASX plays in the small SUV market, the fastest growing of all areas in the Australian sales race. Midway through 2012 the ASX was facelifted, with new bumpers front and rear as well as changes to the foglight surrounds and a revised shape to what Mitsubishi calls the ‘jetfighter grille’.At the same time, Mitsubishi Australia trimmed prices and increased equipment levels in an attempt to make it stand out from its multitude of competitors.The model range includes the ASX 2.0-litre petrol 2WD five-door wagon from $25,990 (manual) and $28,240 (CVT); the ASX Aspire 2.0-litre petrol 2WD five-door wagon from $28,990 (manual) and $31,240 (CVT); the ASX Aspire 2.0-litre petrol 4WD five-door wagon from $34,990 (CVT); and the ASX Aspire 1.8-litre turbo-diesel 4WD five-door wagon from $34,990 (manual).Audio systems have been upgraded on all models and even the entry level ASX now has i-Pod / iPhone compatibility.The newly introduced Mitsubishi ASX Aspire 4WD petrol we road tested came with 17-inch alloy wheels, chromed exhaust tip, front foglamps. Inside, the Aspire 4WD has heated leather-trimmed front seats as well as power adjusted driver’s seat, along with leather-look door trim and privacy glass.Its panoramic glass roof wasn’t a lot of use to us in the heat of a Gold Coast summer’s day, but was delightful in the evening. Though this is a relatively small vehicle, there’s good interior space with plenty of rear leg and headroom, though the former does suffer if the front seat travellers insist on having their seats all the way back.The dash layout is as before but has been brightened by some chrome details that break up the black plastic effect of the superseded ASX. The 6.1-inch full-colour LCD screen that’s used in the upmarket Aspire models is rather too low in the centre stacker for our liking.There is an excellent reversing camera display on the screen and reference markings make reverse parking into tight spots really simple. The rear seat has an easy to use 60/40 split to enable a much larger cargo area, which you expect in this type of wagon. The boot volume is 426 litres when the rear seatback is upright and 1193 litres with the backs folded.Mitsubishi ASX comes with the choice of two engines, a 2.0-litre petrol unit and a sophisticated 1.8-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel. The front-wheel drive Mitsubishi ASX has the option of either five-speed manual or CVT automatic. The 4WD petrol is only available with CVT while the diesel only comes with the six-speed manual.Safety features across the entire ASX range include ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, stability and traction control and front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags.Automatic lights and wipers add to the safety of a vehicle that’s already well equipped in this way.Mitsubishi has changed the settings of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) to make it sound and feel a little more like a conventional automatic transmission. This may make it slightly less efficient, but we do prefer the new sounds of the latest CVT to the somewhat frantic ones that previously emanated when the engine and transmission were working hard.Performance in what is a relatively heavy AWD vehicle powered by a petrol engine is better regarded as adequate rather than sparkling. Fuel consumption isn’t too bad, something that’s aided by the efficiency of the CVT.Typically an ASX will use about seven to nine litres per hundred kilometres of petrol on country trips, and nine to eleven litres in heavy-duty suburban and city driving.

NEW - There is little doubt that the SUV is the most popular type of   vehicle in today's market, you only have to look around you in the   daily grind to know that the SUV is today's favourite family wagon. Such has been their success that carmakers have been doing back flips   trying to satisfy the demand for more and different types of SUV.Mitsubishi's compact ASX is a case in point. It's the SUV you have   when you don't really want an SUV, you know, when you don't want a   rugged offroader, or a road-hogging seven-seater behemoth. The compact ASX is a wagon, for sure, but it looks more like a car   than a traditional offroad wagon. The range kicked off with a petrol-engined two-wheel drive entry model, a sensible town-based SUV, and topped-out with a turbo-diesel four-wheel driver.The ASX was based on the Outlander four-wheel drive SUV, which made it a real four-wheel driver for those who feel the need for   technology, but it was the two-wheel drive model that was the big   news in the range. At the bottom of the range the 2WD ASX was a front-driver with power   from a modest 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a CVT transmission.Inside, the ASX boasted a roomy, comfortable car-like cabin. The   doors allowed easy access to the interior, but if it lacked anything   it was a decent sized boot. The spare wheel is a space-saver, which says plenty about its   intended use. There's lots to like about the ASX's safety, which is reflected in the 5-star rating it received from ANCAP. No wonder, it's got a rigid body, a full complement of airbags, ABS   brakes and ESP.NOWThe ASX utilises the same mechanical bits and pieces as the rest of   the Mitsubishi range, which means they're robust and reliable without   setting the world on fire in terms of performance. The engines generally stand up well, but like all modern engines it's   critical that they are serviced regularly. Likewise the transmissions and driveline components are generally bulletproof.One component to be wary of, however, is the CVT gearbox. It's wise   to take a long test drive before buying a car with a CVT to make sure you will be comfortable with its driving style before to part with   your cash. While you're at it thoroughly put the CVT through its paces, checking   it at low speed, high speed, manoeuvring slowly at walking speed, taking off and slowing down, all the while observing for any shuddering, hesitations, or confusion about what it's doing.The ASX hasn't been on the market for very long, so there shouldn't be anything to be concerned about, but make sure all the systems are working correctly and check for a service record. In these tough times people who have stretched their budgets to buy   their car in the first place sometimes overlook servicing.SMITHY SAYSLooks better than it goes, but reliability makes it worth considering.Price new: $28,490 to $36,990Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 110 kW/300 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 110 kW/197 Nm Transmission: 6-speed manual, CVT, FWD, 4WDEconomy: 5.9 L/100 km (TD), 7.9 L/100 km (2.0)Body: 5-door wagonVariants: 2WD, 4WD, Aspire 4WD Safety: 5-star ANCAP 

Ford Kuga Trend and Mitsubishi ASX Aspire go head-to-head in this comparative review.

In an interesting move Mitsubishi has given its ASX crossover vehicle a softer look that it says will appeal to hatchback buyers more so than those on the hunt for an SUV. The new ASX was showcased at the New York Auto Show earlier this year displaying a slight facelift and new grille and rolled into Mitsubishi Australian showrooms this month. Mitsubishi hopes the new look will boost ASX sales, which lag far behind its rivals the Hyundai ix35 and Nissan Dualis.VALUEThe importer has used the rising value of the Aussie dollar to trim prices and at the same time increase equipment levels. The range now starts at just $25,990 (plus on roads) for the Mitsubishi ASX with a five-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive.That’s a mouth watering tag for a vehicle with Japanese build quality and out of the ordinary styling. As well as the reduced prices it also has the added assurance of Mitsubishi’s five-year / 130,000-km warranty.The newly introduced Mitsubishi ASX Aspire 2WD has 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome exhaust, front foglamps, leather seat trim with heated front seats and power driver’s seat along with leather-look door trim and privacy glass.DESIGNThe ASX still has the large grille look and seems sure to remain a major player in the small SUV market in Australia, the fastest growing of all areas in the sales race.Modifications to the shape include new bumpers front and rear as well as changes to the foglight surrounds and a revised shape to the so-called jetfighter grille.Inside, there are chromed accents and a new-design steering wheel with easier to use controls. Audio systems have been upgraded on all models. Even the entry level has iPod / iPhone compatibility. That in the 2WD and 4WD Aspire models has a 6.1-inch full colour touch screen and a rear view camera with parking reference lines.There’s good interior space with plenty of rear leg and headroom. The boot is a good size with a volume of 426 litres when the rear seatback is upright and 1193 litres with the backs folded.SAFETYAutomatic lights and wipers add to the safety of a vehicle that’s already well equipped in this way. Safety features across the entire ASX range include ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, stability and traction control and front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags.TECHNOLOGYThe Mitsubishi ASX (for Active Sports Crossover) is either a compact SUV or a crossover depending on its mechanical specifications. Mitsubishi ASX comes with the choice of two engines, a 2.0-litre petrol unit and a sophisticated 1.8-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel.The front-wheel drive Mitsubishi ASX has the option of either five-speed manual or CVT automatic. The 4WD petrol is only available with CVT while the diesel only comes with six-speed manual.Mechanical upgrades see fuel consumption and carbon output cut by about three to five per cent. The diesel engine is now best in class for official fuel efficiency, at 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres. The petrol unit runs at 7.7 litres per hundred kilometres on the combined cycle.DRIVINGMitsubishi has changed the settings of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) to make it sound and feel a little more like a conventional automatic transmission.This may make it slightly less efficient, but on our introductory test drive organised by Mitsubishi out of Brisbane we must say we did prefer the new sounds to the somewhat frantic ones that can make other CVTs sound odd when worked hard. When it comes with 2WD it’s a hatchback with good interior space and better than average ground clearance. Add 4WD and you get some reasonable ability off sealed surfaces.

A 600ml carton of Farmers Union Iced Coffee's worth of diesel was about all that was left ... although the driver had consumed a fair bit more milk-coffee product than that.The Cruze filler pipe had been returned to full with 59.29 litres at the end of 1000km, meaning we had gone close to the CDX turbodiesel automatic coughing and expiring on the roadside.  But it didn't - we had done 1000km of real-world driving on a tank of fuel.Former rally champion Ed Ordynski also completed the feat in a Mitsubishi ASX SUV, a manual turbodiesel model.  The little SUV was expected by the SA rally driver to be more fuel efficient and it was - at 4.6 litres per 100 (according to its trip computer) it was one litre better for every 100km.THE CARS The Cruze and ASX were two vehicles picked because of diesel availability and the high-volume nature of the breeds.  The Cruze will soon be rolling down the line at Elizabeth in petrol and diesel form - the CDX model we were given had been bumped up to ECO tyre pressures of 39psi/270kpa, up on the 32 psi/220kpa suggestion.Ed O was hoping to get a diesel five-speed manual but that was not happening - we were given the six-speed auto, which he had doubts about - "I reckon you could get a manual Cruze down to the same level as the ASX.  Autos are definitely less efficient, they absorb power for a start."In reality, the difference can be 20 per cent - on paper a Cruze should be as good if not better than the ASX, same weight but larger engine in the Cruze - the but the ASX was better I think largely because of the manual," he says.The long-time Lancer Evo driver opted for wheel-time in the ASX, a base-model diesel six-speed manual, not quite up to the pace of his former mounts but much more likely to go the distance on a tank of fuel.THE JOURNEYCars and drivers arrived at an Adelaide CBD service station just before dawn and proceeded to have fuel tanks filled to the brim and last-minute caffeine supplies stowed for the drivers.The retired rally ace was espousing the virtues of manuals versus automatics - weight, gear selection, anticipation of terrain - over the two-way as we headed north towards the Copper Coast towns of Kadina and Wallaroo, about 160km into the journey.Careful throttle use and reading the road and early morning traffic mean both vehicles trip computers were below six litres per 100km before Grand Junction road in the city's north.While the ASX happily trundled along near the highway speed limit in sixth gear, the manual shift mode of the Cruze's six-speed automatic would not allow top gear to be selected until mid-90km/h, even on a downward run.Sticking with fifth gear proved to be a better option, the 1:1 ratio keeping the two-litre turbodiesel humming along at a decent speed, without sending the trip computer beyond six litres per 100km.  If we were to hit the 1000km tank target, we had to stay below that number.The ASX with Ed O at the wheel was below five and didn't come back above that number for the entire trip, despite being less aerodynamic and a few kilos heavier - although the Ordynski frame is shorter and leaner than that behind the wheel of the Cruze, so the Holden product (which was also carrying 10 litres of emergency diesel rations as well) might have tipped the scales a little more than the Mitsi during this trip.Getting off the main highway and onto single-lane country roads, bo th cars were happily trundling along despite wind and unseasonal rain. The outskirts of Port Pirie was the first stop - around 250km travelled - and the Cruze had been using fuel at a rate of 5.3 litres, while the ASX was cruising at 4.2.Turning east towards Jamestown and the fringes of the Southern Flinders Ranges and the wind and rain continued to provide conditions that would really test the cars touring range.The ASX was becoming unruly in the face of headwinds gusting in some cases to 30k m/h, which when teamed with long gradual climbs put pressure on the drivers trying to keep frugal figures on the dash displays.There was no stopping for Cornish pasties at Burra as we carried on past the 400km mark towards the Riverland, crossing the swelling River Murray waterway using the Cadell ferry and shortly thereafter passing the halfway mark.A stop for sustencance in Waikerie - about 530km into the journey - and then a turn south to follow the rising River Murray gave us no respite fr om the wind or rain as we headed for Blanchetown on the Sturt Highway, 570km away from our starting point in the Adelaide CBD.Ploughing through rainstorms and headwinds, both cars maintained sub-6 readings - the ASX in the region of 4.5 and the Cruze 5.5 litres per 100km as we passed the 700km mark near Murray Bridge.The weather worsened as we continued to follow the river south through the 730km point at Wellington and on to Milang, marking 780km travelled as we pulled up for more coffee and food on the edge of Lake Alexandrina."The ASX was more adversely effteced by that, it was 0.3 litres/100km worse off - we did what you need to do into a headwind and that was reduce the speed a little." Ordynski says there's a big fuel use penalty once you exceed 90km/h."Over 90 starts to take an exponentially larger amount of fuel, if you allow a little bit more time for the journey, there's a big saving to be had, as long as you're not a nuisance to other road users," he says.Short hops followed through to Goolwa, Victor Harbor and on to the southern tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula at Cape Jervis, taking us through some of the steepest terrain yet.The Range Road journey from Victor Harbor also took the retired rally driver past some roads that featured prominently in his early career as a rally driver.  Several nostalgic UHF broadcasts on the 1970s rally scene on the south coast - with many victories for a young Ed Ordynski - accompanied the journey through to Cape Jervis. Distance travelled to this point is 890km and only stops for drinks and chips - no fuel.  The hilly country - as well as southerly winds of up to 20km/h for the afternoon - did little to help our quest in the final stages of the drive, but with concentration we were able to keep 5.6 litres per 100km on the Cruze trip computer and 4.6 on the ASX.The distance to empty figure was becoming of more interest as we headed north again, via Myponga, Meadows and Clarendon - the last number (with about 40km to go) was 80km to empty.  The low fuel light (which had been burning for some time) was soon joined by the trip computer giving up on the numbers and prompting me to FILL FUEL.Running down through the southern foothills to complete our 1000km journey at - funnily enough - a service station, we returned the tanks to full.  The 60-litre tank in the Mitsubishi had nearly 15 litres left to go, while the Cruze was almost on fumes.  But after thirteen hours of "real-world" driving, the target had been reached."I would drive like that with people on board and not be embarrassed - you could argue there's a road-safety component as well.  You win on fuel use and emissions as well, 2kg of CO2 for every litre of fuel, you win on maintenance and longevity of the vehicle by driving it kindly as well, it's hard to see a downside,'' he says.Ed Ordynski's fuel-efficient driving tipsLevel 1: Overall factors1. Plan when you need to use your car to avoid unnecessary journeys.2. Plan your journey to avoid peak hour and congested roads.3. Take a little time to learn about the way your car operates for best fuel efficiency.4. Measure your fuel consumption and take pride in reducing it.5. Choose an energy efficient vehicle.Level 2: Anyone can try.1. Concentrate on driving smoothly and anticipate traffic flow to conserve momentum.2. Keep tyre pressures at maximum recommended on the placard.3. Have your car serviced at correct intervals and keep wheel alignment at manufacturer specifi cation.4. Avoid any excess weight in the vehicle and remove accessories which affect the aerodynamics (e.g. roof racks).5. Choose a manual transmission and learn to drive it properly for optimum fuel efficiency.Level 3: Conserving every drop - the hard-core methods.1. Avoid use of airconditioning and keep windows closed.2. Do not use cruise control but do focus on keeping a constant speed and conserving momentum.3. Drive at low speed - most cars are at their most efficient at around 75km/ h in top gear.4. Switch off engine if going to be stopped for more than 10 seconds.5. On highways, keep your wheels on the ridges, not in the bumpy troughs made by trucks i.e. keep left, it's safer too!6. Drive off as soon as the engine is started, especially from a cold start.7. With diesel engines, minimise throttle percentage at all times, using the tallest gear with the least throttle opening.8. With petrol engines, minimise engine revs, regardless of throttle position, using the talles t gear the engine will allow without harshness.9. If you must drive an automatic, learn how to encourage it to stay in tall gears with the torque converter locked as much as possible.10. If you drive an automated manual, drive it in manual mode in the most efficient manner for the engine characteristics.11. Wear shoes that allow you to control the most subtle movements of the accelerator.12. Steer smoothly on the correct line through corners to avoid using energy from unnecessary angle on th e front wheels.13. Allow the car to gradually reduce speed up long hills.14. Avoid bumps and potholes.15. If stuck in a long line of traffic on highways, take a break.16. Take a break if extreme weather is encountered.17. Drive without distractions.18. Study the technical aspects which influence how your car best