Mitsubishi ASX
 | | Mitsubishi ASX |
Mitsubishi's visibility is phenomenal. The distinctive trait of a huge, aggressive grille means that across the range, Mitsubishi's passenger cars can be recognised from some distance.
Looking good is one thing however, performing well is quite another. And the Japanese manufacturer leans towards niches. Not so with its newest venture, the ASX. Operating in the fastest growing segment in Europe, the ASX - it stands for Active Sports Crossover - uses the "Jet Fighter" grille, sloping bonnet profile and angular front light units to great effect. The flared arches and sweeping line along the profile to the rear lights also help give it a more insistent presence that contrasts with the family friendly faces of the opposition.
 | | Mitsubishi ASX rear |
Clearly, Nissan's Qashqai is the most obvious competitor; Hyundai's ix35, the Peugeot 3008 and the Ford Kuga are similar crossover propositions. But drivers of regular C-segment hatchbacks and larger SUVs can all find what they're looking for within the segment and, Mitsubishi hopes, within the ASX.
Two and four-wheel drive plus three trim levels offers a reasonable degree of choice, but the option of a single diesel followed by a single petrol unit seems a little restrictive at first. Fortunately this isn't the case. With a stop-start system present across the range a small engine line-up can deliver both the economy and performance required.
The 1.8-litre turbocharged diesel unit offers a respectable 148bhp and 221lb/ft of torque, with CO2 emissions pegged at 145g/km for the two-wheel drive platform that the company expects to be vastly more popular than the four-wheel drive variant, with 150g/km emissions.
Performance from the 1.6-litre, 115bhp petrol is less brisk, but emissions are 135g/km - a better performance against its equivalent competitors than the diesel.
The ASX uses a version of the same platform employed in other Mitsubishi models. If it's good enough for the crisp handling Lancer Evolution X and rugged enough for the Outlander SUV then it ought to suffice in the smaller, considerably less sporty ASX. True to its word, the model rides very comfortably and competently, while offering more than sufficient responsiveness and roadholding for a family vehicle.
There's more body roll than in some of the ASX's direct rivals, but not enough to detract from the driving experience and the weighty steering is direct and rewarding. Refinement is impressive, too. There's some wind noise, but the diesel unit remains hushed with the exception of some turbo whistle.
The driving experience is relaxed and undemanding. A good driving position and decent visibility help. Large mirrors offer an excellent rearward view, the interior dials are sharp, colourful and neatly presented and in the dark a new headlight design throws an impressively clear beam across a wide angle.
Equipment levels are competitive, with the option of a full length glass roof and the top spec model receiving sat-nav and a reversing camera. The middle trim will suffice happily however, with cruise, heated seats, Bluetooth, auto lights and wipers and an engine start button. Even the base car receives alloy wheels, air-con and ESP.
Most noticeable inside, however, is the space. The ASX feels very roomy. Front passengers will certainly not rub elbows, headroom is good and rear legroom impressive. The boot door is also wide, offering easy access to the well proportioned boot space.
The ASX comfortably retains the Mitsubishi brand identity, but it projects it to a much wider audience. As Mitsubishi says; "it's the right car at the right time," and it deserves to do well.
MITSUBISHI ASX 3 1.8 DIESEL, £18,549
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