Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi ASX at a glance

The ASX grew out of the Concept-cX shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show and was part of Mitsubishi's plan to focus on smaller, more efficient cars. Engineers took the platform of the second-generation Mitsubishi Outlander, kept its 2,670 mm wheelbase, and shortened the front overhang by 95 mm and the rear by 250 mm, giving a compact crossover with a roomy cabin. Mitsubishi's history is told in the history of Mitsubishi Motors, and its range is in the Mitsubishi catalogue.

First generation (2010–2023): engines and gearboxes

Engines varied by market. In Europe the core petrol unit was the 1.6 MIVEC (4A92), joined by the 1.8 DI-D turbo-diesel (4N13), which was replaced by a 1.6 diesel from PSA (DV6C) for 2015. Other markets used 1.8, 2.0 and 2.4-litre petrol engines from the 4B1 family.

Gearboxes include 5- and 6-speed manuals, a 6-speed automatic and the 6-speed INVECS-III CVT. The petrol MIVEC engines have aluminium blocks, timing chains and variable valve timing. Official combined consumption for the 1.6 is around 6 L/100 km, but owners typically see 7–11 L/100 km depending on traffic.

Four-wheel drive

The 4WD system uses an electronically controlled clutch with three driver-selectable modes: 2WD for economy, 4WD Auto, which sends torque to the rear axle when the front wheels slip, and 4WD Lock, which sends more torque rearwards for snow and mud. Ground clearance is about 195 mm.

Chassis, safety and body

Suspension uses MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link rear axle, with electric power steering and disc brakes. Mitsubishi's RISE safety body uses high-strength steel, and the drag coefficient is 0.32. Equipment included front, side and curtain airbags, a driver's knee airbag, ABS with brake assist and, on stronger engines, stability control (ASTC) and hill-start assist.

ANCAP awarded the ASX five stars in 2010, with 14.13 of 16 points in the frontal offset test and full marks for side impact and pole tests; a 2014 update added a Good whiplash rating.

Dimensions and boot space

Facelifts and equipment

The ASX was updated often during its long life:

• 2012: reshaped trapezoid grille and a new rear bumper; in 2013 more chrome and a revised front bumper in Europe.
• 2014–2015: LED daytime running lights, new 17- and 18-inch wheels, a chrome tailgate trim and a new steering wheel.
• 2016 (Europe): the "Dynamic Shield" front, first shown in Los Angeles in November 2015 and at the Paris Motor Show in 2016.
• 2019: a new front end, 18-inch wheels and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, shown before the Geneva Motor Show in February 2019.

Top versions offered a panoramic glass roof with LED mood lighting, leather seats, climate control with rear vents, a Rockford Fosgate audio system with a subwoofer and nine speakers, and a touchscreen with navigation and a reversing camera.

Inside, the cabin is practical rather than plush, with soft-touch plastics on the upper dashboard, clear dials and a high driving position. The rear bench seats three, though the middle seat is tight, and the boot has a wide opening with a low loading lip.

Second generation (from 2023)

Revealed in September 2022 and on sale in Europe from March 2023, the new ASX is a Renault Captur with Mitsubishi badges and a five-year warranty instead of Renault's two years. It is 4.23 m long, slightly shorter than the old car, and offers 1.0 and 1.3 turbo petrol engines with 67–116 kW (91–158 PS), with or without mild-hybrid assistance, a full hybrid with 105 kW (143 PS) and a 1.6 plug-in hybrid with 116 kW (158 PS). There is no diesel and no four-wheel drive. A facelift following the Captur's update arrived on 23 April 2024. In ANCAP's 2024 test, aligned with Euro NCAP, it scored 76% for adult occupants and 83% for child occupants.

Rivals: how the ASX compares

The first-generation ASX competed with the Nissan Qashqai, Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage and Suzuki SX4, and shared its body with the Citroën C4 Aircross and Peugeot 4008. Its strengths were the 4WD option, good ground clearance and a practical boot; its weaknesses were a firm driver's seat on long trips and a tight middle rear seat. Mitsubishi's later Eclipse Cross sits above it.