Mitsubishi ASX

By Graeme Lambert

June 2010

• Rating:

Meet the shape of things to come at Mitsubishi – the new Active Sports Crossover, or ASX for short. While the company won’t be forgetting about its Evo-badged performance cars, it says this Nissan Qashqai rival is the future. So is it set to be a big-seller?  

Built on the same platform as the Outlander SUV, but similar in size to a Golf, the ASX showcases Mitsubishi’s new 148bhp 1.8-litre diesel engine with variable valve-timing and Auto Stop & Go.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Mitsubishi ASX

The new powerplant is the star of the show – it’s smooth, refined and propels the car from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds, while offering combined fuel consumption of 51.4mpg. The six-speed gearbox has well judged ratios, too, and around town the stop-start system works smoothly, even if it is a little slow on the uptake on occasion.

The ASX grips well and absorbs bumps reasonably. At high speed, the lack of wind or road noise is truly impressive. Designers have made great strides with the interior as well, which is more stylish and offers better quality than recent Mitsubishis. There’s plenty of room for rear passengers thanks to high-set front seats with lots of foot room under their bases.

Although it is not quite good enough to be class leader,the ASX is the best all-round offering from Mitsubishi to date. It is definitely worth a look for family car buyers.