By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
Mitsubishi’s little brother SUV, the ASX, has joined siblings, the Outlander and Pajero Sport, in taking on a fresh face and more features.
In line with its big brothers, the ASX has the family features of the company’s Dynamic Shield design language with gloss black-and-chrome finish added to the new-shape front bumper and grille. A new shark fin antenna also gives the ASX a more streamlined look.
Mitsubishi’s top selling SUV in Australia, the MY17 ASX is available in two specification levels – LS and XLS – coming with the choice of two engines, a 2-litre petrol or 2.2-litre turbo-diesel two-wheel drive mated with a five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission, and all-wheel drive diesel (LS and XLS) with six-speed automatic.
On test was the mid-range LS 2.0 petrol 2WD automatic, priced at $27,000.
The front bumper and radiator grille has been reshaped and a black and chrome finish has been added.
Halogen headlights and fog lamps, which replace daytime running lights, complete the picture up front.
Black wheel arches set off contrasting triple five-spoke alloy wheels, while power-fold side mirrors with integrated turn signals combine with rear roof spoiler with high-mounted stop lamp and shark fin radio antenna put the finishing touches to the compact SUV.
Inside, rear seat comfort is improved with additional seat base bolstering on all models while the LS gain new high-grade fabric seat trim with red stitching.
Leather bound gearshift and steering wheel, piano black centre panel, chrome interior door handles and accented control switches and instrument cluster draw attention away from rather plain surroundings.
Carpet covers the floor, adding a touch of quality to an otherwise ordinary ambience.
A 6.1-inch full colour touch screen gives access to a multi information display, which includes trip computer, outside temperature, average fuel consumption, and audio, the latter giving access to digital (DAB+) radio, AM / FM radio / CD / MP3 player through four speakers, USB input and iPod control.
A number of improvements have been made to the MMCS audio menu and graphics to make it quicker and easier to locate the system’s features and pair a mobile phone.
The continuously variable automatic transmission is tuned to operate at optimum engine revolutions for greater power and reduced consumption.
There can be fewer vehicles on the road that better the ASX for safety features. Hence, a top five-star safety rating is well earned.
The keyless entry fob may have been given a makeover for 2017, but there is still an annoying temperamental touch about its operation when in a pants pocket.
An average performer off the mark, our test vehicle did have a spring in its step when it got going.
Petrol consumption rarely varied from the mid-seven litres per 100 kilometres on a range of conditions in town and country over the test period.
Upgraded ride and handling was adequate only but the electric power steering put the vehicle where the driver wanted it in a responsive yet unruffled way.
Active stability and traction control keep the car tracking on target whatever the conditions under foot; anti-skid braking is backed up by electronic brake force distribution, which automatically shifts braking between front and back wheels no matter what the load is on board.
Hill start assist comes to the aid of the driver when setting off on steep inclines by stopping the vehicle from rolling backwards by keeping the brakes on while moving the foot from brake to accelerator pedal.
Parking is made less stressful with a reversing camera coming up on the dashboard screen when reverse gear is engaged.
A grid guides vehicle movement into tight spaces, while audible sensors warn when it gets close to objects, including pedestrians, behind.
Seven airbags and a sturdy cabin offer protection to occupants, resulting in the SUV earning a five-star safety rating.
For further details contact Dandenong Mitsubishi, 41 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, on 9771 9400 or Berwick Mitsubishi, 2032 Kangan Drive, Berwick, on 9709 2999.
Model range
Mitsubishi ASX LS 2.0 petrol 2WD manual $25,000
Mitsubishi ASX LS 2.0 petrol 2WD automatic $27,000
Mitsubishi ASX LS 2.2 diesel 4WD automatic $32,500
Mitsubishi ASX XLS 2.0 petrol 2WD automatic $31,500
Mitsubishi ASX XLS 2.2 diesel 4WD automatic $37,000
