2024 Mitsubishi ASX evaluation | CarExpert

Some issues by no means change – even in an business that appears to be shifting at mild velocity proper now.

The 2024 Mitsubishi ASX appears to not acknowledge time. It’s been on sale in its present technology since I used to be nonetheless at school, and is predicated on a platform that dates again to the Japanese model’s ties with Daimler within the mid-2000s.

The venerable Mitsubishi crossover stays a powerful vendor regardless of its advancing years and rising competitors, largely from value-focused Chinese language manufacturers.

Mitsubishi registered 9176 new ASX models in Australia in 2023 – which whereas down 28.0 per cent on the 12,753 models and fourth-placed year-end end from 2022, nonetheless accounted for six.2 per cent of the mainstream small SUV section. Not dangerous for an previous duck.

New for MY24 is the ES Road accent pack on take a look at right here, bringing “a novel aesthetic” to the ASX, donning a variety of black and red-themed equipment to provide it an nearly Quick and Livid or Want for Velocity look.

For $2500 over the common ES it’s fairly a placing, if polarising set of add-ons which might not be to all tastes. However we’ve got to provide credit score to Mitsubishi Australia for daring to do one thing completely different and convey a little bit of JDM flavour.

However, we’re right here to seek out out if the ASX continues to be price a glance almost 15 years on from the unique launch. Now on its third facelift, ought to this nonetheless be in your compact SUV shortlist?

How does the Mitsubishi ASX examine?

View an in depth breakdown of the Mitsubishi ASX in opposition to equally sized automobiles.

Mitsubishi

ASX

How a lot does the Mitsubishi ASX value?

The 2024 Mitsubishi ASX lineup begins from $24,490 earlier than on-road prices, with this ES Road accessorised model priced from $30,490 plus on-roads.

To see how the Mitsubishi ASX traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument.

What’s the Mitsubishi ASX like on the within?

In contrast to the ASX exterior which has gone by plenty of design revisions through the years, the inside has remained largely unchanged save for some element and tech upgrades.

The centre stack has been modified to accommodate completely different screens, with the most recent being an 8.0-inch touchscreen unit shared with different Mitsubishi fashions just like the Eclipse Cross and Pajero Sport.

Being primarily based on the one-up-from-base ES, there’s material trim and minimal luxurious touches, however every part is purposeful, feels properly constructed (for essentially the most half), and could be very typical in comparison with one thing like a GWM Haval Jolion.

The higher sections of the cabin are completed with soft-touch plastics, and the thin-rimmed leather-based steering wheel is a throwback to a unique period of Mitsubishi merchandise. Likewise the tiny supervision show between the analogue dials dates again to final decade, and nonetheless doesn’t function a digital speedometer readout which is disappointing.

I just like the chunky rotary dials for the local weather management, in addition to the padded leatherette accents the place your knees come to relaxation on both facet of the centre console. Mitsubishi has properly refined the design through the years nevertheless it nonetheless feels very dated in 2024.

Whereas a bit previous hat, every part is sweet and easy – and is likely to be refreshing for these wanting one thing a bit back-to-basics. That mentioned, this ES Road is $30,000 earlier than on-road prices and loads of vehicles at the same worth provide extra upmarket cockpits, in addition to extra up-to-date tech and design.

Whereas the TFT show within the instrument cluster is disappointingly primary, the touchscreen gives wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with DAB radio. Bluetooth telephone streaming additionally options, however this was the primary time shortly any particular person I spoke to on the telephone (with CarPlay or Bluetooth) complained about stunning audio high quality from my finish – not good in the event you’re making numerous calls whereas on the highway.

It’s in any other case a really primary system, with options like embedded satellite tv for pc navigation spared for the top-spec Exceed. Audio high quality on this ES Road wasn’t nice both, sticking with a tinny four-speaker system as an alternative of the six-speaker suite within the MR, LS and GSR grades, not to mention the Exceed’s nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio.

Actually, in the event you’re a tech nut I don’t suppose you’d be this above most different choices within the class anyway…

Storage is at the very least fairly good. There’s a deep slot forward of the shifter to stow your telephone and pockets proper close to the USB-A ports in the event you’re hooked as much as smartphone mirroring, first rate cupholders within the centre console in addition to deep door pockets with bottle holders.

The guide handbrake eats into the centre console and is kind of old-school. A properly sized storage bin between the entrance seats lives below a padded armrest, although the lid itself doesn’t really feel tremendous stable and wobbles when opened.

Mitsubishi’s older switchgear once more is a throwback to the late 2000s, nevertheless it’s all clearly labelled and fairly simple to make use of. The chunky buttons and stable actions are additionally good in a world of fiddly contact controls.

Oh and earlier than I overlook – the ES Road picks up an aluminium and leather-based gear selector that appears straight out of the Ralliart catalogue. It has chilly bits of actual aluminium and is very nice to carry and shift by the stepped gates.

Rear seat house has lengthy been an ASX power relative to the section, as its taller and boxy proportions lend first rate room for adults within the second row. I’m 6’1 and might match behind my very own driving place fantastic, so two adults might be comfortable within the again.

I’ve squeezed three throughout in an ASX earlier than and whereas probably not that nice, it may be accomplished. Rising households with youngsters, nonetheless, might be catered for properly too. It’s a correct 4 seater and could be a fiver at a pinch.

Remembering the ES Road’s decrease tier within the lineup, restricted facilities are to be anticipated. A fold-down centre armrest, map pocket behind the entrance passenger seat and bottle holders within the doorways are all good to have. There are not any rear air vents, and it’s a must to step as much as the LS to get USB energy retailers within the rear.

For fogeys, there are ISOFIX anchors on the outboard seats in addition to top-tethers behind each second-row seat.

Cargo capability within the ASX is rated at a wholesome 393 litres (VDA), increasing to 1193 litres (1143L Exceed) with the second row folded. It’s not finest in school, however nonetheless larger than most equally sized hatchbacks.

Mitsubishi additionally quotes dimensions for the cargo space: 735-1475mm size (5-seat to 2-seat), 1355mm width, 750mm peak and 1000mm between the wheel arches. An area saver spare lives below the boot flooring.

To see how the Mitsubishi ASX traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument.

What’s below the bonnet?

Two naturally aspirated petrol engines can be found within the ASX relying on variant; the Road options the much less highly effective choice.

We had a difficulty with the journey pc resetting with each drive (and following the mortgage have been introduced throughout the right way to change that setting), however gas consumption hovered across the 9-10L/100km mark when doing metropolis and concrete driving and would drop to about to the 7-8L/100km mark with extra freeway use.

The 63L gas tank ought to guarantee first rate vary between fills, notably in the event you’re going to spend extra time on the freeway, however the lack of idle stop-start tech means the ASX will get fairly thirsty round city.

To see how the Mitsubishi ASX traces up in opposition to the competitors, take a look at our comparability instrument.

How does the Mitsubishi ASX drive?

I’ll get this out of the best way – don’t purchase an ASX ES Road pondering it’s going to drive like a Ralliart-lite or one thing.

Decrease grades of the ASX get an atmo 2.0-litre 4 which in actuality has the identical type of outputs and revving nature as my previous 2000 Honda CR-V – that had 108kW and 182Nm some 25 years in the past, however with a four-speed slushbox.

The ASX is aided considerably by the CVT, although this driveline has been round for fairly a while and positively feels that approach.

It gives first rate response off the road and has a burbly little thrum to the word, however attempt to get anyplace rapidly and also you’ll see the tacho flare and your ears might be met with thrashy tones. In 2.0-litre guise, the ASX is finest saved to extra city commutes and sedate driving behaviour.

To be trustworthy it’s fairly agreeable in mundane every day driving, and gives first rate efficiency for what’s a 20-year-old drivetrain, save for the odd elastic feeling at decrease speeds or setting off from the CVT.

As soon as at a cruise the ASX drops revs low and settles properly. Once more it’s a reasonably agreeable and fuss-free factor to dwell with, nevertheless it’s hardly partaking nor a standout performer.

Common refinement is ok supplied you aren’t wringing its neck, and there’s acceptable wind and highway noise intrusion when you get onto the freeway or freeway. Coarse-chip stuff does make it a bit echoey, nevertheless it’s hardly worst in school for that type of factor.

The steering is a bit heavier than your may count on for a smaller SUV targeted on the town, however that’s additionally seemingly right down to the automobile’s age. It’s fairly correct, however could be a little inconsistent in its suggestions relying on velocity and will be upset by bumps within the highway.

As for the journey, the ASX is on the firmer facet, nevertheless it doesn’t really feel notably sporty or partaking in the best way it handles. It may be a bit sharper over tougher hits within the metropolis, however feels fairly tied down in most every day eventualities… and a bit high heavy within the bends.

Put merely, it’s outclassed by newer and extra superior competitors, specifically the likes of the Mazda CX-30 and Skoda Kamiq – each of which will be had for related cash as of late.

One other space the place the ASX is exhibiting its age is driver help applied sciences, of which there are few. Regardless of having most fundamentals lined increased up within the vary, the GS and ES grades make do with low-speed AEB and lane departure warning, however that’s about it.

The lane departure warning merely beeps at you in the event you’re drifting over the lane marking however received’t intervene, and also you’ll must step as much as the LS if you need blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Maybe much more puzzling is the truth that the Eclipse Cross, which rides on a model of the identical platform, gives prolonged performance like adaptive cruise management.

It’s a disgrace Mitsubishi hasn’t been capable of preserve considered one of its oldest and top-selling fashions updated when the tech is offered – absolutely simply make every part out there from the bottom degree, or at the very least most of it.

What do you get?

The ASX nonetheless gives a fairly large lineup relative to some rivals, and the ES Road is just a few rungs up from the underside of the ladder.

ASX GS options:

• 2.0L MIVEC petrol engine
• 16-inch metal wheels
• LED headlights
• LED daytime working lights
• Rear spoiler
• Guide air-conditioning
• Cruise management
• Energy fold door mirrors
• Cloth seat trim
• 60:40 break up rear seats
• 8.0-inch touchscreen
  • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
  • Bluetooth
  • DAB radio
• 2 x USB ports
• 4-speaker audio
• Reversing digicam
• Electrochromatic rear-view mirror

ASX ES provides:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Auto headlights
• Auto excessive beam
• Auto wipers
• LED entrance fog lights
• Rear parking sensors
• Computerized local weather management
• Rear heater duct (2nd row)

ASX ES Road provides:

• Black massive entrance spoiler
• Black entrance and rear skid plates with pink highlights
• Black tailgate protector
• Black exterior door deal with covers
• Stainless-steel entrance and rear door scuff plates
• Aluminium and leather-based gear shifter
• Facet decal bundle
• ‘Road’ tailgate decal

ASX LS provides (over ES):

• Roof rails, black
• Chrome inside door handles
• Indicators in facet mirrors
• Chrome facet garnish
• Good key, push-button begin
• 6-speaker audio
• 2 x USB ports in rear console
• Illuminated self-importance mirrors, entrance
• Leather-based steering wheel, gearshift

ASX MR provides (over ES):

• 18-inch alloy wheels, black
• Black exterior door mirrors
• Black grille insert
• Privateness glass, rear
• Good key, push-button begin
• Distinction stitching, Crimson
• 6-speaker audio
• 2 x USB ports in rear console
• Illuminated self-importance mirrors, entrance
• Leather-based steering wheel, gearshift

ASX GSR provides (over LS):

• 2.4L MIVEC petrol engine
• 18-inch alloy wheels, black
• Black exterior door mirrors
• Black grille insert
• Aluminium pedals
• Distinction stitching, Crimson
• Leather-based steering wheel, gearshift
• Microsuede, leatherette seat trim
• Paddle shifters
• Black inside headliner
• Black rear spoiler

ASX Exceed provides:

• 18-inch alloy wheels, two-tone
• Auto headlight levelling
• Panoramic roof incl. energy shade
• Rockford Fosgate 9-speaker audio
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Leather-based-appointed seats
• Energy driver seat
• Heated entrance seats

Is the Mitsubishi ASX secure?

The Mitsubishi ASX as soon as wore a 2014-dated five-star ANCAP security ranking, although this has now lapsed.

In opposition to a lot older standards, the ASX managed a frontal offset rating of 14.13 out of 16 and a facet impression rating of 16 out of 16. Whiplash and pedestrian safety have been rated Good and Acceptable, respectively.

Commonplace security tools consists of:

• 7 airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Ahead collision warning
• Reversing digicam

ASX ES and above add:

• Lane departure warning
• Rear parking sensors

ASX LS and above add:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert

How a lot does the Mitsubishi ASX value to run?

Mitsubishi gives 10 years of capped-price servicing, in addition to a prolonged 10-year, 200,000km guarantee in the event you service your ASX with Mitsubishi – servicing out of community reduces that to 5 years and 100,000km.

Scheduled servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000 kilometres – whichever comes first.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Mitsubishi ASX

Whereas this new accent pack could also be “for the streets”, I don’t suppose that is the Mitsubishi ASX to purchase.

Given its age and restricted help tech suite, the GS (from $24,490) or ES (from $27,990) function good legacy alternate options to Chinese language rivals just like the GWM Haval Jolion or MG ZST in the event you want a smaller crossover on a good funds.

When you break that $30,000 barrier you open the door to new, high-tech, highly effective rivals which make a stronger case on the whole than the ASX does in its higher tiers. The ASX does nonetheless provide second-row lodging and boot capability that beats plenty of rivals on the worth level, nonetheless.

There’s additionally the query of “what’s subsequent” for the ASX. Mitsubishi Australia doesn’t appear capable of carry the rebadged Renault Captur with the identical title out there in Europe, and there are not any electrified choices out there in Japan.

For now although, in the event you’re after low-cost transport with the peace of thoughts of an excellent lengthy guarantee, the Mitsubishi ASX stays an honest if ageing choice. Simply preserve to the variants below the $30,000 barrier.

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