Mitsubishi ASX’s rugged appeal

The Mitsubishi ASX is a handsome looking crossover

Mitsubishi does a great line in no nonsense cars and the Mitsubishi Active Sports Crossover (or ASX in everyday parlance) doesn’t let the side down.

Since its launch in 2010, more than a quarter of a million ASXs have been sold worldwide and the Japanese car maker is hoping the new generation crossover will be even more successful.

From the off, it’s a ruggedly good looking compact SUV.

The interior is calm, with nice grey and black cloth upholstery. Mitsubishi’s signature minimalism is to the fore with a streamlined centre console.

The cabin is spacious, with good leg and headroom, both back and front. Three adults would be quite comfortable in the back.

While the boot isn’t particularly large it is adequate and can be extended by easily folding the rear seats. There’s no lip in the boot, which makes it easy to load.

As you’d expect from a crossover, the driving position in this car is quite commanding and I found it easy to find the perfect driving setup.

The cockpit in the Mitsubishi ASX is really driver-focused, with at-a-glance controls

The centre console is well designed and functional, with everything accessible at a glance.

Standard spec in the ASX is great and includes cruise control, voice set up Bluetooth, remote audio controls, automatic air conditioning, auto lights and wipers, and hill start assist.

Infotainment in the ASX includes a radio/CD unit with a USB and AUX ports, as well as the 12 volt housed in the well positioned centre armrest.

The centre storage unit also accommodates a media ledge for your MP3 player or phone.

There are also lots of cubbies throughout the cabin, but the cup and bottle holders cater for regular sizes only. The glove compartment is a decent size, however.

The Mitsubishi ASX is available in two engine sizes in Ireland, a 1.6-litre 117bhp petrol and a 1.8-litre 116bhp diesel.

Our test car was the six-speed manual diesel model and our route took us on city, motorway and country roads.

It was great in the city, nice and smooth on the road and easy to manoeuver and to park. On winding country roads it was good fun and handled well, with smooth gear changes and nice acceleration.

Overall, I liked the Mitsubishi ASX. It’s a good looking, fun little SUV that’s tough enough for family life and will see you travel in style.

Just one trim is available in Ireland, the Instyle, and prices for the petrol model start from €23,950. The diesel model I was driving starts from €26,950. The Mitsubishi ASX also comes with an eight year warranty.

Tech Spec
Engine: 1.8-litre 116bhp diesel
Acceleration: 0-100km/h in 10.2seconds
Maximum Speed: 189kph
CO2 emissions: 137g/km
Combined fuel economy: 5.1l/100km
Annual road tax: €280

Visit the Mitsubishi Ireland website or its Facebook page for further details.

Related articles
InStyle with new Mitsubishi ASX crossover