Sleek Mitsubishi ASX goes upmarket

Born out of core Mitsubishi brand values, including reliability, integrity and practicality, the ASX (Active Smart Crossover) now features an enhanced, sleeker exterior look matched by an improved centre console design with a more upmarket feel on the inside.

All derivatives benefit from new black roof rails, chrome highlights inside and out, tinted windows and emergency stop signal brake lights. On GLX and GLS derivatives, new LED daytime running lights highlight redesigned front fog lamp surrounds, and new 17-inch alloy wheels add pizzazz to the side profile.

A bold new lightning blue paint hue is also available, allowing the striking design to be further exhibited. On the mechanical side, an updated CVT system enhances driveability and lowers fuel consumption in the automatic model.

Continuing as a five-model range, the ASX line-up features GL, GLX and GLS derivatives, all powered by Mitsubishi’s trusted 2.0 litre normally-aspirated petrol engine.

The multi-point fuel injection MPI unit produces 110kW at 6 000rpm and 197Nm at 4 200rpm.

All derivatives are front-wheel drive, three of which feature a five-speed manual gearbox, alongside the two range-topping GLS automatics, which feature a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which has the ability to simulate a six-speed automatic gearbox.

For 2015, the CVT in particular has received extra attention. The most notable technical design change was made to CVT internals, where a larger-spectrum lock-up range provides for greater driving pleasure and enhanced fuel economy due to the bigger selection of theoretical “gear ratios” available to the driver in auto mode, adaptive to driver input and driving style.

As with the existing CVT derivative, manual shift mode is available, allowing the driver to manually override the transmission with six simulated gear ratios.

NVH reduction has also been achieved with the new CVT.

Fuel economy is admirable on all derivatives, the manual models realising an average of 7.5 litres per 100km on the combined cycle with carbon emissions of

175g/km it is claimed. The CVT model’s fuel consumption is now lower, at 7.4 litres per 100km, with carbon emissions of 178g/km. A

63-litre fuel tank ensures long driving ranges – around 800km on typical mixed driving.

The ASX features a spacious boot with a large, uninhibited opening for easy loading, with 442 litres of boot space available with the rear seats up. When the 60/40 split rear seats are folded down, a total of 1 193 litres are available.

Most importantly, the Mitsubishi hallmark of no compromise on safety sees all models featuring high safety levels.

The ASX features five-star Euro NCAP and Ancap safety ratings, thanks to seven airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag), ABS with EBD and BAS, as well as Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (Rise) body construction, whiplash-mitigating seats, a collapsible steering column and brake pedal recession protection. The electric power steering also features an anti-backlash system for smoother and safer steering control.

All derivatives in the Mitsubishi ASX range come standard with a three-year/ 100 000km warranty and a five-year/ 90 000km service plan, linked to service intervals of 15 000km.

– Own correspondent