It has the comportment of an SUV in that it gives you a higher perspective of the road than a sedan, and has the apparent bulk.
Yet, it isn’t exactly the sort of thing you would want to take into the wilds. This is chiefly an urban lifestyle vehicle, comfortably falling into the crossover category.
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During a weekend I had the ASX, it received a number compliments over its looks.
This certainly is a fine-looking set of wheels, with a yin yang mix of muscle and svelte lines.
The impression extends into the cabin where, despite the black theme that is interrupted only by the silver highlights on the steering wheel, floor console and centre piece, the ASX continues to ooze a quiet and understated elegance.
Space-wise, it is generously endowed and will carry four or five adults comfortably; the 442 litres of cargo area is airy enough to accommodate all the weekend luggage of the occupants as well.
The ride, once you get going, is tuned for comfort, and despite a bit of roll, the ASX tackles uneven surfaces with hardly a suggestion to its occupants of what it is tackling.
As an urban lifestyle vehicle and with the features onboard, the ASX is perfect for those seeking an alternative and stress-free ride.
Still, there’s a “however” . . .
Okay, I’ll get to the point - since we don’t have soccer mums here, the ASX makes a pitch for the run-around mum!
She, who has to drop the kids off at school and pick them up, transport them to tuition classes and other activities, and is part of the neighbourhood car-pool.
She will love how smooth and easy the ASX is to handle, allowing its occupants to enjoy a graceful and comfortable ride as it soaks up bumps and roughs without fuss.
The more hard-nosed driver, though, may take umbrage at the polite disposition of the engine, which is not an unsubstantial unit - a 2.0-litre, 16-valve and DOHC Mivec configuration, dishing out a respectable 150bhp and 197Nm.
While the six-speed CVT and a sports mode allow the driver some control over the powerplant’s response, a weekend with the ASX revealed its true nature, appealing more to the sedate driver than aggressive one.
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Attempts to provoke it to respond rudely were met, despite the surprising roar of a sporty exhaust, with dignified disdain. The 215/65/R16 size tyres seemed almost excessive, given this scenario.
You do get some features that will go down well with many, like the reverse camera routed to the large and bright colour display on the dashboard.
This proved to be extremely useful when parking or backing out, even at night.
The ASX’s overall length is 4,295mm, a bit shorter than I expected after seeing it in photographs.
The 1,770mm width and hydraulic power steering assist make the ASX a breeze to slot into tight spaces, while the 1,615mm height doesn’t required a major adjustment of driving style for those more at home with sedans.
Other features on the ASX are magnesium gear shift paddles on the steering wheel, fully automated air-conditioning for the front and rear, cruise control, adjustable front centre armrest with lower and higher storage compartments, colour multi-information LCD display, dual front and driver’s knee airbags, hill-start assist, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, active traction control and leather seats.
The Mitsubishi ASX, available in five colours (black, grey, blue, red and white), is priced at RM136,208 (without insurance), which is quite competitive in its category.
An optional accessories package is available for RM6,490.
This includes front corner extension, front under cover, rear garnish, chrome-plated door mirror cover, side wind deflector, rear bumper plate, tail-gate protector, aluminium/black leather gear shift knob, scuff plates, side tray lids, luggage net in cargo hold and luggage mat.
