Mitsubishi ASX 2012 Review

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory & delivery charges): $34,990
Crash rating: Five-star (ANCAP)
Fuel: 91 RON ULP
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 8.1
CO2 emissions (g/km): 192
Also consider: Hyundai ix35 (from $26,990); Nissan Dualis (from $24,990); Subaru XV (from $31,990); Volkswagen Tiguan (from $28,490)

Small SUVs are a big hit in 2012, so no surprise Mitsubishi has decided to give the ASX an update to keep buyers interested.

The most obvious change is up-front where there is a revised grille and bumper just hinting at the company’s new styling language.

Mechanically, the main emphasis has been on refining the relationship between the continuously variable transmission – or CVT – and the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine by attempting to deliver acceleration and engine revs more in line with vehicle speed.

There is also a 1.8-litre diesel engine, but for the next 12 months or so there’s only a six-speed manual transmission available with that.

Mitsubishi has introduced a new ASX model in the shape of a front-wheel drive petrol version of the top-specification Aspire.

So the range now comprises petrol-engined front-wheel drive base model manual and CVT priced at $25,990 and $28,240 (the CVT option drops $250 across the range). The Aspire front-wheel drive petrols are $28,990 and $31,240 respectively. The all-wheel drive manual diesel ASX Aspire is $34,990 while the Aspire AWD auto is $34,990.

Standard Aspire equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust tip, front foglights, leather seat trim with heated front seats and power adjustment for the driver, leather-look door trim and privacy glass, a 6.1-inch touch screen, Bluetooth hands-free telephony with voice control, iPod connectivity, a new steering wheel with audio controls, rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlamps and a Smart Key with one-touch start.

A spare wheel found under the boot floor is for temporary use only.

Safety equipment includes seven airbags, traction and stability control and a five-star ANCAP rating. All passengers get lap-sash seatbelts and adjustable headrests.

Here we are testing the all-wheel drive Aspire petrol, which adds a panoramic sunroof and a 4x4 ‘Drive Mode Selector’ selector. This allows the driver to restrict drive to the front wheels, activate all four wheels, lock drive in place, or cede control to an Auto mode which decides which wheels should be driven and when.

It’s one of the ASX’s neatest features. On dirt roads the AWD system provides added surety, as does stability control.

What also works very well is the ASX’s small size. With the assistance of light steering, big windows and a high seating position it is great for around town work. The reversing camera and parking sensors standard with the Aspire add to that capability.

There are some downsides to the ASX driving experience though. The CVT is designed to provide optimal fuel economy and performance by holding the engine in its torque sweet spot, but it also adds engine drone to a noisy cabin when accelerating hard. We reckon there’s still work to be done there.

Using the throttle heavily is something you do a lot of because the ASX is heavy and the 110kW/197Nm engine is not overly powerful.

Achieving the 8.1L/100km fuel consumption average will be a challenge. During our week-long test we managed only a disappointing 10.6L/100km.

Occasionally, we sensed a small eddying on a steady throttle, as if the CVT isn’t quite able to decide on the right gearing position. If you notice and dislike that then there are six pre-determined ratios that can be selected via the shift lever or steering wheel-mounted paddles.

We also noticed tyre roar on coarse surfaces, plenty of rattle and bang on rougher roads, and a tendency for the rear-end to get a little skittish on bumps despite re-tuning of the rear suspension. There was also kick and reaction from the steering column over bumps and when accelerating.

To be blunt, ASX dynamics feel like unfinished business.

Front-seat passengers undoubtedly get the best deal in the ASX. The seats are big and supportive and there’s plenty of storage including large bins and bottleholders. But it doesn’t really feel aspirational despite new chromed accents for the air-conditioning dials and combination cluster meter. It’s more workman-like, really, with noticeable hard surfaces and hard edges.

The driver gets a reach and rake adjustable steering wheel, sizeable left footrest and sliding centre armrest. Big external mirrors are a good feature, while the semi-SUV ride height also helps the view out.

But it’s not so good in the rear where access is restricted by small doors and leg-space is limited. There are two cupholders, one seat-back pocket, no door pockets and no visible/adjustable air-conditioning vents.

It’s easy to access the luggage area via the light tailgate. A blind provides security and there are handy bins either side, as well as four hooks. Standard capacity is 416 litres, but that grows significantly to 1510 litres when the 60:40 rear seats are collapsed. A mountain bike fits comfortably with the front wheel removed. If you want to haul more, the petrol ASX boasts a 1300kg braked towing capacity (up from 1050kg). The diesel tops that at 1400kg.

After a week with the ASX Aspire AWD there was no sense of disappointment at handing it back to Mitsubishi. It’s basic transport, but considering you are facing an on-road price beyond $35,000 it does not seem to be enough car for the money -- not when you can buy an orthodox small car like a Ford Focus for much less and get a much better drive.

Maybe next year’s diesel-auto will change our mind.