Mitsubishi ASX – What you need to know

Remember travelling by air? It was very popular once. And chances are if you hired a car at your destination, it was a Mitsubishi ASX, a favourite of rental companies.

The ASX has been here for over a decade and received its third and final update in 2019. While all five model grades are now front-wheel drive only, you do have a choice of two petrol engines and a manual transmission or CVT.

From bottom to top, the ASX range is badged ES, MR, LS, GSR and Exceed, with prices ranging from $23,990 to $33,490 (plus on-road costs).

To help you select the one you want for the budget you have, we’ve explored our way through the features and details.

Kicking off the range is the $23,990 (plus ORCs) ES manual with a 2.0-litre engine. For that you get the following standard fare:

There are up to eight colours available for the Mitsubishi ASX, and if you don’t like white then you’ll have to fork out either $740 for metallic paint or $940 for premium paint.

You can also improve the specification of the entry-level ES model grade (with CVT) with the $1750 ADAS package detailed below.

All Mitsubishi ASX variants come with a rear-view camera, self-dimming rear-view mirror, seven-airbags, traction and stability control systems, hill start assist, cruise control, forward collision mitigation, plus anti-lock brakes with brake override and autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

There are two ISOFIX points and three top-tether child restraint points.

Specify the ADAS package on the ES CVT model (not available with a manual) and you greatly increase the safety credentials with blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, lane departure warning and lane change assist.

It also brings auto dusk-sensing and high-beam headlights plus rain-sensing wipers.

A speed limit display is found in the range-topping Exceed.

An 8.0-inch infotainment touch-screen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, DAB/AM/FM radio, Bluetooth music and phone streaming, two USB ports and four speakers comes standard across the Mitsubishi ASX range.

If you want six speakers for more listening pleasure, step up to the ASX GSR, however if satellite navigation is a deal maker or breaker, shimmy over to the range-topping ASX Exceed that adds a subwoofer to the premium audio system.

The ASX interior has a classy look with a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and gear shift. For extra convenience all variants have four cup holders and two bottle holders plus a rigid cargo cover to foil prying eyes.

If, however, you want leather seats, you’ll need to stretch the budget and get the ASX Exceed. The good news is the front seats have a heating function and the driver’s seat is power-operated, unlike all other variants that make do with manual adjustment.

If you are happy with cloth trim and just want the park brake cover to match the leather wheel and gearshift, grab the ASX MR that also gets you accent stitching throughout the interior. If you don’t want leather, but a seek a bit more than fabric trim, smart0-looking microsuede seats with leather bolsters are found in the ASX GSR.

What about the handiness of keyless entry and fuel-saving automatic engine idle-stop? Then bypass the base model ASX ES and make a beeline for the ASX MR as a minimum.

How about a sunroof? Your only choice is the ASX Exceed.

Body-colour roof and door handles feature on all models. The door mirrors also come in the body colour on the ASX ES, LS and Exceed. On the ASX MR and GSR, they are black.

Privacy glass? Sidle up to the ASX MR as a minimum and benefit from fog lights as well.

What about roof rails? Then it’s the ASX LS for you.

The ASX lights the way with LEDs for the headlights, braking, daytime running and tail-lights. The self-levelling function is manual on all variants except the ASX Exceed.

Powering all Mitsubishi ASX variants bar the ASX GSR and Exceed is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 110kW/197Nm.

It is tied to a five-speed manual in the entry-level ASX ES or the continuously variable transmission (CVT) as an option. All other variants come with the CVT by default.

Under the bonnet of the ASX GSR and Exceed is a 123kW/222Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

To be honest, the Mitsubishi ASX is quite dated, yet despite that remains a popular choice in the fiercely competitive small SUV sector.

And that’s not just because of its industry-leading 10-year warranty.

The ASX MR cops the same safety kit found in the ASX ES when you specify the ADAS pack, and I like the sporty touches in the MR, such as aluminium brake pedal and accelerator, red stitching through the cabin and smart key start/stop.

The sporty theme continues outside with privacy glass, a black grille, black door mirrors and black alloy wheels, all standard.

It also hits the sweet spot in value and performance terms. While the 2.4 ekes out 10 per cent more grunt, the cost of getting into it doesn’t stack up for me.

I’ll have an ASX MR to go, thanks. 

How much does the Mitsubishi ASX cost?
ES manual – $23,990
ES CVT – $26,240
MR CVT – $27,990
LS CVT – $28,940
GSR CVT – $30,990
Exceed CVT – $33,490
* Prices exclude on road costs