Mitsubishi ASX Aspire 2010 review

Proponents of the ancient Japanese sport of kendo dress up and repeatedly and earnestly beat each other with bamboo poles. Though any form of human activity in our lethargic world should be applauded, this one just doesn't seem to be as inspirational as anything else bar marbles. If the point of kendo is repeatedly hitting things, may I suggest taking up roof carpentry and earning money while you perspire.

It is one of those pursuits that could be as pointless as, er, buying a 4WD for shopping in the suburbs. But, like kendo, people do it. Which makes the latest Mitsubishi 4WD, the ASX, pigeon holed as pointless. Except that it isn't.

It is one of the few compact SUVs that actually making sense - even more than the Outlander on which it's heavily based. The reason for its approval rating is that it is what a suburban car should be - smallish, versatile, sprightly, affordable and amazingly economical. And a lot better than beating up people in dresses and Darth Vader hats with a bamboo stick.

Value

To a lot of people, including me, $36,990 plus on-road costs is a really good overseas holiday. But I could be swayed. The ASX starts at $25,990 but that buys only a gently-amusing 2WD model with a manual gearbox and petrol engine. The diesel is far, far better in terms of driveability, performance and economy.

The killer is that it costs the same as the petrol model and has more power - 110kW - and lots more torque. But it only comes with a manual gearbox. The Aspire version tested is the most expensive of the line-up and comes only as an all-wheel drive. The 2-litre petrol is only an automatic and the 1.8-litre diesel is only a manual.

Technology 

Mitsubishi has stolen a lot of the Outlander bits - the chassis, for example, including the wheelbase - to create the ASX, but don't feel cheated. There may be something borrowed here but there's nothing blue. Turbo-diesels are as common as noses now but there's something a bit inspiring about the Mitsubishi oiler including the fact it has variable-valve timing, is an awful lot of fun to drive and drinks like a budgy.

The 1.8-litre - which is exclusive to the ASX though should be spread across the Mitsubishi small-car range - dumps 110kW/300Nm through a six-speed manual gearbox. The drive is selectable. In the 'burbs, pick 2WD from the centre console rotary switch. If things get wintery, or the road surface is slippery, click the switch to 4WD Auto. And when maximum traction is needed - for slow speeds only - there's the third option of 4WD Lock.

Design

Looks are subjective. That's why I think Jessica Marais is sensational but you may not even notice her. Which is potentially good for me. The ASX looks good primarily because, unlike the Outlander, its shape is balanced. Short nose with near-vertical grille, compact passenger cell with lots of glass, and an abrupt tail with very short overhangs.

It shares the Outlander's 2670mm wheelbase but is 370mm shorter. That makes its seating room on par but will lose out to its bigger sister in cargo room. The Outlander will swallow up to 1691 litres and the SX only 1193 litres.

The ASX's interior looks great. It's simple, accommodating with lots of personal storage space and is easy to use. The Aspire gets the big central screen for everything from sat-nav - which has less-than aspiring graphics - to audio and has upmarket stuff including leather seat facings, trip computer and cruise control.

Mitsubishi's Lancer - on which the Outlander and ASX are based - has been criticised by me over its tinny doors. Slam them and it sounds like rattling stones in a baked bean can. The ASX continues this tradition. Please fix it because the solid thump sound of a closed door reflects build quality.

Safety

Seven airbags, electronic stability control, traction control and a hill holder for the manual transmission models ticks all the boxes. The high seating position aids in visibility and presumes you will be safer in a crash. Unless, of course, you are hit by another SUV.

Driving

The manual gearbox can be like a wooden stake to some motorists but here, in the ASX, it works a treat. The cogs mesh nicely, are well suited to the torquey diesel and come with long fifth and sixth ratios for low-rev highway cruising that slashes fuel consumption. In many ways, it's like driving a Lancer sedan. The Outlander feels, by comparison, a bit ponderous.

Mid-range torque is the diesel's party trick and it can be hauled out and exploited for rapid overtaking times. It also makes a few gearchanges redundant so you find corners are taken in third or even fourth, and freeway onramps see you skip from third to sixth.

It's comfortable, quiet and compliant though the seats never feel very supportive. The ASX goes into the dirt quite well and can even traverse sand patches. If it gets a bit soft, select 4WD Lock. If the ground gets softer, you shouldn't be there.

Features

Climate airconditioning; 9-speaker CD/iPod audio; 7 airbags; sat-nav; rear camera; leather.