Used Mitsubishi ASX review: 2010-2011

NEW - There is little doubt that the SUV is the most popular type of   vehicle in today's market, you only have to look around you in the   daily grind to know that the SUV is today's favourite family wagon. Such has been their success that carmakers have been doing back flips   trying to satisfy the demand for more and different types of SUV.

Mitsubishi's compact ASX is a case in point. It's the SUV you have   when you don't really want an SUV, you know, when you don't want a   rugged offroader, or a road-hogging seven-seater behemoth. The compact ASX is a wagon, for sure, but it looks more like a car   than a traditional offroad wagon. The range kicked off with a petrol-engined two-wheel drive entry model, a sensible town-based SUV, and topped-out with a turbo-diesel four-wheel driver.

The ASX was based on the Outlander four-wheel drive SUV, which made it a real four-wheel driver for those who feel the need for   technology, but it was the two-wheel drive model that was the big   news in the range. At the bottom of the range the 2WD ASX was a front-driver with power   from a modest 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a CVT transmission.

Inside, the ASX boasted a roomy, comfortable car-like cabin. The   doors allowed easy access to the interior, but if it lacked anything   it was a decent sized boot. The spare wheel is a space-saver, which says plenty about its   intended use. There's lots to like about the ASX's safety, which is reflected in the 5-star rating it received from ANCAP. No wonder, it's got a rigid body, a full complement of airbags, ABS   brakes and ESP.

NOW

The ASX utilises the same mechanical bits and pieces as the rest of   the Mitsubishi range, which means they're robust and reliable without   setting the world on fire in terms of performance. The engines generally stand up well, but like all modern engines it's   critical that they are serviced regularly. Likewise the transmissions and driveline components are generally bulletproof.

One component to be wary of, however, is the CVT gearbox. It's wise   to take a long test drive before buying a car with a CVT to make sure you will be comfortable with its driving style before to part with   your cash. While you're at it thoroughly put the CVT through its paces, checking   it at low speed, high speed, manoeuvring slowly at walking speed, taking off and slowing down, all the while observing for any shuddering, hesitations, or confusion about what it's doing.

The ASX hasn't been on the market for very long, so there shouldn't be anything to be concerned about, but make sure all the systems are working correctly and check for a service record. In these tough times people who have stretched their budgets to buy   their car in the first place sometimes overlook servicing.

SMITHY SAYS

Looks better than it goes, but reliability makes it worth considering.

Price new: $28,490 to $36,990
Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 110 kW/300 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 110 kW/197 Nm Transmission: 6-speed manual, CVT, FWD, 4WD
Economy: 5.9 L/100 km (TD), 7.9 L/100 km (2.0)
Body: 5-door wagon
Variants: 2WD, 4WD, Aspire 4WD 
Safety: 5-star ANCAP