Mitsubishi ASX is an evolving vehicle. It has been a gradual evolution, but transformative. For a model that started its life as an MPV almost three decades ago, last ten years have been a little more adventurous ride as a Crossover SUV. Looks like the garb suits the car, because in several markets around the world Mitsubishi ASX is among the most popular compact crossovers. On this journey, let us find out how does it live up to its new name tag – Active Sports Crossover. Oh yeah, that’s ASX for you!

THE DIMENSIONS: L x W x H 4365 x 1810 x 1630 mm [14 1/3 foot long], Wheelbase: 2670 mm, Boot space: 406 L and 1193L with seat down

THE SPECIFICATIONS: 2.0 L engine, INVEC-III CVT gearbox, Euro 4 standard, 2WD and 4WD

THE PERFORMANCE: 148 hp @6000 rpm and 197 Nm torque @4200 rpm, Top speed 193 kmph, 0 – 100 in 11.3 sec

THE PRICE: AED 69,900 (Mid 2×4), AED 79,900 (Mid 4×4) AED 89,900 (Top 4×4)

THE UPSIDE: Fuel economy, 4WD lock button, New 8-inch touch screen, Standard safety and lighting features, Seamless phone-media interface

THE FLIPSIDE: Modest cabin storage, Drive could be more exciting

Shaper looks for 2020, and smarter functions

Why fix something that isn’t broken seems to be Mitsubishi’s dictum and that always works with practical, value-for-money cars. One only has to be mindful of not getting caught in the blind spot by staying bright and cheerful in design and tech. So that explains why change has been a snail over the decade; but 2020 is different.

The ASX, or RVR as many markets know it, has seen three facelifts since it was launched in 2010. The fourth facelift introduced in 2019 is mostly cosmetic but it has made the car more captivating, classy and benevolent. Benevolent because some useful features have been made universal across trim levels. We will come to that.

The new front fascia design with a sharper-looking grille and narrow, ascending headlights – which are a step away from the teardrop-in-the-corner-of-the-eye sort of design in the previous generations. The improved alloy wheel design fits the 18” wheels – an inch bigger than before. The cluster of four are the indicator lamps and fog lamps – they look a bit like diamond-studded cufflinks but no clue why the brand new colour of my test car is called Red Diamond! In the rear too the light design is a more emphatic and sparkling presence.

Inside, air-conditioning vents made ‘a huge statement’ earlier but it has now made way for elegance with a touch of the modern – an 8” glossy touchscreen. It looks smart with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and also when the music system functions flash on it. Mitsubishi has entrusted its top trim entertainment to Rockford Fosgate, an American car audio company in the business for almost half a century. The interior fabric style is also redesigned for 2020 on all trims.

Coming to the magnanimity of Mitsubishi, all trims feature LED headlamps, daytime running lamps and headlight levellers, besides the roof spoiler as standard. Essential safety features like ABS, EBD, Brake Assist and Active Stability Control are also found across the board besides the rear view system which is missing only in the base 2WD trim – all the other four trim levels have it – while two front SRS airbags are standard. Incidentally, the UAE dealer has brought in only the mid level 2WD, mid level 4WD and the top trim, each priced 10,000 dirhams apart.

The Drive

Mitsubishi ASX is being driven by a 2.0L Inline four-cylinder (I4) engine for half a decade, when its rivals have settled for 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8 L engines. The 148-horsepower (150 PS) engine generates 197 N-m of torque which can propel the compact crossover to 100 kmph from a standing start in just over 11 seconds, without much fuss.

The chosen transmission is a CVT which is given (as is the norm with most manufacturers) the illusion of shifting in steps, to simulate a 6-speed gearbox. The paddle shifters are useful when you wish to dial in some instant control and dynamism to the drive. The electronically assisted steering makes manoeuvring smooth and easy but one has to say the p-word that marks the drive and handling of this car isn’t pleasure but practicality.

Fuel economy depends a lot on how we drive. When I started my test drive, the full range showing was 480 km, which was calculated on earlier drives. After 90 km of driving, instead of dropping to 400 or so, the remaining range had climbed to 500 km!

Two aspects about most crossover rides are felt by ASX passengers too – the ride is kind of firm and rugged; there is a certain body lean at bends. For those leaning towards adventure, the ASX comes with a 4WD button – you can give the AWD choice to the vehicle (Auto) or simply lock it on AWD. Together with Hill Start Assist and 190 mm ground clearance (same as Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta, 20 mm less than Nissan Kicks and 21 more than Volkswagen Tiguan) ASX stands up for its definition – Active Sports Crossover! Fuel rational says 2WD for regular drives; 4WD when you need it. And talking about fuel, that’s a point scored for ASX – more than 14 km is what Mitsubishi claims and I am content with the 11 km+ figure I achieved on a mixed drive.

Safety features: Rear view system is standard and in my test car, there was a camera and sensors, too. The top trim comes with Blind Spot Monitor, Rear traffic alert and Lane change assist that warn you of unseen obstacles while changing lanes, overtaking and reversing out of a parking.

Cabin and Controls

So, I said the contemporary addition to the Mitsubishi ASX cabin is primarily the 8” touch screen – simple to operate as there are no layers of choices anyway. The apps let you mirror the phone screen, so google maps come in handy! There are two USB ports at the elbow of the console to connect via cable. Even on regular Bluetooth, playing out media from the connected phone is seamless and smooth!

Mitsubishi ASX cabin reflects Japanese class. No over design. No excessive presence of plastic! But there are some premium features that the ASX surprises us with! Unmissable is the large panoramic glass roof and less conspicuous is the Voice Control button on the steering. Well, you can’t choose a specific station, but calling in radio or telephone is very much on the cards. Call out the phone number to make a call!

Family drive

At 4365 mm, Mitsubishi ASX is an ideal size – in comparative words, 3 cm more than the Honda HR-V; 3 cm less than Jeep Compass; and 5 cm more than Kia Seltos. In simpler words, I can sit rather comfortably in the front or the back without worrying if my head will hit the roof – even a six-footer won’t need to! In a way, this compact crossover isn’t that compact inside and there is more comfort than you bargained for. The black leather seats had heating and cooling, controlled by a switch on the lower console! Nice, but perhaps a rear AC vent would have made better sense.

The Rockford & Fosgate music system is a privilege of the top trim but the 2-din smartphone display audio is just as modern. Those who insist on an equaliser to fiddle around will have to settle for programmed choices instead – Jazz, Pop, Rock, Hip Hop… well, you can switch to a different audio setting on the go with just a touch, instead of sliding your half finger a dozen times! There was an awesome subwoofer in my test car.

Now, that subwoofer I hear takes up almost 50 L of luggage space in the rear but hey, for the sake of good music, that isn’t a big deal, is it? We still have 406 L with seats up and 1193 L with them down! The seats fold almost flat enough to make a comfy bed for suitcases. Cabin storage is reasonable with a niche for a mobile phone in the console elbow couple of cupholders, and armrest storage. No pocket for sunglasses though!

The essential Mitsubishi ASX 2020

How new has the facelift left the Mitsubishi ASX? Almost unrecognizable if you consider the stage presence brought in by the toothy smile and sharper gaze. Almost unchanged if you consider the drivetrain, the space and comfort – even the old-fashioned handbrake sits proud on the central console!

Another side of practicality, especially in post-COVID times would be value for money. Mitsubishi ASX 2WD basic comes at AED 69,900 and the AWD full option is priced at AED 89,900. Here is a list of what the basic version will deprive you of: 4WD, Keyless operation and push button start, the lane alert and lookout blips, glass roof, black roof rail, reversing sensors, steering switch for audio and voice control, 2 USB ports. Now, that bundle can look worth more than the 20K you pay extra – or the 20K can make your basic buy totally worth the pinch. Either way, value wins.