Mitsubishi is continuing to create a fresh, vibrant flavour of vehicles. Their latest product: the Mitsubishi ASX, has all the hallmarks of being another strong, reliable Mitsubishi that encompasses plenty of strapping style and dynamic flair. This is the smallest SUV-type vehicle offered by Mitsubishi, and the new AXS has nice lines and a nice compact size, making it ideal for around town.

Three Mitsubishi ASX models are provided. The first of the models is a 2WD version. Relax back into the cockpit, and the very smart black dash and dark seats create a well-dressed SUV that looks up-market and special. Touches of chrome about the interior make for an alluring show of design and craftsmanship.

What lies under the front-wheel-drive’s bonnet is a grunty 2.0-litre MIVEC petrol engine that has a sporty flavour to it – notably with its throaty growl when forcefully worked up through the revs. The Mitsubishi ASX 2WD can be equipped with either a crisp five-speed manual or silky six-step Sports Mode CVT automatic transmission. Both work perfectly well, and it’s just your tastes that will decide which transmission type you will go for. Personally, I like throwing the Mitsubishi ASX through the gears. The 110 kW motor is a willing beast that manages manfully with a fully occupied cabin – with luggage in the back.

Standard features for the 2WD base model are 16-inch alloys, USB connectivity, ABS, EBD, Active Stability Control, Active Traction Control, side and curtain airbags, driver and front passenger SRS airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, multi mode keyless entry, a reinforced impact safety cage/body, hill start control and , of course, the smooth 2.0-litre petrol motor that boasts 197 Nm of torque at 4200 rpm.

There is a 4WD version that has the same 2.0-litre petrol engine as the base 2WD model. You can also opt for powering the 4WD model with a 1.8-litre diesel motor that boasts exactly the same output as the petrol engine, however the 300 Nm maximum torque level is superior – and is the reason why I would put my hand up for the diesel if I were going to consider travelling heavy laden on a regular basis. The efficient diesel has all the power to deal with the load, where as the 2.0-litre petrol has enough power but is more thirsty as it works hard to shift the extra weight. Incidentally, the diesel manages a combined fuel economy figure of 5.9 litres/100 km compared with the petrol’s 8.1 litres/100 km (4WD) and 7.8 litres/100 km (2WD).

If you are looking to purchase the 4WD version, then you will be interested to note that the 4WD has all the features that I mentioned the 2WD as having – and a few more. You will also enjoy All Wheel Control, Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, steering wheel audio controls, rear parking sensors, front fog lamps and a chrome exhaust tip.

There’s always a few of us that can never make do with beautiful cloth seats – you just have to have leather! I like the leather seating, too. In order to have the leather, you’ll need to look at purchasing the Mitsubishi ASX Aspire. The dark leather interior is breathtakingly beautiful, and most luxury items that you can imagine will be incorporated into the Aspire’s design. Additional to the 4WD features, the Mitsubishi ASX Aspire also boasts 17-inch alloys, paddle shifters (CVT only), smart key operation, One Touch Start System, MMCS with Satellite Navigation, a reversing camera, dusk sensing headlamps, rain sensing wipers, privacy glass, a chrome radiator grille and fully automatic air conditioning. A delightful pushbutton start feature is easy to use and becomes a favourite with all the kids. If you like what the Mitsubishi ASX Aspire has, then all you have to do is choose the colour and the power plant under the hood, and it is all yours for a very competitive price.

All models are well built and safe. Road holding is precise and grippy. The steering is light and easy to use – even for tight parking. The Mitsubishi ASX 4WD, in particular, is a vehicle that is happy in town and happy on a gravel road heading to nowhere.

The current model series includes the:

• ASX 2WD petrol
• ASX 4WD petrol
• ASX 4WD diesel
• ASX Aspire petrol
• ASX Aspire diesel

For any more information on the Mitsubishi ASX, or for that matter any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quotes requests out to our national network of Mitsubishi dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!

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