MOTORING
Mitsubishi
ASX Zc-H 2.2 4 wd Auto
If you are in the market place to buy a crossover type vehicle you will probably head
straight for Nissan and look at the Qashqai as it is the market leader but and it is a big but,
I would like you to consider having a look at the Mitsubishi ASX, writes Bob Hickman. The
name Mitsubishi immediately creates visions of superb off-road vehicles almost akin to
Land Rover in their ability to go anywhere and do anything. Think Mitsubishi and you might
think Shogun or Outlander and in fact it is the Outlander that has most of the pedigree
for the ASX. The ASX is actually built on the same platform as the Outlander so practicality
and versatility are some of the key features of the ASX. The wheelbase is the same as the
Outlander the passenger space in the ASX is superb, absolutely acres of space for a family
to enjoy the vehicle and of course with the extra ride height that this type of vehicle gives
you it makes for enjoyable driving for all members of the family.
I have to be honest and I need to get it out of the way early on in the report that I fell
in love with the ASX, it is one of those vehicles that as soon as I sat in it I felt immediately
comfortable, the awful cliché that everything felt to hand is just so correct with this
particular vehicle, rarely in the past and I must drive dozens and dozens of vehicles a year
have I felt so immediately comfortable in a vehicle. It had of course an added bonus that
it is possible to choose between 2 and 4 WD, sadly we had no deluge of snow to check
out driving in those conditions.
The ASX range vary between a 2 and a 4WD and I think I have said this before, if I were
the buyer I would always go for the 4WD option, I cannot see the point in buying this
type of vehicle merely as a 2WD, it is almost a caae of look at me look at what I have
got, to me the 4WD option which on the ASX is electronically controlled, so you have the
economy of running it normally in 2WD but when the going gets tough electronically you
can switch to 4WD motion.
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There is a choice of 3 engines, a 1.6-litre petrol, or two
diesels, a 2.2-litre turbo and a 1.8. A 5-speed manual
gearbox is fitted to the petrol derivative, and the
diesels have a 6-speed manual gearboxes, my 2.2
was equipped with an automatic gear box with the
4wd system.
The level of equipment on the whole of the range
is quite extensive for example standard equipment
includes alloy wheels, air conditioning auto/stop
and go, active stability control, traction control, a
keyless entry system, ABS brakes with electronic brake
distribution and assist, a plethora of air bags including
front, side and curtains, and I like the fact that the
steering wheel for the driver has a tilt and a telescopic
method of getting you comfortable in the multiadjustable front seats.
There are 3 trim levels badged simplistically as
ZC, M and H, C being the entry, M being the
top specification that gains, a fully automatic air
conditioning system and one touch starting, it also
benefits with cruise control, heated seats, privacy
glass, the controls are mounted on the steering
wheel. The top of the specification also benefits, from
leather seats and a Kenwood in-car entertaining
which contains an iPod and satellite navigation and a
reversing camera. For me the entry level would tick all
the boxes that I need.
Mitsubishi have not overlooked safety features and the
vehicle is Euro NCap as a 5*. Certain other features
include extensive use of energy dispersion structuring
and I do like the factor that Mitsubishi have tried to
safeguard pedestrian injury aspects by including
plastic front wings and energy absorbing front bumpers
these may also feature if you do take the vehicle off-road
and on a hill descent nudge things that you shouldn’t
really be doing.
The performance and driving dynamics of the ASX were
very rewarding, a trip to the Peak District enabled some
off-roading on very muddy roads and tracks, some dual
carriageways and hilly roads in and around the hills of the
Peak District near to the highest village in England Flash,
the vehicle coped admirably at all times.
A healthy amount of luggage space could be
incorporated and I particularly liked the little section
underneath the boot floor that could be raised to hide
certain valuable items that you do not want to be on
view.
The performance aspects of my particular diesel
derivative allowed for a 0 – 60 in 10 seconds, a top speed
where legal of 118 mph, Mitsubishi suggest that the
combined fuel figure should be in the vicinity of 48 mpg,
I only managed to achieve 39mpg according to the onboard computer.
Sadly the CO emissions on both the petrol and the diesel
are not low and therefore cheap road tax is not going to
be a feature, my test 2.2 was quoted at 152 Co.gm so no
low or free excise duty on this vehicle.
The ASX has an unlimited mileage warranty, 12 year anticorrosion and a 3-year Roadside Assistance package.
With prices starting at a low £15,249 and topping out
at £24,899 you will certainly find a vehicle that should
tick the box and I recommend you have a look at the
Mitsubishi if you need this type of vehicle.
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