Review: 2020 Mitsubishi ASX

For a small SUV, the new Mitsubishi ASX gives you plenty of room. With sharp new looks, improved performance and some new technology included it delivers a complete package. We've taking it for a spin to see why its such a hit.​

If there is any small crossover that deserves it popularity it's the Mitsubishi ASX. It's been on the market for over a decade and still has the same appeal to a young (and old) audience that it had ones it was launched. Now it has some sharp new looks, more safety technology and updated electronics to be ready for the next 10 years.

INITIAL IMPRESSION

The ASX looks and feels like it has the perfect proportions; compact enough to drive around town and be economical, yet practical and spacious to carry all the gear you need for a road trip for example. Now it has a new front with sharper lines, LEDs and some beefy fog lights and it just looks cooler than it ever has before. It's the fourth upgrade for the ASX and once again Mitsubishi nailed it. Add to that the all-important safety features and up-to-date technology and you're assured of a complete package for a very sharp price.

DRIVEABILITY

Mitsubishi has two different engines on offer for the ASX, both petrol. You can choose between a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder that puts out 110kW and 297Nm or a bigger 2.4-litre version that gives you an extra 13kW and 25Nm. The latter might be a little thirstier – 0.2L/100km - resulting in 7.9L/100km, but delivers just that little extra punch you might need on the highway.

The new ASX has a lot of standard safety features across the range, which include seven airbags, reversing camera, stability/traction control, hill start assist, autonomous emergency braking and Emergency Stop Signal System, which activates the hazard lights during hard braking at speeds over 55km/h.s autonomous emergency braking as standard across the range.

A range of other safety devices is standard from the base model LS and included in a $2500 option for the base model ES. These include lane departure warning, lane change assist, blind-spot warning, reverse parking sensors, rear cross traffic alert, auto high beam, front fog lights and auto headlights and wipers.

LIVEABILITY

The changes on the new ASX are definitely more evident on the outside than on the inside. No big changes in the design, instruments or controls, which all look familiar. It's a good thing though, because it didn't need any improving – it works. The main update is a larger 8.0-inch (up from 7.0-inch) touch-screen infotainment system. which is now one of the biggest in its class and continues to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming and DAB digital radio.

The same goes for the seats, which are still perfectly fine even for longer drives and practical, just like the boot space. With 393L you'll have enough room for two decent-sized suit cases. And it’ll expand to 1193L in most versions (or 1143L in Exceed form) with the 60:40 split-fold rear seating stowed.

COST

The base model ES is the only ASX available with a manual, linked to the 2.0-litre petrol engine. You'll have one on your driveway for just under $24k. If you want to the same model with an automatic (CVT) transmission you'll have to hand over an additional $2000. One step up you'll find the LS, which gets you the Smart Key and bulk of additional safety features, for $28.5k. The top two models - GSR and Exceed - both come with the 2.4-litre petrol engine and start at just over $30k. The latter is the top-of-the-line and gets you a panoramix sunroof and heated front seats for added comfort for just under $33k.

The ASX comes standard with 5 year/100,000 kilometre factory warranty, but for a limited time with 7 Years/150,000km warranty & 3 Years Capped Price Servicing.

CONCLUSION

The ASX is still one of the country’s most popular small SUV in one of the hottest segments of the car industry today, finding almost 20,000 homes every year since 2016. This makes Australia one of the biggest ASX markets worldwide. The engine and interior remained the same, but the outside of the new ASX – the only part that actually needed updating – is now sharper then ever. Plus you'll get all the safety features you can ask for. If those facts and figures don't convince you, take it for a drive yourself!