We’ve looked at the Mitsubishi ASX before, it’s yet another stylish and hip small SUV aimed at people who are just that. It has received some minor upgrades since the last time we checked it out, new wheels, new steering wheel, trim updates and striking LED daytime running lights. But dare we say many buyers will be… well the fairer sex. Not that this is an outright “chicks” car but it does lend itself towards the less masculine among us. Is that even PC? Who cares! Gillian Bowen took a spin in the Mitsubishi ASX LS manual.
Make: Mitsubishi
Model: ASX
Variant: LS
Engine / Transmission: 2.0-litre DOHC MIVEC petrol engine, 5-speed manual.
Vital Stats: 110kW/197Nm
Mitsubishi Claimed Fuel Economy: 7.6L / 100km
EFTM Claimed Fuel Economy: 8.1L/ 100km
Price: From $24,990
Wow Factor: You can tell it’s a girl writing if her response is the height and how it looked pretty. But it really was nice to step up into a vehicle and feel like you might have been driving a bigger car when you actually weren’t. And when I picked up a girlfriend on the way to the gym, she also said ‘oh wow, it’s lovely and high’. Why that makes a difference I have no idea, but it both prompted us to comment.
Most Impressive: I really enjoy driving manuals, it makes me feel like I’m actually involved in the process. The transition between the gears was nice and smooth, so much so that my same girlfriend didn’t realise the car was actually a manual until I had to manoeuvre into a park at the gym. She was surprised it rode so smoothly – look it might have been my fantastic driving skills.
It’s pretty girly to also say the seat was quite comfortable but when you don’t know what’s going on under the bonnet you have to focus on other things!
Least Impressive:
The infotainment display was pretty average. The fact you can’t see a thing when the sun is shining on it, is not only very annoying but also quite dangerous. I was madly trying to move my head to the correct spot so I could see the screen in order to pick a radio station. I know there are controls on the steering wheel but the fact you can’t see the screen clearly in the glare is also a distraction.
Connecting your phone via Bluetooth was also clunky and really for a 2016 model should look more smick.
The Sweeping Statement: Despite my few criticisms, the price and what you get for it, is actually pretty good value. I’m a former Kia Rio driver and I always keep that in mind when getting in a different car. Would I be happy to drive around in it every day? Yes but would I want to punch out the infotainment system after a while, definitely.
