Paul Murrell tests the 2020 Mitsubishi ASX with pricing, specs, ride and handling, safety, verdict and everything the over-50 driver needs to know.
Summary: In a classic case of automotive magic, Mitsubishi has extended the model life of the ASX by installing the 2.4-litre engine in some models and extending the range. And it’s still the best-selling small SUV.
2020 Mitsubishi ASX
Pricing: $24,990 (driveaway, 2-litre ES manual) to $35,740 (driveaway, 2.4-litre Exceed CVT). Adventure Kit $1699. Protection Pack $999. Style Set $2199 (prices have risen a little)
Warranty: 5-years, 100,000 kilometres, with 5-year roadside assist, 3-year (or 45,000km) capped priced servicing
Safety: 5-star ANCAP (tested 2010, applies to all variants since October 2016)
Engine: 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder, 2.4-litre petrol four-cylinder (the larger engine injects some life)
Power: 110kW (2-litre), 123kW (2.4-litre)
Torque: 197Nm (2-litre), 222kW (2.4-litre)
Transmission: 5-speed manual (ES only), CVT (optional on ES at $1750, standard on other models)
Drive: front wheel drive (if you want AWD, it’s the Eclipse Cross)
Body: 4365mm (L), 1810mm (W), 1640 (H)
Wheel size: 18-inch (alloy)
Boot capacity: 393 litres (slightly less with sub-woofer), 1193 litres (seats lowered)
Weight: 1295-1305kg
Turning circle: 10.6m
Towing: 1300kg (2-litre and 2.4-litre, braked), 750kg (unbraked)
Tow ball download: 130kg max
Spare: space saver temporary
Fuel tank: 63 litres
Thirst: 7.6L/100km (2-litre, combined, 91 RON), 7.9L/100km (2.4-litre, combined, 91 RON)
seniordriver consumption: 7.6L/100km (2.4-litre) over 307km (on launch)
[review]
ONE OF THE THINGS we always have a chuckle over when new models are released is the over-used expression “all-new”. Very few new models are anything like “all-new”, and if they were, you can guarantee they’d be hugely expensive to cover the development costs.
Mitsubishi wisely avoided calling the 2020 ASX all-new, instead going with a sales line of “built to pack life in”.
The company briefly alluded to its heritage in SUVs, citing the 1934 PX33 as its first. More realistically, Mitsubishi got into SUVs with the Pajero in 1982. Their compact SUV, the ASX (standing for Active Sports Crossover), was first imported into Australia in January 2010 and it has been a class leader ever since.
Almost ten years for a single model is a lifetime in automotive terms, and yet in all those years, the ASX was only headed in the sales race once, by the Mazda CX-3 (and that for only a moment before the ASX re-asserted its dominance).
Smoke and mirrors
The launch of this, only the second major facelift, was held in Byron Bay where, thanks to raging bushfires all around, it was a case of a lot more smoke than mirrors.
The big news for this model is the inclusion of a 2.4-litre engine, overcoming a common complaint with the previous model that it lacked adequate power. However, the 2-litre engine continues to be offered. And there is no diesel option.
The compact SUV market is crowded, and includes the Mazda CX-3, Holden Trax, Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona and Toyota CR-V. If you want all-wheel drive and the Mitsubishi three-diamond badge on the grille, you’ll have to look at the Eclipse Cross.
The other big news is the inclusion of some (slightly) more sporting models in the line-up. The ASX has traditionally appealed to three distinct groups of buyers: young females, young couples and older empty-nesters. Testosterone-fuelled young blokes have bypassed it in droves. To widen its appeal, Mitsubishi has added two sports models, the MR and the GSR (and hopes to profit from the now-deleted Lancer hatchback association).
Keeping it fresh
Fortunately, SUVs tend not to be dedicated followers of fashion, so the ASX doesn’t look as dated as its venerable age may suggest.
New-look LED headlights (in fact, all lights other than the turn signals are LED), the adoption of a bolder front grille, updated tail lights, new front bumper design and a new bonnet profile have done a remarkably good job of freshening the ASX. The new front grille follows trends set by Mitsubishi’s larger SUVs, the Outlander and Eclipse Cross. Black and chrome finishes also lift the front bumper and grille.
Despite the changes, the exterior dimensions of the ASX are unchanged.
More power under your right foot
There have been rumblings of discontent about the performance of the 2-litre engine, although in the real world, it meets most people’s requirements. As a result, MMAL has added the 2.4-litre engine to the range.
The 2-litre engine continues to be available and has the advantage of slightly lower fuel consumption (7.6L/100km compared to the 7.9L/100km for the 2.4-litre). On the launch, we managed a commendable 7.6L/100km in the 2.4-litre Exceed (the only model present).
The 2.4-litre certainly improves pick-up and response. It delivers 12 percent more power than the 2-litre (123kW vs 110kW) and 13 percent more torque (222Nm as against 197Nm).
The 2.4-litre is mated exclusively to a CVT transmission (the entry level 2-litre ES can be had with a five-speed manual transmission).
All variants retain MacPherson front struts and multilink rear suspension. Ride comfort and handling are nothing to write home about, but most owners will be perfectly satisfied with both.
Active Stability Control is standard across the range, as is Forward Collision Mitigation on all models. The FCM system uses a camera and laser unit in the front windscreen and incudes pedestrian detection. Senior product strategy manager Owen Thompson tells us that the system will “probably avoid a collision at a speed differential of up to 40km/h” and at any speed, significantly lessen the severity of the impact.
Our only real quibble with the ASX is the way it tends to get a bit light at higher speeds, and the steering feels slightly wooden.
Better technology
The previous model’s 7-inch infotainment unit was looking a little dated, so it’s been replaced with a new 8-inch version and connects to a system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a digital radio in all models.
The Exceed version gets a very impressive Rockford Fosgate premium audio system and the slightly cartoonish TomTom sat nav. The huge subwoofer for the Rockford sound system steals about 50 litres of boot space.
A digital speedo would be welcome in this over-policed world, and ports for the rear passengers are also missed.
Taking it with you
Luggage space in the ASX is about average for the class at 393 litres. It’s not overly generous, but the wide tailgate opening, low cargo floor and absence of a lip that you have to lift luggage or shopping over all make it very usable.
As we said, we only got to experience the Exceed model and found it to be a comfortable place to be, although the leather seats (Exceed only) could do with more support and greater comfort. The sporty GSR model gets a black cloth headlining, microsuede and leather-look seats with red highlight stitching, plus a rear sport spoiler (that probably has no impact on everyday handling). ES and LS models make do with fabric trim.
The two USB ports (all models) will be appreciated and we found the nifty little slot in the console perfect for storing a mobile phone.
The MR arrives in December, it will have black exterior highlights, red stitching, aluminium pedals and keyless entry and start. When the GSR arrives (also in December) it adds paddle shifts, aluminium pedals and black exterior appointments. The Exceed comes standard with a large glass sunroof but at least it has an efficient blind (not the mesh that is commonly fitted).
Safety is improved
Safety technology has come a long way since 2010 (although the ASX has been progressively updated over the years), so upgrades to the safety features of the ASX are welcome.
Forward Collision Mitigation was previously only available as part of the ADAS package, but has been made standard across the range. Well done, Mitsubishi. The system detects obstructions and initially issues a visual and audible alert and then automatically applying the brakes to either avoid a collision or to reduce the impact.
Inside, there’s an electrochromatic rear view mirror, previously also part of the ADAS package.
Customers buying the entry-level ES model can specify the ADAS package for an additional $2500 to benefit from additional features such as lane departure warning, auto high beam, reverse sensors, blind spot warning, lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert. That’s a lot of safety technology for a reasonable price, so if you’re looking at the ES, we’d recommend spending the extra.
Passive safety is based on Mitsubishi’s Impact Safety Evolution impact safety body and complemented by seven SRS airbags. It also gets an emergency stop signal system which automatically flashes the hazard lights to warn other drivers when sudden braking is detected above 55km/h.
In our 300-odd kilometres in and around the Northern Rivers region of NSW, we didn’t get to activate or test any of the safety features.
A useful warranty
MMAL’s new warranty now covers vehicles for five years, although the generous seven-years warranty currently being offered to Model Year 2019 and 2020 Triton buyers hasn’t been extended to ASX buyers.
Capped price servicing is another major advantage with each 15,000km service costing $199, adding up to $597 over three years. An interesting proviso with MMAL’s servicing is that after each service, customers are covered for roadside service for the following 12 months.
Prices up
Prices have increased across the range, which is not surprising taking into account the additional standard equipment. The ES has risen by $1500, the LS by $2250 and the Exceed by a substantial $4750. The pricing makes some sense, with the Eclipse Cross starting at $29,990 with the cheapest all-wheel drive model (the LS) coming in at $34,990. Mitsubishi’s market research suggests that ASX buyers aren’t interested in all-wheel drive, and past indicators are that the Eclipse Cross has had little, if any, impact on ASX sales.
Summary
The Mitsubishi ASX is an honest and appealing compact SUV. For older drivers, the comparatively high hip point makes entry and exit much easier than in some other competitors, without requiring a climb up into the seat.
2020 ASX SPECIFICATION OVERVIEW
ASX ES
- 2.0L MPI MIVEC Engine
- 5 speed manual or CVT
- Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM)
- 7 airbags
- Active Stability Control
- Traction control
- Hill start assist
- 18” Alloy wheels
- LED headlamps with integrated Daytime Running Lamps (DRL)
- LED brake, tail and reverse lamps
- Rear spoiler with LED stop lamp
- Leather wrapped steering wheel
- Single zone climate control
- Cruise control
- Door mirrors with electric fold control
- 8” smartphone touchscreen audio
- DAB radio
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Electrochromatic rear view mirror
- Reverse Camera
ADAS safety pack
Additional features
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Change Assist
- Blind Spot Warning
- Reverse Sensors
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Auto High Beam
- Front Fog lamps
- Door mirrors with turn indicator
- Rain sensing wipers
- Dusk sensing headlamps
ASX LS
Key specifications over ES with ADAS pack
- Smart key and one touch start
- Roof rails
- Privacy glass
- Chrome interior door handles
ASX Exceed
Key specifications over LS
- 2.4L MPI MIVEC engine
- Two tone 18” alloy wheels
- Dark argent radiator grille
- Auto headlamp levelling
- Panoramic roof
- Leather appointed seats
- Heated seats
- Driver 4-way power seat
- TomTom navigation
- Rockford Fosgate Premium audio with 9 speakers
SPORTS RANGE
ASX MR
Key specifications over ES
- Black alloy wheels
- Black door mirrors
- Black grille
- Privacy Glass
- Front Fog lamps
- Leather appointed steering wheel, shift knob & park brake with red stitch
- Aluminium pedals
- Smart key with one touch start
ASX GSR
Key specifications over MR
- 4L MPI MIVEC engine
- Sports rear spoiler
- Paddle shift
- Micro suede and synthetic leather seating
- Black interior headlining
- 6 speakers
Colours:
Available in:
White
Starlight
Sterling silver
Black
Lightning blue
Titanium
Red diamond (new)
Sunshine orange (new, GSR and Exceed only)
Accessories
Three accessories packs are available. The purchase of the pack will give customers a discount over individual pricing. All pricing includes fitment and GST.
| Adventure kit | Protection pack | Style set |
| Roof rack cross bars | Outer scuff plates | Alloy fuel lid |
| Bonnet protector | Bonnet protector | Front skid plate |
| Headlight protectors | Headlight protector | Rear skid plate |
| Nudge bar | Weather shield | Tailgate protector |
| Cargo liner | Cargo liner | Chrome door handle |
| Boot flap scuff guard | Carpet mats | Silver door mirror cover |
| Price: $1,699RRP
Save: $279.88 off individual pricing. |
Price: $999RRP Save: $230.84 off individual pricing. |
Price: $2,199RRP Save: $441.66 off individual pricing. |