Lucky me, I got to test drive the brand new Mitsubishi ASX over the weekends. Since it was also Michael’s wedding at Genting, I took the opportunity to test drive the crossover over the slightly more challenging roads up the hill instead of just having it around KL with limited chance to crank up the 2.0 liter MIVEC engine.
Mitsubishi ASX (Active Smart Crossover) with 2.0 Mivec
The front of the car took the cue from the aggressive yet classy design of the Lancer. In fact, from certain front angles the ASX looks almost like a taller version of Lancer, a pretty handsome design I think.
As mentioned earlier, under the hood is the same 2.0 liter MIVEC engine that churns out 150 PS and 197 Nm of torque, specifically tuned for this car. As such, the drive is actually quite zippy. This is partly due to the ASX’s curb weight at 1375 KG, actually 10 KG lighter than the Lancer.
ASX employs a 6 step CVT (continuous variable transmission) with paddle shift, handy especially for overtaking. Even while on auto, you can shift down by clicking the paddle shift without having to adjust the gear knob first.
exterior shots of Mitsubishi ASX
Other features of the car includes (full specs here):
- dual airbags with additional driver’s knee airbag
- engine immobiliser
- hill start assist (prevent sliding down aka Malaysian driving test)
- auto cruise
- 16″ alloy rims
- ventilated front disk brakes
- fully automated air conditioning with air filter
- automated retractable rear view mirrors
interior shots, with reverse camera, auto cruise too
On the inside, the car is spacious and provide very good head and leg room. Exterior noise is pretty isolated even while driving at high speed.
Supplied with the ASX is a double DIN Kenwood touch screen audio system that also comes with a rear view camera and IPOD connectivity. However, I think additional module is needed if you want to enable in car navigation with the same screen.
As for fuel economy, my personal test in the city yield about 11 to 12 liter per 100 km, but on the way back from Genting to PJ gave me 8.4 liter/100KM, pretty good for a crossover this size.
at Michael & Li Ling’s wedding in Genting
The car came in plenty handy when over the weekends. Sat five comfortably while serving as part of the groom’s motorcade to get the bride. A big shout out to Michael and Li Ling, congrats you guys!
The car didn’t have any problem scaling the hill. Due to the amount of cars parked at the location, I had to made a U-turn at some gravel road and the ASX’s ground clearance and pretty tight turning radius came in handy.
We also managed to fit in a big make up box, an ice cooler, and 3 luggage bags at the trunk on the way back.
Above is a short video of  the ASX I took over the weekends, check it out.
The Mitsubishi ASX costs RM 139,980 on the road and is available now.
There’s also the Mitsubishi ASX-Perience contest currently running on facebook, and for once it is actually very simple to participate. Simply go to Mitsubishi ASX Malaysia facebook page, put a comment on why you deserve this week’s ASX-Perience and get as many people to “like” your comment.
This week’s (29 nov – 5th dec) scenario – an ASX for a day with RM 600 to spend. Check out the facebook page.
If you choose which one is better the new proton or this mitsu? the price is very much difference leh
raybanmy: this one is a crossover mah, very different from a sedan
I always like the design of Lancer & that’s the reason why I think that ASX is a handsome compact SUV! Love the exterior and interior.. got the chance to look closer during KLIMS 10 (I went there last Sat).
But the thing is…. I probably won’t buy ASX & instead go for CRV.
Leo: won’t be a mistake going for either one, I do like the design of ASX more tho
most important question for this area of the world: how’s the air-conditioning?
Enoch: aircond at the front was alright, not so sure about the back seats tho
Saw the ASX and sat in it at the KLIMS yesterday. No chance to test drive it. Love the looks but the boot is small. As a crossover I think its fantastic but I prefer it to be in blue instead 😈
Mark: ah, cool. btw how was KLIMS? worth it to visit?
Well I didn’t expect much from it but I guess it was “so-so”. BMW, Merc and other European brands were missing from the place. Mainly features a lot of Proton, Perodua, Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Chevy, Kia and Peugeot.
Naza has a section there for their supercars but seeing the Ferrari 458 is really awesome.
Mark Leo: oOo 458 is indeed sweet.
About KLIMS, here is my review, KY – http://bit.ly/hRsVKQ
ASX is good for petite, small-framed drivers and passengers. I think it’s a bit challenging for 6-footers to fully enjoy the car. Somehow the compact Xover is a little too.. compact. The Pajero Sport and Lancer hatch make my day tho, and the Triton, anytime!
Btw, nice review of the ASX. When wanna own it lah? 😉
andymervingeorge: cool review, rather comprehensive!
Bro, what with the old skool ‘beyond’ song in the video clip? lol 😀
dude: hahaha cos i’m that old 😛
hmm… nice song! what’s the title???
tony: that’s beyond’s 我是愤怒
damn, i plan to get this new ride.
you’d spoil my mood…
i’m pretty sure it will affect its sales… damn u!!!
Eric Yap Kok Wai: lol what could I have done!? 😛
cant blame you, blame your ugly face
Eric: oh ya? thanks.
this ASX is one of the lowest spec models that we get in malaysia but they sell it for a really high price (higher than the full spec). Malaysian ASX is only 2wheel drive(which means there is no toggle to switch from 2wd to 4wd near the handbrake), no audio control in the steering wheel, no sunroof, no LED illuminated panel for sunroof & lesser airbags. These features are more or less present in ASX of other countries for a cheaper price & they sell both 2wd & 4wd. In Europe this ASX is only 25,000 euro which is less than RM 110k. But how come then they say its fully imported from Japan? Does this mean the Japanese are cheating us or the local dealers have got some role in ridiculously hiking up the price by themselves? Its nice to drive though.
*not intended to sabotage but for critical thinking for the fellow Malaysians.*
sultan: you can say the same thing on just about every car, it’s the excise & import tax that we have, sigh.
Does ASX prefer 95′?
sergeant: RON 95 is plenty enough for ASX 🙂