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.
In the early 1990s, the Japanese car makers offer quite a good lineup of pretty affordable sports cars. Cars that were geared towards enthusiasts who aren’t necessarily fixing their midlife crisis.
Mitsubishi had two models that fit into the category, the GTO (and Dodge Stealth), and the little brother, the FTO.
FTO stands for “Fresh Touring Origination”, and it is really a sleek little car that is rather capable. Equipped with a 2.0 liter MIVEC V6 engine with 24 valve. The car produces up to 200ps at 7500 rpm without an aid of a turbo. Quite impressive.
The 0-100 km/h speed is in the mid to high 6s mark, not quite as impressive as its closest rival, the Toyota MR2, but would still beat over 80% of the cars out there with it’s NA engine in FF configuration.
The second (or third of many hand) FTOs are now trading in Malaysia for about RM 40-50k region. Since FTO was produced only from 1994 to 2000. There aren’t many of them around anymore, so if you can get your hands on one in awesome condition, I’m sure you won’t regret it.
After all, how many cars were in Jackie Chan’s movie Thunderbolt (1995)as one of the main characters? Check out the video below for some old time classic!
In late 2001 to 2003, I had the privilege of owning one of the finest Japanese sports cars produced in the nineties. The Dodge Stealth RT/TT is just a rebranded version of the more widely known Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR4, or as it is called in some other countries, the GTO twin turbo version.
Some quick specs:
Engine: 6G72 3.0 DOHC twin turbo
Compression: 8.0 to 1
Drive train: AWD with rear LSD
Turbo Boost: 1.0 bar
Power: 320 HP @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 315 lb/ft @ 2500 rpm
Transmission: 6 speed Getrag close ratio
Tyres: 245/40 ZR 18
0-100 km/h: 5.5s
1/4 mile: 13.6s
The Stealth I had was basically completely stock, down to the original air filter and the quad-exhaust. I had intended to do a stage one upgrade to get a few extra horses, but due to unforseen circumstances, the plan went up the air and I decided to come back to Malaysia instead. An open pod K&N filter, after market exhaust, and a boost controller will easily push the power output to the 360+ level.
Many had thought that the Stealth/GTO/3000GT is a sports car, but Mitsubishi had designed a touring car instead. In fact, GTO stands for “Gran Tourismo Omologato”, which basically means Grand Touring class production vehicle. True to it’s spirit, the car is excellent at sustaining high speed travel. I have taken her through long journey, from Cincinnati to Chicago, and to Washington DC metro area. Each way was over 1200 km, and the vehicle takes it gracefully.
The interior of the car sports full leather seats for the driver and the shot gun, they are rather spacious and comfortable, while back seats are only fit for kids. The driver seat is also fully powered, you can adjust it’s height, tightness and firmness electronically.
The cockpit displays the speedo meter with 180 mph as the limit. I’ve personally only tested her to around 145 mph before my balls shrunk (don’t ask.) Rev limit stood at 7000 rpm with the ECU rev cut at 7,300 rpm. There’s also the standard water temperature, fuel gauge, oil temperature, batter meter, and boost indicator. Climate control and cruise control comes standard, and it includes a 6 speakers Infinity head unit with 6-CD changer too.
Speed when I needed it, comfort for long distance, with an aggresive look that is the pinnacle of the Japanese sports car era in the 90s. It was truely a sweet ride.
Related links: Stealth 316 – A site devoted to Stealth RT/TT and 3000 GT VR4
Team3s – Stealth and 3000GT mailing list
I finally went to the Toyota MR2 teh tarik session for the first time. Had to miss the last one as I went back to Penang for a friend’s wedding. I’m most likely not able to remember all the new names, but there’s always the next round.
There were close to 10 cars that came to the Shell station at TTDI on the friday night. Among the over half dozen MR2 SW20s, there were 2 MR-S, including Alan’s ride with execellent body kit and really awesome paintjob, and a really sweet looking MK1. The guys were friendly and a few of us are newcomers, including soon-to-be MR2 owners.
After spending some time talking with each other at Shell TTDI, we moved over to Dataran Prima for a drink. There were more sports cars there, including Mazda RX-7 & RX-8, several Mitsubishi Evos, Nissan Skylines, Honda S2000, Subaru Imprezas, and even a Nissan Silvia. I think I should remember to bring my camera the next time around.
a bunch of MR2 owners mingling around
my car with the mismatching front bumper color smacked right in the middle
