Mitsubishi ASX 4 2.2 DI-D 4WD Automatic

 It’s taken time for the many positive qualities of the ASX to outdo the disappointment of it having an automatic gearbox, but the car has finally triumphed. Peter Cracknell reports.

The ASX is one of those motors that seemed better as time goes on. Some cars you can get in, and within half a mile there’s a smile on your face and you’re thinking you and the four wheels are a team. The ASX hasn’t been like that, and undoubtedly the main reason is the lack of a gear lever, or at least one that requires attention.

However, maybe it’s advancing years, or more likely increasing traffic, but the disadvantages of an automatic gearbox have seemed less important as time with the ASX has passed. The fundamental minus of increased fuel consumption has been mollified by recent long motorway journeys on which the car has achieved over 50mpg, and on one occasion a memorable 53. For a car of this size and weight that’s pretty impressive, and it’s worth mentioning, once again, that our model has switchable four-wheel-drive. I should also mention that to get this consumption figure, I did limit speed to 60mph, which shows what can be done if you’re prepared to leave more time for the journey.

Passengers in the ASX have been fulsome in their praise for the comfort it offers, and my wife has on more than a few occasions mentioned the heated seats. Leg and head room have also been applauded from both front and rear seats. The early winter evenings that accompanied much of the ASX testing meant there were as many hours driving at night as in the daylight. The automatic lights have worked just as they should in terms of switching on, but most importantly the brightness and spread of their output is superb. Seen at its best on a flowing B-road, the visibility is, well, brilliant, and this is without the extra complications of xenon headlights. However, looking in directions other than straight ahead, thick pillars all round (especially the rear ones) can make parking awkward.

The lack of snow and ice during the test period left little chance to test the effectiveness of the four-wheel-drive system, though the ease of selecting it was obvious from the start. It seems only a few years since tests of all-wheel-drive machines had us scrabbling around twisting knurled knobs on the front wheel hubs; a job that by its nature was often carried out in the snow, or at least damp, accompanied by sub-zero temperatures. For the ASX, a simple press of a button by the gear lever, and the job is done.

The four-cylinder engine is commendably quiet, even under fairly hard use, though with this large capacity one would expect it. For those who like to fiddle with steering wheel paddles, Mitsubishi have thoughtfully provided them, though there seems little point, as the revs will still fluctuate wildly unless the throttle is treated very gently. Ride quality is excellent, and far steadier than a car as tall as this would lead you to expect. There’s a little lean on tight bends, but road holding is entirely adequate for the sort of motoring the ASX is going to do. Noise levels are good, with very little sound from the engine and wind, and reasonable tyre noise.

Anyone buying a crossover has almost by definition to be needing space, style and go-anywhere ability; if they didn’t, they’d probably be getting a small hatchback.

Anyone buying a crossover has almost by definition to be needing space, style and go-anywhere ability; if they didn’t, they’d probably be getting a small hatchback. The ASX manages those three requirements extremely capably. The driver’s seat has electric controls, and quite enough of them to get a comfortable position. Style is of course a subjective quality, but there’s no denying the car’s presence on the road. Four-wheel-drive ensures it’s able to go off into the boondocks should you wish to, and space for passengers and luggage is good, with only a slight reservation about the boot volume before you fold the rear seats: 416 litres (14.7 cubic feet) is adequate, but only just.

Overall opinion of the ASX? The family likes it, as do I, especially if you’ll give me one with a manual transmission.