Cosmetic update to keep up with sexy young set
Mitsubishi Motors SA has taken the knife to its ASX crossover that, frankly, has become rather long in the tooth.
In the company’s quest for the model to keep up with the advent of newer entrants, the ASX has received cosmetic changes that also include an updated grille.
The so-called dynamic shield grille is said to connect the upper and lower sections of the bumper into one single air intake. Meanwhile, the black section of the intake links the headlights and fog lights and is surrounded by eye-catching chrome details that widen towards the middle of the grille.
The grille is rounded off by a lower chromed section, which mimics the design of a strike plate and hints at the model’s SUV roots.
The line-up consists of five derivatives all featuring the similar 2.0l Mivec petrol engine.
It comes equipped with variable valve timing and multipoint fuel injection and produces 110kW at 6,000r/min and 197Nm of torque at 4 200r/min.
Power is delivered to the front wheels through either a five-speed manual gearbox or continuously variable transmission (CVT) with the latter featuring six pre-programmed gear steps.
FUEL EFFICIENT
The engine is renowned for being fuel efficient, with an average consumption of 7.5l/100km for the manual models and 7.6l for the CVT equipped versions.
All models are fitted with a 63l tank that is said to yield an 800km range.
Standard convenience items include Bluetooth with voice control, cruise control, multifunction steering wheel, electric windows, air conditioning, rainsensing wipers, rear park distance control and automatic lights. GLX and GLS derivatives also offer a full-length panoramic glass roof, keyless operation and a full colour touchscreen infotainment system, heated leather seats in the front and electrically adjustable driver’s seat, as well as a rear-view camera. The two GLS derivatives feature a powerful Rockford Fosgate sound system, while the CVT version of the GLS has high-intensity discharge headlights and LED daytime running lights.
WHILE THE MODEL LAGS BEHIND IN ENGINE TECH, IT DOES MAKE UP FOR IT IN THE RELATIVELY LOWER CAPITAL OUTLAY
Safety items are also good and include, among others, a reinforced impact safety evolution body shell, seven airbags, Isofix child-restraint mountings, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution and emergency brake assistance. GLS models also add items such as stability and traction control and hill-start assist as standard.
These items are said to have contributed significantly to the vehicle’s five-star Euro Ncap safety rating.
The updated ASX is priced from R364,900 to R434,900, which also includes a fiveyear/90,000km service plan and a three-year/100,000km warranty.
While the model lags behind in engine tech, it does make up for it in the relatively lower capital outlay. With an influx of more up to date models, the ASX value-for-money proposition remains one of its main drawcards, however with more advanced competitors coming onto the market, the model has its work cut out for it.