Blue on brown
The Mitsubishi ASX belongs in the hands of an outdoor enthusiast rather than a petrolhead. And the ES model is gentler on your budget to boot.
In 2011, Mitsubishi South Africa launched its first ASX, and almost 9 500 of these cars have been sold over the past 11 years. While it is true that that sales figure is far below other brands – think Volkswagen Polo – but it is nonetheless a top seller for Mitsubishi.
Mitsubishi announced an ES version earlier this year, which is a more affordable version of the existing LS model that we last reported on in August 2020.
The ES models are available with a manual gearbox and also a continuously variable transmission (or CVT). It is geared toward young families who want to be part of the Mitsubishi family, but cannot yet afford a Pajero.
What do we have here?
By folding down the 60:40 split rear seats, the luggage space can be increased from 406 liters to 1 206 liters. If your family take up the rear seats, however, the good news is that roof rails come standard so you can fit a roof box.
Under the floor of the boot is a full-sized spare wheel and not one of those silly space savers that won’t allow you to go faster than 80 km/h. The engine is an old-school 2 ℓ four cylinder without a turbocharger or intercoolers that can fail.
The 195 mm ground clearance is welcome, as we discovered on a severely eroded dirt road. There is also enough rubber between the road surface and rims for a comfortable ride along almost any route.
No, it’s not all-wheel driven, but not all of us require or even want four-wheel drive. If it can handle a dirt road without rubbing its belly, then it’s good enough.
How does it drive?
The ES model uses the same 2 ℓ MIVEC engine as in the more expensive LS versions, and while the engine has acceptable performance figures – 110kW and 197Nm – the feeling behind the wheel is one of contentment
and amenability rather than raw, exciting power.
We’re not saying the ASX is a slouch – far from it as it’s responsive when you step on the accelerator pedal – but the 15-year-old 4B11 engine out of the old Mitsubishi Lancer can get pretty thirsty when you push it. In fact, even at normal driving speeds, the ASX is heavier on fuel (12 km/ℓ) than many other new vehicles in this category and price range.
Our only complaint about the engine is the sound the CVT makes. Sure, we’ve heard worse droning, but rather give us a DCT or even just a regular automatic gearbox. We know, however, that the average motorist doesn’t care what type of transmission it is as long as it’s automatic.
How does it compare?
There are dozens of rivals when it comes to luggage space, engine and cabin size, but they all cost more than R400 000. Mitsubishi managed to introduce a midweight SUV for a smidgen under this amount.
Under this price ceiling, if you prefer a Toyota, Suzuki or Hyundai, you’d have to settle for the Corolla Cross, Vitara Brezza or Venue, all three of which are a bit smaller than the Mitsubishi ASX, not only in terms of engine size, but also in terms of luggage space and legroom.
However, if you don’t mind shelling out a few extra bucks, you can buy a Toyota CH-R, Suzuki Vitara (the regular one) and a Hyundai Kona. They’re arguably streaks ahead of the ASX ES – especially the latter with its bigger boot.
Conclusion
If you don’t want to spend more than R400 000 on a brand new car, definitely consider the Mitsubishi ASX ES. It does feel a bit dated compared to its rivals, but if you’re looking for the bulletproof simplicity of a 2 ℓ four-cylinder engine without a turbocharger, don’t mind a buzzy gearbox, then the Mitsubishi ASX ES is right up your alley.