Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi ASX Overview

The Mitsubishi ASX (short for Active Sports Crossover) is a 5-door compact crossover SUV, first introduced in Malaysia back in 2010 as a fully imported CBU model from Japan.

Local assembly of the Mitsubishi ASX commenced in 2014 at the Tan Chong Motor Assemblies in Segambut where it went through a couple of facelift exercises and multiple special editions before officially discontinued in 2021.

The locally assembled Mitsubishi ASX is available in the 2WD and the 4WD variant, the latter with the ability to lock drive at 50:50 on both axles. Both variants are powered by the same 2.0 Litre 4-cylinder MIVEC engine paired to a CVT transmission.  

The Mitsubishi ASX is competitively priced when launched and it goes up against rivals like the Honda HR-V, Subaru XV and the Toyota C-HR. 

Mitsubishi ASX Design

The front fascia features Mitsubishi’s signature trapezoidal mesh grille with chrome surrounds, colour-keyed bumper and LED daytime running light positioned around the fog lamp housing.

The 4WD variant adds black painted centre bumper, chrome fog lamp housing, chrome window line, 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels as well as panoramic sunroof.  

Up slopping window line coupled with the extremely short rear overhang gave the Mitsubishi ASX its signature silhouette. Colours available are Black Mica, Titanium Grey, Cool Silver, Solid White and Sporty Blue.

Although categorized as a C-segment SUV, the Mitsubishi ASX is more comparable to the B-segment counterparts in terms of outright size and price. Although compact in size, the interior space is relatively spacious thanks to the long wheelbase, longer in fact by 10 mm than the current generation Honda CR-V.

Mitsubishi ASX Interior

Leather upholstery is standard across all variants. Centre console is slightly revised now with additional storage area, accented by piano black inserts which can also be found on the door switch panels.

Driver gets leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and instrument panel with colour LCD multi-info display flanked by analog tachometer and speedometer. Combination of squidgy and hard plastic materials are used across the dashboard and the door panels.

A 4WD variant exclusive panoramic sunroof further elevates the interior ambiance, allowing more natural sunlight into the cabin.

Mitsubishi ASX Features

Standard equipment includes automatic lights and wipers, shark fin style radio antenna, automatic air conditioning, leather upholstery, automatic retractable side mirrors, touchscreen infotainment system with Virtual Acoustic Positioning System (VAPS), Bluetooth connectivity as well as GPS Navigation.

4WD variant adds magnesium paddle shifter that is also featured on the sportier Mitsubishi Lancer, Keyless Entry with Push Start, Cruise Control, reverse camera and of course an all-wheel-drive mode activation button  

In terms of safety, standard features include 3 airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Override System, rear parking sensors and Engine immobilizer. 4WD variant adds 7 airbags, Traction Control, Active Stability Control, additional front and rear parking sensors and Hill Start Assist.

Mitsubishi ASX Driving Performance

The Mitsubishi ASX is powered by Mitsubishi’s 4B11 2.0 litre 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC engine developing a respectable 150 PS at 6000 RPM and 197 NM of torque from 4200 RPM. The engine is paired to the INVECS-III CVT transmission with 6-step Sports Mode.

Based on the larger outlander SUV, the lightweight 4WD system consists of a rear differential carrier, an electronically controlled coupling (ECC) connected to the forward section of the rear differential and a power transfer unit (PTU) mated to the transmission near the front axle.

Drivers can choose between three drive modes - 2WD mode for normal driving condition, the 4WD Auto mode for enhanced cornering or increased traction under slippery conditions, and lastly the 4WD Lock mode which delivers more torque to the rear wheels for better performance in all-terrain conditions.

Mitsubishi ASX Ride Comfort

The Mitsubishi ASX is based on the GS platform co-developed with DaimlerChrysler, the same chassis that also underpins the Mitsubishi Lancer and its distant cousin the Proton Inspira.

Featuring a front MacPherson struts and a rear multi-link suspension system, the Mitsubishi ASX sits higher than your average hatchbacks but drives like a conventional car. Paired with the available 4WD system, traction is greatly enhanced and improves cornering performance.

Compared to the original CBU unit, the facelifted CKD variant has a much improved NVH levels. The droning sound coming off the engine and transmission on the older models has been toned down, making daily driving less cumbersome.

Mitsubishi ASX Conclusion

It has been 11 years since the first introduction of the Mitsubishi ASX in Malaysia. There is no denying that it is in desperate need of a major update in terms of features and design. If interior space is your top priority, you might want to look elsewhere. However, the Mitsubishi is the only model amongst its competition apart from the Subaru XV to offer the option of 2WD and 4WD. While I doubt the average Mitsubishi ASX will ever find itself on a rugged off-road terrain, but it is always good to know that your car is designed to be a lot more durable and capable than it needs to be.