Mitsubishi ASX

The ASX cabin is more about durability and usability than flashy luxury.

Interior Highlights

Key features of the cabin are:

• 8-inch touchscreen display
• 9-speaker sound system
• Smartphone-link Display Audio
• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• multifunction steering wheel
• panoramic glass roof
• automatic climate control
• rear-view camera
• CVT models come with paddle shifters 

Cabin Design Philosophy

The dashboard design is simple and easy to use.

Controls are easily accessible, menus are simple to navigate, and the cabin doesn't get needlessly complicated. Mitsubishi obviously made the ASX for long-term use!

The material quality is good and not high-end. Hard plastics are found throughout the cabin, and overall construction quality is sturdy and well put together.

The interior design might be a bit out-of-date for some buyers when compared with newer competitors. 

But the simplicity also makes the long-term ownership and reliability a bit easier.

Cabin Space

The ASX is a 5-door SUV with a very functional seating arrangement.

The interior space is also spacious, and the driving position is high, giving good visibility, which is a favourite feature among SUV owners.

Rear-seat space is good for everyday family use, but some have said that the rear legroom is slightly cramped in comparison to newer models.

However, the ASX offers fair passenger usability across the board for a small crossover.

Seating Comfort

Comfort is very good in the front for daily driving and for longer trips.

The raised seating angle definitely offers much better visibility, and the seats themselves give good back support when driving on the highway.

Rear leg room is fair for short to medium trips, but may be a bit cramped for taller persons on longer trips.

Safety is another area that is a strength of the Mitsubishi ASX.

Safety Features

Available systems include:

• Active Stability Control (ASC)
• Traction Control System (TCL)
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Advanced Driver Assistance System
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Hill Start Assist
• multiple airbags
• Lane Departure Warning
• Forward Collision Mitigation
• Rear parking sensors and reversing camera

Structural Safety

ASX is stable and predictable at highway speeds.

It is mounted high, has a well-balanced chassis construction, and safety systems to boost driver confidence in both city and long-distance driving situations.

Ownership Perspective in the UAE

One of the ASX's greatest assets is its ownership experience.

The benefits of key ownership are:

• strong Mitsubishi reliability reputation
• affordable servicing
• relatively inexpensive spare parts
• fuel efficiency
• wide service support through Al Habtoor Motors
• durable mechanical setup

Although not the most flashy compact SUV, the ASX is capable of providing reliable long-term ownership, a feature that is prized by many GCC customers.

It might not be the latest shape in its class, but the Mitsubishi ASX maintains a clean, rugged, and assertive SUV style.

Exterior Highlights

Exterior Key features include:

• Dynamic Shield front grille
• LED daytime running lights (DRLs)
• LED headlamps
• Sharp front bumper design
• Roof rails
• Sporty alloy wheels (available in 16-inch or 18-inch) 
• Panoramic glass roof
• Sculpted body lines
• Rear spoiler 

Available in 7 exterior colour options: Red Diamond, Sporty Blue, Titanium Grey Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, White Diamond, White Solid, and Black Mica.

Design Philosophy

The ASX shares Mitsubishi's familiar “Dynamic Shield” styling cues, making the vehicle tougher and more aggressive than previous models.

The front fascia is particularly standout due to:

• chrome grille accents
• angular lighting design
• upright SUV proportions

The ASX's compact cross-over dimensions, as seen from the side, are ideal for city driving in the UAE. It provides a sporty look without becoming "big, it's easier to manoeuvre in tight city roads and crowded parking lots.

The higher trims further enhance their looks with:

• larger alloy wheels
• panoramic roof
• more premium exterior detailing

Some of the entrants seem more futuristic, but the ASX is still a grown-up, practical and decidedly SUV-looking design.

Dimensions and Practicality

One of the best features of the ASX is the way in which they manage to ensure that the space is compact and usable.

Dimensions

Approximate dimensions include:

• Length: 4,365 mm
• Width: 1,810 mm
• Height: 1,630 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,670 mm

The dimensions of the ASX make it very easy to live in and very easy to maneuver around in the city, while still having a good amount of cabin room for everyday family use.

Cargo and Utility

Practicality is one of the other benefits that the ASX has to offer.

Cargo-related highlights include:

• up to 358 liters of luggage capacity
• wide tailgate opening
• low cargo floor
• 60:40 split-folding rear seats
• underfloor storage compartment 

Folding up the rear seats creates a lot more space for transporting goods, and the ASX is more than capable of doing so:

• airport luggage
• shopping trips
• camping gear
• sports equipment
• family travel needs

For buyers who are looking to use the space outdoors, roof rails are another great addition for convenience.

The ASX uses:

• The front suspension is a MacPherson strut.
• multi-link rear suspension 

This setup helps the SUV maintain a good balance between:

• ride comfort
• stability
• handling predictability

Road imperfections are absorbed rather well, especially in city and highway driving.

The suspension tuning definitely has a more comfortable approach, rather than sporty and sharp.

4WD Capability

A special feature of the ASX in this range is the optional electronically-controlled 4WD available on some trims. 

The drive mode selector enables the driver to adjust the car to one of the following modes:

• normal road driving
• wet surfaces
• light sand conditions
• gravel roads

The ASX isn't an off-road vehicle, but the 4WD is more useful than the 4WD found in many front-wheel-drive rivals.

The Ubercharged Mitsubishi ASX comes with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter, four-cylinder petrol engine and a CVT automatic transmission.

Engine Specifications

Some important performance indicators are:

• 2.0L MIVEC petrol engine
• 148 hp
• 197 Nm torque
• INVECS-III CVT automatic transmission
• Available in 2WD and 4WD. 

Real-World Performance

The ASX is not about aggressive performance; it's about smooth drivability and efficiency.

Under urban driving conditions, the engine is responsive enough to use for:

• city commuting
• highway cruising
• daily errands
• family transportation

The naturally aspirated engine has a predictable throttle response, whereas the CVT transmission focuses on smoothness and fuel economy.

Mitsubishi's MIVEC technology also aids in enhancing:

• fuel efficiency
• emissions performance
• engine responsiveness 

Highway Driving

The ASX is stable and comfortably cruising at highway speeds.

The engine is powerful enough to power:

• overtaking
• highway merging
• long-distance travel

But those looking for some sporty power might not get as much of a thrill out of the CVT as they would with some turbocharged competitors.

The ASX is best driven slowly and steadily, rather than aggressively.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is still good in the category.

Owners and reviewers generally report fuel economy figures around:

• With mixed driving conditions, 14-15 km/l 

This is also a benefit for UAE owners who look for a low cost of daily ownership.

Ride quality and driving experience

The Mitsubishi ASX is designed for everyday usability and offers a comfortable and confidence-inspiring driving experience.

Urban Driving

The ASX does well in urban areas.

The key strengths of the city are:

• light steering
• compact dimensions
• excellent outward visibility
• comfortable suspension setup
• easy maneuverability

Even the most novice of drivers or first-time SUV purchasers can feel at ease in the SUV.

Parking and maneuvering are relatively easy when compared to larger crossovers.

The ASX features modern connectivity capabilities but has a relatively simple technology interface.

Technology Features

Available systems include:

• Apple CarPlay
• Android Auto
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Touchscreen infotainment
• Voice controls
• Reverse camera
• Paddle shifters
• Cruise control
• USB connectivity

Infotainment Experience

The infotainment system is more about usability than fancy graphics.

There's smooth integration for the smartphone, and the touchscreen interface is easy to use while driving.

This simplicity can be an actual benefit for many buyers.

In the UAE, the Mitsubishi ASX is available in multiple variants with different feature levels and drivetrain options. The main Mitsubishi ASX variants sold in the UAE are: 

• 2.0 L GLX 2WD Basic – This is the entry-level variant and offers the basic equipment for the ASX.
• 2.0 L GLX 4WD Low Line – Adds 4WD capability and some extra features.
• 2.0 L GLX 4WD Mid Line – Similar 4WD but with upgraded equipment.
• 2.0 L GLX 2WD Mid Line – A 2WD variant with mid level features.
• 2.0 L GLX 4WD High Line – Best in class equipment with 4WD.

The ASX gives clear options to the buyers to choose from 2WD and 4WD options and two trim levels: Basic and High. The UAE car buyers looking for a 4WD and higher convenience features should go for “High Line”, and the budget buyers can opt for the Basic 2WD variant and save significantly.

The Mitsubishi ASX works because it's about the basics that are important to many in the UAE:

• reliability
• practicality
• comfort
• affordability
• ease of ownership

The ASX offers a reliable and complete compact SUV experience, rather than hopping on the latest fads or overabundant technology.

It's also small, has a fuel-efficient engine, rides well, and is available with 4WD for the typical suburban lifestyle in the GCC.

Newer players might be more advanced or have more exciting interiors, but the simplicity, reliability, and value proposition of the ASX are still very competitive.

In the UAE, the Mitsubishi ASX remains a wise and sensible choice for those who are looking for a compact, practical, and reliable SUV that is easy to own.

Overall Satisfactory (UAE Context): 7.5 / 10

Overall, the Mitsubishi ASX is a reliable and practical compact SUV that effectively manages to blend utility, city maneuverability, efficient fuel consumption, and Mitsubishi's proven track record of reliability in one package, making it a great choice for driving in the UAE.