Mitsubishi ASX Review and Prices

Let’s first address the elephant in the room – and, by the way, this elephant has a walking stick and free bus pass. Yep, the Mitsubishi ASX is now almost 10 years old, which in car-building terms is a bit like being David Attenborough at a disco.

And despite this latest ASX looking a lot different to the previous one, it’s actually pretty much the same car underneath, yet these days faces much fiercer competition from the likes of the Seat Arona, Volkswagen T-Cross and Mazda CX-3.

Why’s the ASX so old? Well, boring reasons to do with Mitsubishi’s new partnership with Renault and Nissan and having to wait in line for new technology and an all-new model. So, for now, the ASX has had a large facelift instead, getting Mitsubishi’s new ‘Dynamic Shield’ grille styling, new front and rear bumpers, and LED lights. You’ll find new wheel designs and extra colour choices in the brochure, too.

Inside there’s a new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the middle of the dashboard, but either side is much the same dash fitted to the previous car. As such, there’s just enough pleasant-feeling plastic to rival alternatives and solid build quality, but the further down the cabin you go the cheaper it feels, while the ASX’s switches aren’t particularly satisfying to use.

On the subject of infotainment, entry-level Design models this comes with DAB radio, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a couple of USB connections. On more expensive Dynamic models the system also gets built-in sat-nav by TomTom. In both its forms the system is bright and responsive, with easy-to-follow menu systems moved through either via touch or rotary dials.

The amount of standard equipment you get is also impressive, bettering other small SUVs. There are just two trims but even entry-level Design comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless start, a reversing camera, climate control, heated front seats and cruise control.

The Mitsubishi ASX’s updated infotainment system stands out in what is otherwise a small SUV that looks and feels long in the tooth.

Tall adults will have no problems with the amount in the front of the Mitsubishi ASX, but in the back the news is less positive. Kneeroom for another couple of adults is fine, but they’ll find their heads against the ceiling and, while few small SUVs manage to seat three in the back, the ASX’s middle seat is uncomfortable and there isn’t much foot room for the middle passenger. Still, at least its boot is actually one of the more spacious among its peers.

Its peers are all better to drive, though. The ASX’s single 150hp 2.0-litre petrol engine option feels weaker than its power figure suggests and its vague steering and poor body control don’t inspire confidence on winding roads. Plus, it’s uncomfortable in town and noisy on the motorway. The ASX’s five-speed manual gearbox is unpleasant to use, too, so we’d spend more on the CVT automatic if you can stretch to it.

Which all makes the ageing Mitsubishi ASX difficult to recommend ahead of newer alternatives, even considering its generous five-year warranty and Mitsubishi’s sterling reliability record. Truth be told, there are numerous small SUVs that are more enjoyable to drive, better for rear passengers and have far more attractive cabins.