Mitsubishi ASX - where compacts don't rule
The Japanese concern cannot be denied consistency in offering the world a car that seems to have peaceful intentions. The Mitsubishi ASX has not been a threat to its competitors for many years, and at the same time it is an interesting alternative for drivers who are bored with new compacts that are replaced every few years. For a little more, we have the chance to be the proud owner of a much less classic car. After recent highly controversial changes to the exterior design, it has proven to be even less clichéd. What is the updated Mitsubishi ASX?
The neighbors will go crazy
Before you enjoy the Mitsubishi ASX facelift yourself, your neighbors will do it first. In addition to envy, the car pleases the eye, although only an experienced observer will notice changes in appearance. The front part of the small crossover was restored the most severely. It is also the most frequently discussed element. In keeping with the principle of not discussing tastes, it is worth not mentioning it and take a closer look at the refreshed face of ASX. It is no coincidence that Mitsubishi sells this model under the name Outlander Sports with our overseas friends. It doesn't take long to notice that the new, sharper grille should make the car look like its bigger cousin. Such a procedure cannot be accidental. This will likely encourage a few more customers to become friends with the new ASX. Character is also added by the extremely advantageous combination of a black radiator grille with chrome strips at the front. However, it may seem that in this facelift edition, the rest of the body elements are slightly forgotten. Perhaps this is good - Mitsubishi has no serious problems finding buyers for the old design, which debuted in 2010. It is easy to see ASX on Polish roads. Returning to change - where else are we dealing with a breath of fresh air? After the facelift, the details are pleasing - the hatch (unfortunately, quite filigree); or LED indicators in the rear-view mirrors (opposite the huge roof window).
Inside you go crazy alone
Agree - maybe not because of the aesthetic impression, but definitely ergonomic and functional. Inside, the Mitsubishi ASX remains what it was: a symbol of simplicity and ease of use. Everything is in its place, the cabin is arranged conservatively, without problems and you might like it. A good example is the use of an external button on the left side of the clock, which is only responsible for changing the information displayed on the screen between the speedometer and tachometer. No more looking for this function, for example, on the steering wheel. However, there are some simple buttons to control the audio system, cruise control or phone. The latter is very easy to connect to the car and use the many functions via the touchscreen on the center console (including the excellent navigation from TomTom). The system works smoothly and clearly responds to touch. To help, we also have a range of physical buttons and an entire air conditioning control panel with a classic three knob system. For the pleasure of looking at the dark, muted interior, the silver inserts pair well with the shiny black plastic pieces. Inside, the ASX is a little disappointing with shallow seats with poor lateral support, or the aforementioned small sunroof and its surroundings. Unlike the rest of the ceiling, it is surrounded by upholstery that quickly becomes "hairy". On the plus side, large rear-view mirrors are very nice, especially in urban environments, and a real rarity: a left footrest that can really be used well. Those who want to “stick in” - the armrest for a short driver is too far from the gearshift lever. The rear seat has a comfortable rounded seat, although despite its strong offset (at the expense of luggage space: just over 400 litres), there is little legroom. Similarly, overhead - this is due to the flat cut of the roof line.
And no driving madness
The true character of the Mitsubishi ASX is revealed only while driving. Exactly. All set just for the occasional half-way trip light. More or less such conditions can be easily simulated for us while driving around the city. The soft suspension, which makes almost no noise in the cab, is pleasant for commuting. Such tuning, combined with impressive ground clearance (190 mm) and large tires, allows us to boldly jump from a speed bump over a curb into a hole in the road. In the city, we will also be pleased with decent visibility, large mirrors and pleasant assistance. 1.6 petrol engine with 117 hp in the test vehicle even enables dynamic overtaking. Front-wheel drive is not ideal for short headlight raids, but it can be described as sufficient. However, this idyll is spoiled by a 5-speed gearbox with the precision of a three-year-old child battling an overly complicated coloring book. You never know if we hit the right gear, which is especially painful on dynamic downshifts.
We can say that this transmission problem disappears when we take the Mitsubishi ASX out of town - less frequent gear ratios make it possible to forget about inaccurate transmission work. However, at higher speeds, other troubles intensify. The most serious of these is an uncertain steering system. Going faster than 100-120 km / h, disturbing vibrations are felt on the steering wheel, and dynamic turns, even at half speeds, made by the ASX are unnerving. The driver's sense of uncertainty is enhanced by a smooth but noticeable body roll.
Mitsubishi ASX sets drivers a condition - prudence and common sense above all else. It's a car with an impeccable silhouette that is certainly an interesting alternative to boring compacts. But other than that, it offers exactly the same thing - predictability, ergonomics and everyday comfort. You can complain about a loud engine and noise in the cab after 4 rpm, a slightly floating body in fast corners, or poor accuracy of the gearbox with dynamic ratios. However, those who choose Mitsubishi ASX should have Olaf Lubaschenko's anecdote about his coach in mind: “Does your leg hurt? - Yes. - How will you die? - Oh yeah! “Then don’t bend over.
