Mitsubishi ASX (2016)

Mitsubishi ASX

Individual, innovative, versatile and capable, the Mitsubishi ASX is the smart and efficient compact crossover with a conscience which is designed to fit its owners' lives like a glove. It comes with a choice of three lightweight low-environmental impact engines, a choice of two or all-wheel drive, top-of-the-class safety features and edgy styling.

Retaining the striking looks of the Concept cX, the Mitsubishi ASX mixes SUV and passenger car styling to create the perfect crossover.

The softer nose merges with a sculpted bonnet featuring a double bulge: this serves the dual purpose of contributing to better pedestrian safety, and also to make the body more visible to the driver, improving manoeuvrability around town.

The low and balanced silhouette, and bulging wheel arches, create a 'tension effect' which gives the impression the car is in motion even at standstill, very different from the boxy 'sub-SUV' look of its competitors. The ASX's roofline flows down towards the rear of the car further enhancing not just its visual impact, but its aerodynamic performance. The Mitsubishi ASX features a drag co-efficient of 0.32, thus helping the car establish its admirable environmental credentials.

At the rear, Mitsubishi's designers have created a wide, purposeful stance. The rear bumper has been recently redesigned, completing the work that's been carried out to fine-tune the appearance of the ASX.

Inside the Mitsubishi ASX, the concept of sharp, clear, sporty elegance with an emphasis on form and functionality matches that of the exterior. Soft padding around the centre instrument panel, which extends to the door trim, helps to create a high-qulity ambience.

The hooded instrument binnacle, within which nestle dials taking inspiration from motorcycle design, combines with the commanding, upright driving position to create the perfect driving environment. Comfort behind the wheel is assured, with the steering wheel adjustable for both rake and reach.

Functionality is a defining feature of crossovers and the ASX delivers huge flexibility inside.

There are split-fold rear seats; a rear armrest with cup holders; and a 26-litre underfloor compartment in the boot, which offers a capacity of 419 litres with the rear seats in position. With the rear seats folded, the ASX offers a maximum of 1,193 litres of luggage space.

The Mitsubishi ASX delivers a choice of three engines, three transmissions and either front or four-wheel drive. Mitsubishi's ambitious environmental and performance targets are nowhere better represented than by the engines offered with the ASX.

The 1.6-litre petrol or 1.6-litre turbo diesel both deliver excellent performance on the road and for the environment. The 1.6-litre turbo diesel provides excellent performance with low environmental impact. The automatic choice, too, delivers on both levels.

For customers looking for a petrol option, the ASX can be ordered with Mitsubishi's highly acclaimed 1.6-litre DOHC 16v MIVEC engine: another in-house development, this time of Mitsubishi's own 1.5-litre engine which found favour in previous models.

The 1.6-litre 16v MIVEC engine comes exclusively fitted with a five-speed manual transmission with front-wheel drive. The 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine comes fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, and can be specified with either frontor four-wheel drive. The 2.2-litre diesel version is equipped with automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

The Mitsubishi ASX ZC-H uses an optimised version of Mitsubishi's AWC (All Wheel Control), an electronically controlled 4WD system that offers the driver a choice of three modes to match traction control to the driver's preferences or to the driving conditions. The centre differential has an electronically controlled coupling that uses feed-forward control to determine the optimum front/rear torque split from sensor data on throttle opening, vehicle speed, road conditions and driver inputs.

Vehicle stability is further enhanced with a stronger bias towards the rear wheels in 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK modes. In addition, improved control to avoid braking on tight corners enhances traction when the front wheels are not in a straight line when starting.

Compact and lightweight, ASX's AWC system achieves good fuel economy by using low-viscosity oil in the transfer case. Lastly, in terms of ergonomics, the transition from mode to mode is easy, as the driver only needs to press a button marked '4WD' positioned between the front seats.

The Mitsubishi ASX features MacPherson struts at the front and a trailing multi-link arrangement at the rear - and the rear suspension has recently been revised. Brakes are 294 mm ventilated front / 302 mm solid rear discs featuring an ABS anti-lock system and brake-assist technology which assists when emergency braking.

The fitment of electric power steering to the ASX reduces the engine loads and additional fuel consumption associated with conventional hydraulic steering systems. The electronic power steering only draws energy when it's required, resulting in lower emissions and improved fuel consumption.

Regenerative braking - Generation Control System (GCS)

To improve fuel economy, the Mitsubishi ASX is equipped with a regenerative brake system (or Generation Control System - GCS). The GCS system allows for regenerating power during braking or deceleration to charge the battery. The accumulated energy is then used when the car is idling, accelerating or cruising to reduce power generation at these times, when the alternator load is reduced and fuel economy is increased. When the alternator is inactive because energy from the regenerative braking system is being utilised, it keeps spinning but does not put out a charge, reducing magnetic friction and thus reducing the load on the engine. Power generation is precisely controlled by monitoring the vehicle's electrical load and battery status in order to ensure sufficient power is produced and fuel consumption is minimised.

Weight saving is high on Mitsubishi's list of priorities as not only does it increase agility, but it also impacts positively on economy and emission levels. To achieve this weight reduction, Mitsubishi has undertaken a number of measures including reducing sheet metal thickness. This action alone has reduced the bonnet weight by 2.5kg, the tailgate by 1.0kg and the doors by around 7.6kg. Plastic front wings also reduce weight, another benefit being their ability to regain their shape after minor collisions as well as improving pedestrian protection. It's not just outside where Mitsubishi has put the ASX on a weight-loss programme. Inside, there are new, lighter door trims, while the steering handle body has been made of magnesium instead of the usual zinc.

Further economy and emissions savings are made via the adoption of low-voltage LED rear lights, a closed flow particulate filter with the 1.6 turbo diesel and low-viscosity oil in the engine and transmission.

The Mitsubishi ASX comes fitted as standard with a full array of safety systems to help prevent and reduce the effect of any impact:

Should an accident be unavoidable, the ASX's body has been designed using Mitsubishi's RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) philosophy. The ASX features strengthening in key body areas and provides energy dissipation paths for collision forces should an impact occur. The ASX's brake pedal is designed to reduce protrusion in the event of an accident, while whiplash-reducing seating limits backwards movement of the head and neck in the event of rear collisions.

As we've seen, it's not just its occupants the ASX helps protect, but pedestrians too. The ASX features a double-bulge bonnet design with a crushable zone for pedestrians, plastic front wings and an energy-absorbing front bumper which incorporates leg injury mitigation measures for pedestrians.

The result of Mitsubishi's safety efforts has resulted in an excellent 5 star passenger and 60 per cent pedestrian rating in the independent Euro NCAP crash testing ratings.

Mitsubishi ASX ZC: The Mitsubishi ASX ZC is the entry-level ASX but even this model comes fully-loaded with equipment - such as alloy wheels; air conditioning; Active Stability and Traction Control; remote keyless entry and seven airbags. In addition, there is a new leather and gloss black steering wheel with thumb grips and audio controls; leather gear knob; plus front fog lights with bulb-type daytime running lights and chrome bezels. Also included are the following great features: a USB port; chrome grille and beltline moulding; privacy glass; chrome exhaust finisher; a cup holder in the rear arm rest and a high-contrast LCD display.

Mitsubishi ASX ZC-M: The Mitsubishi ASX ZC-M moves the game on. It adds two-tone 18-inch alloys plus black wheel-arch garnishes; climate control; push-start button; parking sensors; privacy glass; front fog lamps; cruise control and six speakers. KOS (Keyless Operation System) is a key feature and the car also benefits from auto light and rain sensors. There are Xenon super-wide HID headlamps with auto levelling and headlamp washers along with LED DRLs. Heated front seats and a leather steering wheel add touches of luxury. Leather upholstery is an option too - and let's not forget the DAB radio and auto-dimming rear view mirror.

Mitsubishi ASX ZC-H: This is the most accomplished ASX of the lot. On top of an already strong list of standard equipment, the ASX ZC-H adds leather upholstery, 4WD and optional automatic transmission. A major new feature is the panoramic glass roof which, with its LED mood lighting, sets the tone for endless evening drive possibilities. This car features a factory-fitted Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS). This has the following features: a seven-inch HD touch-screen display; satellite navigation; DAB and FM/AM/LW radio; CD player; SD card compatibility and reversing camera.