The Mitsubishi ASX crossover is a slightly belated “three diamonds” response to the supersonic growth in demand for compact all-wheel drive station wagons with “off-road looks”. The main features of cars of this class are the price of a top-end configuration, equal to the base price for “ordinary crossovers”; the presence of front-wheel drive versions, as well as compact dimensions. ASX has all this in abundance.
Prices for the most compact Mitsubishi crossover start at 729,000 rubles for a front-wheel drive car with a 1.6-liter engine and “mechanics” (no other transmissions and drive systems are provided with such an engine). Standard equipment has a minimum set of benefits: front airbags for driver and passenger, ABS with EBD, air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, heated seats, CD-radio with MP3, adjustable steering column (height and reach), 16-inch steel wheels with full size spare. For a compact car, the equipment is not bad, but for a crossover for 700+ thousand this will not be enough.
The price of a Mitsubishi ASX in a test configuration, generously enriched with basic options, is close to the base price of crossovers - 929,000 rubles.
An automatic transmission (variator) is available with 1.8- and 2.0-liter engines, and there is no alternative. Moreover, with a top-end motor, only all-wheel drive is offered at a minimum price of 1,039,000 rubles. Most likely, customers will be most interested in more affordable front-wheel drive cars with “mechanics” and “automatic” due to more balanced versions in terms of price and content. That is why we chose for the test a 1.8-liter CVT-powered crossover in the Intense S10 version (for 929,000 rubles). This version differs from the cheaper ones with directional stability and traction assistance systems, side airbags and curtains, as well as a knee airbag for the driver, R16 alloy wheels, an info display, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an automatic transmission selector knob.
The ASX wheelbase is the same as that of the platform donor - Outlander - 2,670 mm.
The interior of the ASX is unpretentious, almost one-on-one copying the Outlander, on the basis of which it was made. The same steering wheel, the on-board computer screen between the speedometer and tachometer, the center console with the radio and “circles” - air conditioner handles, the seats ... But the steering column is now adjustable not only in tilt angle, but also in reach - it’s much easier to sit comfortably. (True, I would like to see a larger flight - two centimeters). Rear passengers are given enough space in the knees and feet, and only tall passengers in the rear row will find the roof too close ...
In motion, the Mitsubishi crossover is a rather contradictory nature: it did not particularly inspire on the pavement, but it fully opened up where the even surface ended. First, even off-road, the ASX was pleasant in terms of comfort. The suspension here is the same as on the Outlander, but the AESX is not as stiff as its older relative, and thanks to the lower mass, it seems that the energy intensity of the shock absorbers has become higher.
Ground clearance Mitsubishi ASX - the envy of real SUVs: 215 mm!
The ground clearance of the crossover is truly off-road. With such characteristics, even in a front-wheel drive car, it’s not scary to drive onto the ground, torn as if by shelling. But to my surprise, even the 2WD ASX handled hanging one drive wheel uphill. We specifically tried to overcome a large pit, passing through which the rear wheels, the front right simply had to get off the ground. But thanks to the stability control system, which redistributed the moment to the wheel with the best grip, the ASX slowly and sadly overcame the obstacle!
And on the track, a 1.8-liter engine and a CVT are not an ideal tandem. Fast driving and dynamic acceleration require the choice of increased speed, respectively - the maximum sound pressure for the driver and passengers. And if the vibration isolation of the cabin is at a height, then excess noise gets inside in excess. If the smoothness of the car is a positive quality, then sluggish and unhurried accelerations make you look at other options for the engine and box. ASX with 1.8 engine and CVT accelerates to 100 km/h in 13.1 seconds. A car with a two-liter engine and a CVT - in 11.9, and the minimum volume of 1.6 with "mechanics" does it in just 11.7 seconds.
