In a first floor cafe last week, I looked out and found that almost every other vehicle within eyeshot was an SUV. Just a coincidence, I’m sure, but that didn’t stop me from playing SUV-spotter over the next few days. Results? OK, maybe not every other car, but the tall hatchbacks are very popular with Klang Valley families, to say the least.
And why not? The SUV offers a raised driving position that’s a plus point in the urban context – being able to see further ahead is always good. And while they’ve evolved from the 4X4s of old, crossovers of today still “feel” more robust than the average saloon, with higher ground clearance and thicker tyres to take on the minefield that is our urban jungle.
Honda’s CR-V has long been the segment flag bearer, although the recent emergence of the Mazda CX-5 would have given them some sleepless nights, more then when flashy Koreans Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage came to town.
Toyota and Nissan aren’t in the game, surprisingly. The latter’s X-Trail used to be a contender, but the second-gen box never caught on here. Today’s fringe players include the left field Ford Kuga and too small Peugeot 3008. The Mitsubishi ASX used to be under the radar too, but this year’s local assembly and attractive new pricing has led us to relook its case.
First seen in Japan and Malaysia in 2010, the ASX isn’t a fresh face, but Mitsubishi’s decision to locally-assemble the crossover in Malaysia has breathed new life into the model. Our ASX now comes from Tan Chong’s Segambut plant in KL, and the change from CBU Japan to CKD brings with it a new price tag of RM114,744 for the 2WD and RM128,880 for a 4WD variant that wasn’t available before.
Prior to this, the imported 2WD ASX was priced at RM139,982, so we’re looking at some serious savings here. The new price point doesn’t just make the ASX look like good value in the SUV class, but poses a question to those in the market for a C-segment sedan. A Civic 2.0 Navi at RM133,230, a Corolla Altis 2.0 for RM132,302 or a 2.0 litre Japanese SUV with some change for a nice holiday?
The ASX appears smaller than the regular mid-size SUV, and it is, at under 4.3 metres long. The smaller footprint is by design, with “compact crossover” as the original concept. Interestingly, the Mitsu’s 2,670 mm wheelbase is 50 mm longer than the CR-V’s, although you get nowhere near the Honda’s class-leading rear accomodation. It’s all about packaging and space utilisation.
Next to the CR-V, the ASX cabin is cozy, and it feels so even when compared to C- and increasingly large B-segment sedans. Rear legroom is adequate for full-sized adults, but without much reserves to lounge in.
If outright space is the main priority, the ASX is out of the running together with the Ford Kuga and Peugeot 3008. If space is not everything, and if you’re OK with a C-segment hatchback’s cabin, the ASX will satisfy. My only gripe is the angle of the rear bench’s outer bolster – it’s too flat.
Lack of support isn’t an issue in the driver’s chair, where the ASX gives a very car-like impression. It’s an oft-repeated attribute in the SUV/MPV world, but the feel is authentic here. You’re still perched higher than the sea of Myvis but never disconcerting so. Those moving up from hatchbacks won’t find it life-changing.
The ASX’s dashboard design is pretty conventional – there’s not much to rave or rant about here, but it’s worth noting that both material quality and panel fit are better than in the Lancer GT.
Instead of the usual soft plastic moulding, MMC chose to “stick on” a layer of squishy plastic on dash surfaces that face the occupants. Unconventional (and probably cheaper to pull off) but works as intended. We also didn’t notice any quality difference from the CBU version.
As with the sporty-flavoured Lancer, the dashboard’s best bits surround the driver. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels good in the hands and Mitsubishi’s long magnesium shift paddles are fit for a supercar. Two easy-to-read cowled dials sandwich a colourful LCD trip computer display, which adds a dash of premium to the cockpit.
You get more colour on the centre stack, courtesy of a 2-DIN touch-screen head unit (with Bluetooth, navi and reverse camera) that’s nicely integrated. The D-pad audio controls look pretty odd to this writer though, a design mismatch with the cruise control buttons on the opposite spoke.
Nothing wrong with how the steering feels on the move, though. It’s a pleasant surprise and rare for an SUV to have a communicative helm, something we already noticed back in 2011 when we drove the ASX back-to-back with four other SUVs.
The Mitsu’s compact size also comes to the fore as you push harder; it feels pretty tied down and body control is relatively tight. The CVT does have manual mode, and our 4WD version comes with the aforementioned lovely shift paddles, so the ASX will oblige if you’re in the mood.
This is an urban crossover, so how it performs on a mountain road is a lot less important than how it behaves on the school run, or in stop-go urban crawls.
Mitsubishi’s choice of a CVT ‘box means that you need to have a progressive right foot to bring out the best in the ASX. Ease into the gas and smooth, seamless acceleration is what you get. Likewise, big stabs at the throttle will get you loud protests from the engine, if not your passengers.
It has been awhile since this writer drove an ASX, but I do remember it having the same engine drone as the Lancer GT, which shares the same 4B11 2.0 MIVEC/INVECS-III CVT drivetrain. It’s a dreary voice that can get pretty tiring, pretty fast, but we’re happy to report that much of it has been subdued in the latest ASX. Carmakers make constant improvements to their products, many times quietly, but they didn’t have to shout this one out in any case – the difference is palpable.
So, the 2014 Mitsubishi ASX offers more of the same, with improvements in refinement and equipment. That’s good news, but the main draw here is the CKD SUV’s newfound value for money. Standard kit on the RM115k 2WD variant includes auto lights and wipers, auto air-con, front/rear parking sensors, the full-featured touchscreen head unit you see here plus leather seats.
Pretty decent for the price, and far from stripped down, but the 4WD (as tested here) is well worth the RM14k premium in our opinion. Not so much for the all-wheel drive function (4WD Lock with a bigger split to the rear axle can be called upon), but for the little luxuries and extra safety kit.
The RM128k 4WD adds on paddle shifters, cruise control, keyless entry with push start, security window tint (by Llumar) and a large panoramic glass roof. Some might question the the latter, but I love the natural light it provides on cloudy days and evenings, and city sightseeing is so much more fun. Kids love it too!
Going for the 4WD nets you a panoramic roof, keyless entry with push start and Active Stability Control
That’s not all. The ASX comes with three airbags (dual front plus driver’s knee), ABS and EBD as standard, but only the 4WD has Active Stability Control (ASC) with Hill Start Assist. SUVs are used as family cars, and electronic stability control is a great safety net for your loved ones.
To round things up, the 4WD looks much better with these 17-inch wheels, plus chrome trim on the face and profile. The car you see here isn’t standard, though. Our test unit was fully decked out with optional accessories such as front/rear under covers, daytime running lights, chrome wing mirror caps, wind deflectors and a rear bumper plate, among other things.
If cabin space is your main SUV priority, there are better options; but if you don’t need (or want) the bulk of a Honda CR-V, the CKD Mitsubishi ASX is great value, and a brilliant family car alternative to C-segment sedans. Try it out for size.
Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
to ASX owners out there, anyone mind to share the FC?
got four reports here
http://www.carbase.my/mitsubishi/asx/mk1-facelift/owner-reviews
The ASX exterior looks small and ugly at the same time.
Well, sadly most small SUVs failed in the crash test.
looks big and tough, but actually not that tough.
watch this ASX crash test
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51zUB5f0KZk
Best safety goes to Subaru Forester.
source – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjynD0ZW420
– http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bN8I0nhXlDY
In your last video, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (ASX) actually earned one of the better ratings compared to the other tested SUVs bar the Forester…so the ASX is quite crashworthy. Read the ‘about’ section of the ASX crash test video you posted. The ASX we get here would most likely fail the small front overlap on account of the lack of curtain airbags which seemed to prevent the driver from slamming into the door window. Curtain airbags are not just for side impacts, eh? They seem to mitigate injuries from offset crashes as well. Hear that, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia?
The Forester is a larger SUV than the ASX. The Subaru equivalent of the ASX is the XV. From the IIHS website, the XV is more crashworthy than the ASX.
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/subaru/xv-crosstrek
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/mitsubishi/outlander-sport
The XV also comes with the full airbag suite in Malaysia. Advantage!
The Forester and the Outlander (Mitsubishi’s Forester equivalent) both achieved “good” ratings from the IIHS small front overlap crash test but it seems the Forester beats the Outlander in Active Safety. And the Outlander isn’t sold in Malaysia.
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/mitsubishi/outlander/2014
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/mitsubishi/outlander-sport
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That’s pretty narrow-minded thinking. It’s not just about saving fuel cost. Emissions are a concern too.
That is an arrogant, only-rich-people-like-me-drive-expensive-car third world country kind of attitude. FC is a kind of car specification, and its normal for motorheads to discuss it especially in motoring website. In developed countries, every car no matter how expensive has its own FC spec.
So, if you are not a motorhead, please create a new website for arrogant car owners like you. You are not belong here.
Must you afford to have the car in order to discuss it? Its just a car.
What an arrogant comment. If that’s the case why would car manufacturers always display FC figures for their cars and in most car reviews FC will be mentioned. That’s because ppl care even if its a merc or lambo. Remember the latest experiment done with a E 300 Bluetec Hybrid which traveled almost 2000km in one tank? Now why would a rich mans car like Merc promote that??
Jerk..
Yes mitsubishi asx CKD more affordable now..
later will convert to Proton Asx then becum even cheaper
This joke isn’t funny anymore.
every thread must mention proton. care them too much huh?
what a cr-z key doing @ the arm rest compartment, Danny? =D
more airbags pls?
Long time no see danny. Vezel bodykit review anytime soon? :p
I think the CBU,facelifted Lancer GTE is better..priced around RM120k, 8k cheaper.(CKD 4wd ASX vs CBU Lancer gte)
Disagreed. The GTE doesn’t have ASC (Mitsu’s stability control). Need to put the pressure on Mitsu to give better safety packages. Currently only their the Pajero (not the Pajero Sport) and the “Euro” special variant cars offered in Malaysia come with full safety suites. Even the top of the of the line Triton and Pajero Sport don’t come with side and curtain airbags. Strangely, some come with driver knee airbags, though.
The CKD 4WD ASX’s value proposition is much better than the GTE’s tbh. Hill start assist is very handy to have and this has front and rear parking sensors along with a reverse cam. Even if it’s just for the 4WD and ASC, totally worth the 8k increase.
As long as it’s not a kimchi, it’ll have RV
As long as it’s not a Proton, it’ll have build quality
The same,old and lame comment.
Enough is enough, I’m sick of it.
Silly way to pigeon holed cars. May be not to pigeon heads.What a pigeon shit statement.
As long as its Same Lor n gang, you’ll have the same shit spewing out of his mouth
This Sam lorr is merely a wannabe. Definitely not the original guy.
kimchi, kimchi …ntah ape ape ntah..
How about Subaru XV ? any better ? you must do a full report on the locally assembled XV.
Good review, well done !
I prefer subaru xv than asx
The author never mentioned about the NVH of the car. I am curious to know. I have heard of new owner complaint about noisy cabin of ASX. But that was many years ago.
The author did mention of less engine noise intruding into the cabin.
The noise is loud, it was not expected in a car with a price tag above 100 k.
Engine noise is said to be less intrusive now but no mention was made of the road noise and wind noise at highway speeds.
If u guys dun really care abt those RV stuff, add 7k more for a sportage which is wider and having larger boot space~ ohh.. And six airbags too~
Or buy a second hand Sportage for around 90-100k.
I think the ASX has a different case compared to the Sportage. The Sportage’s case seems to be more directly competing with the CR-V rather than the ASX which joins the Ford Kuga and the Peugeot 3008 as the better SUVs to drive. From what I’ve been reading, KIA has a quite a ways to go to perfect their gearbox and that’ll ruin the driving experience for me as I cannot stand a stupid gearbox.
I’ve test-driven the ASX for a very short run and the gearbox is really smooth and does what I want. Response using the paddle shifts are crisp and immediate as well (for me, at least). It’s just a crying shame because it only comes with 3 airbags.
I have to agree with Danny about the sunroof. It’s quite an experience to be had with the right weather conditions. Imagine stargazing in the comfort of your car (not while driving, of course). And since it’s a panoramic sunroof (it’s fixed in place), you don’t have to worry about the rubber seals wearing out and letting water into the cabin.
Note: Of course, the ASX comes in dead last in the driving excitement department when compared with the Kuga and the 3008 for the lack of a turbo boosted engine, but it is considerably cheaper than the other two.
For reference,
Kuga = 157k RM
3008 = 154k RM
ASX = 128k RM
The steering is motor-driven (electric), not hydraulic. Yes, i agree that it is feelsome with good and consistent weighing.
This coverage comes late, I guess it’s because of poor sale figures in every states.
Too late, didn’t study market properly, ASX is about the size of Honda Vezel but without the brand value and RV. So ASX 2WD(3 airbags) at RM112K or Vezel at RM110K with 6 airbags(high spec)?
So what to do? Options:
1. Increase airbag count to 7 plus a sunroof(for 2wd), or
2. Decrease the price to RM92k(~Ecosport), or
3. Huge overtrade (Unfortunately this cannot be advertise frankly), or
4. Increase to the size of CRV.
Where do you get the Vezel’s price? Mind to share? Any launch date indication?
I think the bigger problem that Mitsu has is, in Malaysia at least the safety features are not up to the industry standards. With heavyweights like Honda giving out full safety specs, I’m surprised why smaller fellas like Mitsu are not when they can use it for their advantage against Toyota.
simply bcos the asx/lancer platform is so old now,i believe from 2008 , it was not made with full safety spec in mind , in 2008 2 airbags was the norm anyway in that class,adding additional airbags and all probably require some mods on the firewall and the body structure which is jus too costly
it sells on value though , atleast in msia , mitsubishi stil have some name going for it , but godness me how the giant have fallen , if it wasnt owned by mitsubishi corp(which is one giant HUGE corporation,and i think its one the worlds biggest bank)it wd have been bankrupt by now …
You must not know of how Mitsubishi cars are spec’d overseas. In the US, UK, Australia and any country that matters, the Lancer/ASX come with the whole safety package. 6-7 airbags and ASC. The Outlander Sport is actually named Top Safety Pick by IIHS. Just a bit shy of the Top Safety Pick+ achieved by the Subaru XV. It’s just MMM being reluctant to upgrade the safety package on their cars besides adding a driver’s knee airbag.
Exactly. Globally the ASX/Lancer platform (which is still on sale globally too) had 6 airbags as standard. Only our Malaysian ones didn’t.
The Outlander is probably the only decent thing from Mitsubishi now. They’ve not progressed much.
urrmmm..nope. cheapest asx(cvt) in oz comes with 7 airbags. and will cost you rm80+k. i have to agree that somehow mitsu decided to sell low safety spec model.
6 airbags have been the norm in the C segment since at least 2002. Of course it was designed with more airbags in mind.
The 4wd option is the proper one to get as pointed out by the writer but as a family car doesn’t it need to have the 6 airbags to be a proper family SUV?
The solution to seeing further is getting all dark tints removed, not buying increasingly higher cars. One day we’ll all be driving in lorries so we can see what is happening in front…
The safety kit on the ASX is pathetic. 3 airbags? Side impacts don’t happen, eh? No stability control is even worse, especially in a SUV. They tend to roll if they don’t have it. And when you roll, there’s no side airbag to protect you.
Dei caveman got vsc la…what do you mean roll? & by your comment obviously you never driven any proper SUV
The definition of “proper SUV” varies by individual. Traditionally, a proper SUV is a go-anywhere vehicle. The suspension setup that allows that characteristic also happens to make them perform less than stellar on roads and the tall center of gravity due to the raised height makes them easier to roll over.
Higher center of gravity. When you go sideways because you have lost control of the car, or the car shakes up in a left right left manoeuvre it may roll. Overturn, roll onto the side of the car, then roof, then side, etc. Do a Casino Royale.
if you never driven any suv pls don’t make such comment and the fact that you don’t know how the car behave in actual real life instead commenting solely by your ignorant mind…
Oh this model using the Proton Inspira engine right?
Most Lancer GT owner have not forgot how badly Mitsubishi screwed them up before. Would anyone still dare to take a jump.Not at this price!
Its funny cause the recent post was “Mitsubishi Motors recalls over 2,000 cars in Malaysia” LOL
I have test drove all crossover / compact suv available in Malaysia: CX-5, Kuga, 3008, ASX, XV, CRV, Tuscon, Sportage. In the end, I bought Subaru XV recently. Best decision I’ve made.
If not for the rather small boot space i would’ve made the same decision. In the end i’ve bought a CX-5 instead becuase in my opinion Mazda offers a better SUV than a Honda CR-V with price below RM150k
mind to elaborate your conclusion? we would like to know..thanks!
@db8
The decisive factor that made me choose Subaru XV is the way it’s drive. When i first test drove the XV, i was pleasantly surprised by it. Very stable, smooth drive, silent engine noise and good handling. Since then, whenever i test drove other crossover, i always used XV as a comparison. The only other crossover that offer similar driving experience is Mazda CX-5 2.5l, not the 2.0l. And I am not gonna pay RM800+ for it’s road tax every year.
@mozy
Yeah. CX-5 is has more space than XV. Well, for me I don’t need that much space so XV is prefect for me.
They like to bundle those China Head Unit with brand new car. The head unit name as “Flyaudio” in China and its RRP cost 50% less than Malaysia RRP. The same OS exactly same graphical user interface can be found in Hyundai Cars as well.
Design something localize la, get the global design HU and fit into Malaysia market.
Flyaudio is rather expensive (nearly RM3k). I have china-made 8″ display Convex (RM1.7k with reverse camera) installed in my 2010 Honda City which comes with 2 years warranty. So far so good, Papago GPS works well, can play DVD & USB. Only, ready USB may take more than 5 seconds, & bluetooth phone mic is not so clear (according to the person on the other side of the line whom I spoke to). The OEM fit & finish is neat(one of the factors I chose those over established brands which need customised panel for my car & sometimes the fit & finish leaves some unpleasant gaps around the screen).
However, I hope that car manufacturers/ importers/ assemblers in Malaysia to consider installing established brands OEM navigation units in their cars. Even the RM130k++ VW Jetta CKD doesn’t come with display & navigation…BAD.
I test drive this car recently.
My comment,
I looks small overall from interior to exterior.
Back seat is quite okay with enough leg room and head room.
Cargo is small as the space taken up by the spare tyres.
from driver point of view, it looks great with raised height. Generally the panaromic roof added points here.
Anyway, it is a mitsubishi so no worries as they have reputation in building 4X4.
Cozy? I am confused…
I went to for a test drive – overall acceptable except rear seat is to straight not comfortable and head room is bit too low – not suitable for ppl with 6 feet tall :(
If there is no Potong, Everybody will be driving ASX
You sound like sam lorrr
Nobody will look at the mitsubishi with the CKD price at RM 114K.
Even the Inspira 2.0 at RM 92K also fail.
If mitsubishi want to increase the sale, they need to pass it to proton and sell it at below RM 90K. Otherwise, setting up a CKD plant will be wasted.
In malaysia, Mitsu is a dead machine and only proton can help them to increase sale. (without the Tax)
I have purchased an ASX 2WD 2.0 recently and been using it for 3 Months and this is my quick review:
Plus Side:
1. Love the exterior look.(personal preference)
2. The front leg room quite spacious/ok.
3. The overall size is perfect. Not too bulky and yet not too small.
4. The handling is fine but dont overdo the turns or u will feel the car will be going sideways.
5. The LCD screen is the best. Very practical and easy to use. Just love it!
6. Petrol consumption is superb.
Down Side:
1. The noise. I am really not happy with the engine noise. It is significantly loud.
2. The other noise. The compressor also make this repetitive loud ‘ticking noise’ esp when you stop the car. It is so loud sometimes the car vibrates along with the sound.
3. There is no individual hand rests.
4. the rim size is quite small.(I changed into 18″ as soon as i got the car).
Overall, I do recommend this car for people who would like to have a non-bulky, not so pricey SUV with small family. I do not recommend this car for someone who seeks more space in a car or who like a lot accessories in a car.