Compact SUV Mitsubishi ASX with 143 hp in daily tests

With the ASX, Mitsubishi has a new compact SUV on offer. What can a small child do in the daily test?

The relationship between Renault-Nissan and Mitsubishi has produced another offshoot: the crossover SUV ASX. It is based on the Renault Bestseller Captur, which should not be a loss, because the French model has been highly praised and has also performed well in the Auto Bild TÃœV Report 2022 in its first series, built from 2013 to 2019. We tested the current Japanese sibling from 2023 and we were traveling with a Mitsubishi ASX 1.6 full hybrid.

Our model is powered by a 94 hp 1.6 liter petrol engine and a 49 hp electric motor, which gives a total system output of 143 hp. That’s a lot of power for this compact SUV, especially since it only has to move 1,440 kg. This means that the Mitsubishi ASX is a good athlete from the start, but it can reach a maximum of 170 kilometers per hour. But in practice it is more than fast enough, because it quickly becomes apparent that the Japanese have not been built for a long time, a quick stretch of road. In this case, slow is the best and most comfortable option.

Easy to operate and easy to load

The ASX also has an easier time on city and country roads, where it is more suited. With a length of 4.23 meters and a width of 1.80 meters, you can quickly find a parking space and driving is also easy with these dimensions. Thanks to the rear seat, which can be moved by 16 cm, between 221 liters (with high rear legroom) and up to 1118 liters (with the rear seat down) of luggage can fit in the ASX. A room under the double loading floor in the trunk provides additional storage options.

There are also useful shelves in the interior: These include a large glove compartment, a center console with a shelf for charging a contactless mobile phone and a cup holder, as well as a storage compartment with a lid. The equipment is functional – easy to clean and not expensive plastic dominates.

Smooth electric drive and clear-sounding petrol engine

When driving, the combustion engine burns brightly, while the electric motor works smoothly. With high-quality restoration and subtle operation of the accelerator pedal, many free kilometers are possible.

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One point of criticism is evident in everyday use: As easy as the ASX is to maneuver, the A-pillar is equally annoying, as its width and bent shape make it difficult to see, especially when turning in obstacles.

Inexpensive use and very long range

In our daily test, consumption varied between 5.0 and 5.5 liters per 100 km, depending on driving style, also thanks to the sensible driving style that the ASX encourages. The on-board computer accepted this for a range of up to 900 km. When it comes to the purchase price, the surprise is great and the joy is somewhat diminished: our test car is listed at an impressive 37,490 euros – the ASX is definitely not a cheap car cheap. There are plenty of assistance systems and comfort extras, including a heated steering wheel, a handy audio assistant, heated seats and a power glass sunroof.