Mitsubishi ASX 1.0 Turbo with 91 hp on test

Anyone who looks around at a new car again after many years is likely to rub their eyes. Cars have changed in such a way that it is not just old people who are wondering if they can still cope with them in everyday life. Keyword substitution and how it affects performance complexity. No car rolls off the assembly line today without a center display – for touch operation, of course – and many designers cannot resist the temptation to replace conventional buttons with touch surfaces.

But there is still a difference, which brings us to the new Mitsubishi ASX 1.0 Turbo. But only the logo is new, the car is the unchanged Captur that Renault has been making since 2019. That doesn’t sound innovative, but the Mitsubishi is more likely to attract people with an affordable everyday companion for a sure trip from A to B , backed by a five-year warranty.

Against this backdrop, the ASX looks to be an interesting addition to the Mitsubishi range, even with the 91 hp base engine. The three-cylinder turbo works without electricity and sends 160 Nm to the front wheels from 2,000 rpm through a six-speed gearbox that can be changed with sufficient precision. That’s not much, but it’s enough to drive a 1.2-ton truck well enough in everyday life in the city. The next most powerful engine with 140 hp (from 26,390 euros) costs 1,900 euros more when equipped.

Without going up and down

But cheaper doesn’t mean more expensive: with 7.2 l/100 km, the 1.0 Turbo needs 0.3 liters more than its big brother in the test average when driving at leisure speed (5.6 l/100 km), extra consumption is ignored. Even those who do not have strong desires must demand a liter from time to time, which responds without much fuss. The chassis, which is not too soft and clearly prioritizes safety over lightness, comfortable seats that are soft on the cheeks, and steering that requires little hand torque – and little feedback – all go well with this one.

There are also strengths such as a raised seating position. The look falls on round instruments that are analog like the handbrake and many controls. The central display is only used for infotainment. Navigation is only possible via smartphone via CarPlay (wireless) or Android Auto.

This may seem old-fashioned, but it makes it easier to handle. In addition, Mitsubishi now offers the ASX in a new basic version starting at 20,990 euros. The original from Renault starts at just 23,700 euros.