Thriving compact SUV segment gets sportier
MITSUBISHI HAS MARKED its re-entry into the South African car market with the launch of a compact SUV named the ASX or Active Sporty Crossover. The brand was previously under the custodianship of Mercedes-Benz, but has now been brought into the Imperial Group who plan to bring a number of new Mitsubishi models to SA in the future.
Think of the ASX as an amalgamation of Outlander and Lancer, fitting neatly into the compact SUV sector which accounts for 40% of SA’s total SUV sales. Mitsubishi’s bid for a slice of this expanding market sees the ASX offered with a 2.0-litre petrol engine and two-wheel drive, with choice limited to a number of specification and transmission options.
The natural aspirated engine, which also does duty in the Lancer, is a 110kW/197Nm four-cylinder with variable valve timing. Gearbox options are limited to Lancer’s five-speed manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT), though the latter has received a welcome software tweak for the ASX application. In manual mode the CVT shifts are surprisingly sharp and rapid, and left to cruise in auto mode it won’t get your ears ringing from a dull monotone either.
All three models in the ASX line-up are generously specced, and standard features include rear park distance control, leather steering wheel with audio controls, electric windows, fold-away mirrors and aircon. Mid-spec models gain 17-inch alloys, up from 16in base spec, as well as a fold-away panoramic roof that adds a premium feel to the interior. Top of the range models offer the CVT and a powerful sound system complete with a 10-inch subwoofer bolted into the boot area.
Ride quality is decent in this little contender. A short gravel section in our test ride and drive indicated a supple suspension set-up which could still prove a tad stiff and jittery for long stretches of dirt, but the compromise is fair enough: the ASX’s performance on the tar is markedly better. The electronically assisted steering typically has a dead spot at centre but once it engages it provides a weighty enough, if slightly artificial, feel to turning.
The interior is perhaps the ASX weak spot. It's well kitted, but nothing feels particularly nice to touch. Hard plastics abound and the whole dashboard looks dated and overdue for a serious revamp. The carpets fitted to the rear passenger area look like an afterthought and are not even cut to fit around the transmission tunnel, being draped over the bump like a couch throw.
Some serious competition in the compact SUV sector means that to choose an ASX you would have to bypass the Kia Sportage, Hyundai ix35 and Nissan Qashqai. Clearly the ASX will have to work hard for market share.