ROAD TEST: Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLX
Mitsubishi is no stranger to the SUV game. From proper off-roaders like the Pajero to more car-like crossovers like the Outlander, it's covered just about every corner of the 'tall wagon' spectrum.
The ASX might look like an SUV of sorts, but it clearly isn't one - sitting just 195mm above ground and not even offering the option of all-wheel drive.
This one parks on the shallowest of softroader pavements, where it does battle with other 'urban off-roaders' like the 4x2 versions of the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, VW Tiguan, Ford Kuga, Hyundai ix35 and the like.
It's a lucrative little segment to compete within, but after getting to know the recently facelifted ASX, I'm not convinced that it has any real edge over its rivals.
NONDESCRIPT
Yes, it's been given a minor facelift that makes it look a little more exciting from the front, but its side profile and rear end remain rather nondescript.
The same could be said of the performance package on offer. Its 110kW/197Nm normally aspirated 2-litre petrol motor could definitely use a bit of a perk-up. I wouldn't go quite as far as calling it sluggish, but it does need to be worked hard if you want to make semi-rapid progress.
Other than that, the driving experience is really not bad. The ride quality is rather supple, the engine delivers its power smoothly and the five-speed manual gearbox slices through the gate with smoothness and precision. That said, the ASX doesn't feel quite as refined or well-insulated as many of its rivals.
VERY WELL KITTED
The feeling of Japanese solidity continues in the cabin, where you find a rather neat and inoffensive design and solid build quality. It's also fairly spacious, although the 442-litre boot is not exactly massive.
If there's one area where the ASX stands above it rivals is in the generosity of standard kit it offers for the price. The GLX, at R304 900, comes with leather seats (heated up front), automatic climate control, touch-screen MP3 player linked to an iPod port, automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control, keyless start and there's even a huge panoramic sunroof with LED lights that make it resemble a UFO landing strip.
There's also very little to complain about on the ergonomics front, although the uninitiated will get caught out by the climate control dial. If you rotate it to the far left (which would be 'off' in most cars), it goes into 'auto' and gives you a blizzard. The actual 'off' mode is a notch above that.
VERDICT
Looked at in isolation, the ASX is really not a bad car, but within its context, its simply lacks the modern savvy, refinement and practicality of larger and newer rivals like the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Kuga, which actually cost less than the Mitsubishi in their most basic forms.
Granted, the ASX has more bells and whistles for the price and if that's what you're after then this might just be the car for you.
Given the choice I'd opt for the new Ford Kuga, which is still rather well equipped in Ambiente form and which has a far more sophisticated engine in the form of Ford's new 1.6-litre Ecoboost turbopetrol. Even the RAV4 GX is not a bad option, at a further ten grand less than the Ford.
PRICE
Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 GLX (110kW/197Nm) - R304 900
ALTERNATIVES
Ford Kuga 1.6T Ambiente (110kW/240Nm) - R289 900
Honda CR-V 2.0 Comfort (114kW/192Nm) - R306 800
Hyundai ix35 2.0 Premium (122kW/197Nm) - R284 900
Kia Sportage 2.0 (122kW/197Nm) - R307 995
Mazda CX-5 2.0 Active (114kW/200Nm) - R315 400
Nissan Qashqai 2.0 Acenta (102kW/198Nm) - R315 900
Toyota RAV4 2.0 GX (107kW/187Nm) - R279 900
VW Tiguan 1.4 TSI (90kW/200Nm) - R296 200