- Olga Kokorina
- Translated by Andrey Tishin
- Ru He Fr
Mitsubishi ASX. The champion in restyling
Mitsubishi ASX is a compact-class crossover produced by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, it was unveiled thrice: in 2010 restyled in 2013, 2017, and 2019. ‘ASX’ stands for Active Sport X-over. As for 2021, the model has been successfully sold all over the world, and in Israel, 3 ASX versions were offered, all with a 2-L engine, continuously variable transmission, and 4WD.
First generation, 2010-2012
Mitsubishi ASX has retained the drop-shaped design of its prototype, Concept-cX. It was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007. The exterior is reminiscent of the manufacturer’s successful novelties, the Lancer sedan, and the Lancer Sportback hatchback. The grille and recognizable form of headlights firmly associate the new car with other models of Mitsubishi, first of all with the senior model Outlander. This car’s body uses every centimeter of wheelbase which makes 2670 mm optimally. Thus the crossover is compact even for its class: 4,3 meters in length. ASX shares the platform Project Global with models Lancer X and Outlander. The major feature of Mitsubishi ASX interior became roomy interior, allowing to accommodate 5 people quite comfortably, thus the rear row is raised a little just like the galley in the theater: high seating improves visibility. The interior of the car is distinguished by soft upholstery along the contours of the central panel, silver elements on both sides of an audio system, and along the door panels, visually increasing the interior space.
The design of the front end of the ASX uses the signature Jet Fighter grille. The design concept is borrowed from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, a company that has produced the F-2 jet fighter. An exclusive ‘kawasemi’ color is developed especially for this car. This is the Japanese word for the kingfisher, a turquoise-blue bird living near the cleanest bodies of water.
The all-wheel-drive of the crossover uses an electronically controlled multi-disc clutch. The driver can select from 3 modes: FWD, automatic, or clutch locking.
The basic information is displayed on the LCD of the onboard computer, located between the ‘wells’ of the speedometer and tachometer. The option to start the engine with a button, besides, an opportunity to adjust a steering wheel by overhang is new to Mitsubishi Motors (not for other brands). In more expensive trim versions, a touchscreen in a central console (of CD/radio) is responsible for multimedia with the climate control underneath. On the tunnel, there is a knob to control modes of a full drive (if it is present), or an additional cup holder. In the basic equipment option, Mitsubishi ASX was equipped with air conditioning, heated seats, and mirrors, a full power equipment option. Top versions of the crossover offered with leather interior, electric adjustable driver’s seat, climate control, a premium audio system Rockford with 8 speakers and USB. And there is an optional panoramic roof with UV protection and LED lighting.
The compact crossover of the described version was produced with either FWD or 4WD. The base ASX with FWD only was equipped with a 1.6-L gasoline engine of 117 hp and a 5-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in this version took 11.4 seconds, the top speed is 183 km/h, and the average consumption is 6.1 L per 100 km. 4WD ASX received a 150-hp 2-L engine and a CVT. This version took 11.9 seconds to speed up from 0 to 100 km/h, the top speed is 188 km/h, the claimed consumption in the combined cycle is 8.1 L per 100 km. Also, the engine line had a gasoline unit of 1.8 L with a CVT (FWD only). Speeding up from 0 to 100 km/h takes 13.1 seconds, the top speed is 186 km/h, the average gasoline consumption - 7.6 L per 100 km. The car has an electrically boosted rack-and-gear steering.
The wheel suspensions of this version were independent: the front suspension is MacPherson and the rear suspension is multilink. Front and rear brakes use disc design (the front brakes are ventilated). As for safety, the crossover received 5 stars out of 5 in the EuroNCAP. The presence of the system of directional stability makes ASX easier to drive in terms of the steering response. The 4WD version is adapted to operate in difficult road and weather conditions. The 4-wheel drive in the crossover has been implemented with the help of the electronically controlled multi-disc clutch. Using the selector switch, the driver can select from 3 modes: FWD, automatic, or clutch locking.
Restyling in 2013
In 2013, the worldwide sales of the restyled Mitsubishi ASX crossover. It was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012, began. The exterior received small changes. In the front part, there are a new bumper and grille. The changed rear bumper received round reflectors instead of rectangular ones.
The interior also received a lot of changes, including a new MMCS navigation system. Engineering upgrades include improvements in the suspension and braking system. Powertrains and transmission versions preserved. In the most powerful version Mitsubishi ASX, as before, has 4WD. The interior of the crossover was subject to innovations in terms of the steering wheel and upholstery of seats. There are also chrome decorative elements in the doors. The principle of control modes 4WD transmission has changed. The switch between 2WD, 4WD, and LOCK has now been carried out by sequentially pressing a button located on the center tunnel, while the display in the dashboard confirms the icon selection. The ASX now also has a new audio system and a new-generation navigation system that supports SD memory cards, and the touchscreen has a higher resolution. Buttons for heated seats moved to the center console (the owners previously complained about their inconvenient location).
The crossover won 5 stars out of 5 in the EuroNCAP. The presence of the system of directional stability makes ASX easier to drive in terms of the steering response. The 4WD version is adapted to operate in difficult road and weather conditions.
In 2014, the car was equipped with an upgraded, new-generation continuously variable transmission (Jatco CVT 8). Through the new CVT with an extended range of gear ratios, the performance of the crossover has improved. With the restyling, the crossover received stiffened wishbones, improved longitudinal arm rubber bushings, and new shock absorber settings. The weight of the brake discs has been reduced, and the parking brake mechanism has been integrated into the rear wheel brake caliper.
Restyling in 2017
At the International Motor Show in New York in April 2017, Mitsubishi Motors unveiled a restyled version of the ASX compact crossover. The restyled car has a completely changed front end, showing a new design concept of the brand Dynamic Shield involving the design of the front bumper and the X-shaped grille. At the rear, there is a new bumper and a ‘shark fin’ antenna on the roof. Due to the quality approach to materials, the 2018 Mitsubishi ASX features reduced noise and vibration levels. Cars for the Russian market come from the Okazaki factory in Japan. You can choose one of the two known gasoline engines: 1.6-L or 2-L.
Inside the 2018 ASX, there is an improved multimedia system with a 7-inch display and compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a newly shaped floor console. The primary equipment option Inform, with FWD and a 1.6-L engine with a manual transmission, included body-colored door handles, 16-inch steel wheels, audio equipment with 4 speakers, and air conditioning. The Invite version included heated front seats, AM/FM-radio, CD/MP3, and trunk curtain airbags. The next-level Intense model has fog lights, alloy wheels, a multifunctional steering wheel with audio control and leather trim, color dashboard information display. More expensive versions have a 2-L engine, CVT, and 4WD system. The Intense 4WD version has an additional safety equipment option and 17-inch wheel disks, and the top version Instyle 4WD has chrome exterior door handles, folding mirrors with integrated repeaters, LED daytime running lights, and tinted glass. This version also has paddle shifters, steering wheel cruise control, keyless entry, combination interior trim, power driver’s seat, 6 loudspeakers, and climate control.
The 1.6-L and 2.0-L engines are equipped with MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system). It controls the filling of the combustion chambers with the fuel-air mixture, ensuring economy at low engine speeds, maximum torque at medium speeds, and maximum power at high speeds. The 1.6-L engine has an output of 117 hp. (154 Nm). In combination with a 5-speed manual, it speeds up from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.4 seconds. The top speed is 183 km/h. The average consumption is 6.1 L per 100 km. The same figures for the 2.0-L motor with continuously variable transmission are 11.7 seconds, 191 km/h, and 7.7 L per 100 km.
This car has a lot of advantages: convenient and ergonomic interior, comfortable seats, and roomy rear part of the interior.
The primary version of the Mitsubishi ASX 2018/2019 with the ‘junior’ motor includes front driver and passenger’s airbags, Isofix mounts, a standard set of electronic systems (ABS, EBD, BAS). The modification with a 2-L engine offers the options of another level of comfort: side and curtain airbags, knee airbag for the driver; ASTC complex (Active Skid and Traction Control), hill start assist, and light/rain sensors in the top version. Also, the Touring Equipment option includes lane-keeping aid, Automatic High Beam Assist, and an Accident Prevention System.
These updates allowed Mitsubishi to extend the market life of ASX, so it has been produced since 2010. This car has a lot of advantages: convenient and ergonomic interior, comfortable seats, and roomy rear part of the interior. And its disadvantages are the lack of a 4-wheel drive with the base motor and the presence of a CVT in the 4WD modification. It makes ASX simply an urban car. This is also evidenced by the rigid suspension.
Restyling in 2019
Everyone was waiting for the new-generation the popular crossover. However, in February 2019, the manufacturer unveiled another restyled version. It looked completely new. From the outside, the restyled ASX differs from the previous model with a completely different design of the front and rear parts and completely different optics. Engines haven’t changed either - for the 2019/2020 ASX, 1.6-L and 2.0-L gasoline units of 117 and 150 hp, respectively, are offered in geographically different markets. In Israel, only the 2-L version is offered. One of the major changes in the interior of the car is a new multimedia system with a larger 8-inch display (the formed one was 7-inch). There are some improvements in trim, the layout of the central tunnel, etc. The list of options includes new 18-inch wheels.
As before, the 2-L engine (with a power of 150 hp) operates with a 4WD system and a continuously variable CVT. This CVT can simulate a 6-speed gearbox with sequential shifting via paddle paddles. As before, in addition to the 2WD mode, you can use 4WD auto and 4WD lock for difficult road conditions. Chassis crossover has been the same as before: the same independent front and rear suspension, all-wheel disc brakes, electrically boosted rack-and-gear steering. After the upgrade, the bodywork has increased a little bit in length - up to 4365 mm. The ASX wheelbase is 2670 mm. It is quite enough to have enough legroom for both front and rear passengers. The minimum volume of the trunk is 406 L. A set of safety systems of 2020 Mitsubishi ASX depends on a trim. The maximum car is equipped with a hill start assist, light and rain sensors. Driver’s assistants include functions of automatic braking, lane-keeping aid, high beam headlight control.
The 2-L engine came up big in terms of service life and power. The ASX model continues to remain one of the most popular in Mitsubishi’s lineup. a lot of people are ready to spend their money for this known and quite good compact urban crossover, besides it is absolutely not similar to its primary version externally.
