The updated Mitsubishi ASX enters the new model year with a revamped exterior and a number of interior improvements. It’s the second facelift of the Japanese crossover which was launched in 2010 and will soon be replaced by the next-generation model. With that in mind, ASX has a greater chance to survive in the fast expanding market for city-oriented SUVs and crossovers. On the Singaporean market, the ASX is presented only as a front-wheel-drive model, not trying to attack the market of 4WD off-roaders.

AT A GLANCE

Upsides:

• Revised design
• Interior comfort
• Smooth and powerful engine

Downsides:

• Suspension is too soft

Design: 4/5

The 2017-spec Mitsubishi ASX is characterized by the new Dynamic Shield front design concept which is at the first sight very different from the previous version, so there won’t be any problem telling the all-new ASX apart from its predecessor. Other characteristic features of ASX’s design are LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, LED rear lamps, roof spoiler and utility roof rails, shark fin antenna and new 18-inch alloy wheels with black wheel arches. In the interior, ASX gets a newly designed 3-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel, chrome accents, and sporty dual tone leather seats.

Engine, drivetrain, and performance: 4/5

As a global model, ASX has a variety of engines to offer but in Singapore, only one engine is under the hood. It’s the 2.0L 4-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine mated to INVECS-III CVT gearbox with 6-speed sports mode. The maximum power of 150 Nm and the torque of 197 Nm couldn’t push the 1,350kg vehicle fast enough to be among sporty crossovers. The acceleration of 11.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and the top speed of 193 km/h were recommendable numbers but some rivals offer much better performances. The average consumption of 7.6 l/100km sounds good in the official papers but we all know that in real life it’s more likely to be around 10 liters.

Trim levels: 5/5

The Mitsubishi ASX comes to Singapore equipped with just one, but a rich trim package which offers almost everything that an average customer could ask for. The long list of equipment includes Keyless Operation System, Start-Stop engine button, fully automatic air conditioner, full-color LCD instrument cluster, automatic headlamps, automatic rain sensor, cruise control with paddle shifters, full-flat rear seats and 60:40 split foldable seatback, rear center armrest with cup holder and much more.

Safety: 5/5

The list of safety features proves that ASX is one of the safest cars in the segment. Starting with seven airbags, including driver knee airbag, the list continues with Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution System (EDB), Active Stability Control (ASC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), 3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force-limiters, and ISOFIX anchor seats. All that ensures five-star safety rating on the respective EuroNCAP crash test.

Conclusion: 4.5/5.0

The 4,355mm long vehicle with 2,670mm wheelbase offers plenty of space for the passengers but also for the luggage with a cargo capacity of 416 liters. Those numbers are saying that the ASX is a practical SUV both for everyday family use and for weekend adventures out of town. The smooth and powerful engine offers decent fuel economy but also a possibility to run in a sporting manner on the open roads. The modern and sporty design of the 2017-spec car is also a big plus and designers would have a tough job to draw an even prettier car for the next generation.