Talking today about the hottest selling SUV under $40,000 – the Mitsubishi ASX. It’s been around for some time but was freshened before Xmas with a smart new more muscular face. This compact SUV’s popularity due in part to sharp pricing, good all-round performance and economy plus a seven-year, 150,000 k warranty and two years free servicing – frankly the formula that Holden needed in a small SUV – their Trax competitor achieving just a quarter of ASX sales last year. Mitsubishi suggest the ASX‘s buyer base are young females, young families on a budget and older empty nesters – the front drive only ASX consisting of five 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated CVT automatic models from $24,990 drive-away.

I drove the new top-spec Exceed, which along with the LS grade gained a larger 2.4-litre engine, again with CVT auto priced at $35,740 drive-away. The equipment impressive – rear view camera and parking sensors, 18-inch alloy wheels, panoramic roof, premium sound system and leather seats. However, despite all of the new sparkle the underpinnings show some age, remember it’s been around for some time, and newer compact SUV’s like the Kia Seltos have better dynamics. Steering feel can be a little wooden off centre while the engine can get raucous under heavy acceleration. But it’s the value story that sells the Mitsubishi ASX, good economy too on 91 RON petrol and I managed 7.7L/100 in mainly city driving.

I’m David Berthon

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