Mitsubishi ASX Exceed review: Top seller is packed with value

This is Australia’s favourite small SUV by a wide margin, smashing newer more fancied rivals. And there is a simple reason for its success.

The Mitsubishi ASX is a powerhouse on the sales charts, comfortably outselling rivals such as the Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Kona and Honda HR-V.

Last year Australians bought more than 20,000, despite the ASX being one of the oldest new cars on the market. It launched in its current form more than 10 years ago.

So why can’t Aussies get enough of this small SUV?

The Mitsubishi ASX is the best selling small SUV in the country.

VALUE

There are six ASX variants. The base ES manual starts at $24,990 drive-away, but our test car is the top-grade Exceed priced at $35,990 until the end of July. The ASX is a lot of car for the money. It’s bigger inside and out than rivals and packed to the rafters with equipment. While the bones of the vehicle have been around more than a decade the ASX received a decent upgrade for 2020. Mitsubishi has kitted out the Exceed with all the latest safety gear to keep it relevant against newer rivals. A fresh engine provides extra grunt and upgraded infotainment and styling add to its appeal. For a limited time Mitsubishi is extending the ASX’s warranty to cover seven years and 150,000km. Servicing at 15,000km or 12-month intervals is very cheap: a three-year capped price program is only $597.

The ASX is affordable to buy and own.

COMFORT

Passengers benefit from the ASX’s ample wheelbase, which allows for a roomy interior. Drivers are treated to a high seating position with great visibility and easy access, ideal for retirees. The leather appointed seats are comfy but lack support through the corners. Both front seats are heated, a welcome feature for cold winter mornings. A couple of adults will easily fit in the back, but disappointingly there are no charging points or aircon vents. The cabin shows the ASX’s advanced age. There is an eight-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with satnav and digital radio, but clunky controls and the lack of a digital speedo are a let-down. Younger buyers will appreciate the nine-speaker stereo with a subwoofer. Soft suspension makes for a compliant ride with most bumps soaked up. Road noise is acceptable but there is some wind buffeting at motorway speeds.

The cabin shows the SUV’s advanced age.

SAFETY

Back in 2014 the ASX received a five-star ANCAP rating. Since then it has been fitted with a range of driver assistance features to keep pace with newer rivals. The Exceed comes with auto emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane departure warning, lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert in its armoury.

Updated styling freshened up the ASX’s look.

DRIVING

Don’t expect the ASX to scythe through corners or be quick off the mark. That isn’t what this car is built for. Power comes from a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol unit making 123kW and 222Nm, which is more than most rivals. The engine can sound a bit agricultural under acceleration and the CVT auto doesn’t help the matter adding a whine as you pick up speed. The engine is fairly thirsty, too, drinking a claimed 7.9L/100km. But the ASX only requires cheaper regular unleaded. The suspension soaks up most bumps but can feel unsettled over rough surfaces. There is also a degree of lean through corners.

The ASX isn’t an engaging drive, but doesn’t do much wrong on the road.

VERDICT 3/5

A modern marvel it isn’t. But the price is right and the ASX Exceed is loaded with equipment, providing fuss-free motoring that neither excites nor infuriates.

ALTERNATIVES

Mazda CX-3 Akari,

from about $35,500 drive-away

Sweet driving little SUV with a boatload of safety equipment and a classy interior. Tight back seat and small boot.

Kia Seltos Sport Plus,

from $33,990 drive-away

Well equipped, a cracking drive and plenty of space inside, plus a benchmark seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty. Servicing is a bit on the pricey side.

Hyundai Kona Elite,

from about $34,300 drive-away

An older vehicle than the Seltos and slightly smaller inside. Five-year warranty.

MITSUBISHI ASX EXCEED VITALS

Price: $35,990 drive-away (special offer)

Warranty/servicing: 7 yrs 150,000km, $597 over 3 years

Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder petrol, 123kW/222Nm

Safety: 5 stars, seven airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot warning, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert

Thirst: 7.9L/100km

Boot: 393L