2022 Mitsubishi ASX GSR new car review

Despite rising new car prices this SUV is still a budget friendly option that is cheap to run and own, but you need to know a few things first.

2022 Mitsubishi ASX GSR.

Mitsubishi’s once best selling ASX compact SUV has been overtaken by much newer rivals, but it comes with a very enticing price tag. We find out if it’s still good value.

The Mitsubishi ASX is one of the cheapest small SUVs on sale.

VALUE

The ASX range starts at just $28,740 drive-away for the auto (or $26,490 for the manual), which makes it one of the cheapest small SUVs on the market. Our test car was the GSR, which sits just below the range-topping Exceed.

It costs a whisker less than $35,000 if you choose white paint – any other colour costs between $740 and $940 extra.

Standard fare on all models includes an 8-inch touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, digital radio, four USB ports, keyless entry, climate control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter.

The GSR has a bigger 2.4-litre engine, more safety gear, push-button start, suede and imitation leather seats and rear parking sensors. Satellite navigation is a notable omission.

Mitsubishi’s trump card is its aftersales service. The brand has a 10-year warranty if you service with the dealership network and its capped price services also stretch to 10 years, with most priced at $299.

The ASX feels outdated comapred to rivals.

COMFORT

The leather and suede seats offer good thigh and side support, although back-seat passengers sit a little “knees up”.

Rear leg and headroom are reasonable for this size of SUV and there’s enough room under the front seats to stretch out a little.

There are no air vents in the back but the window sills are low, providing an airy feel.

Low-profile 18-inch wheels tend to pick up small bumps and corrugations at lower speeds. They can also create some tyre roar over coarser road surfaces, while engine noise can be intrusive when overtaking or climbing hills.

Its reasonably roomy and comfy for its size.

SAFETY

Cheaper versions miss out on safety tech that is standard on most rivals, but the GSR is better equipped.

Driver assistance includes blind-spot and lane departure alert, although the ASX won’t steer you back into your lane if you wander.

Rear cross-traffic alert will warn of passing traffic if you’re reversing blind out of a driveway but won’t brake to avoid any potential collision. Other items missing from the safety arsenal include radar cruise control and traffic sign recognition.

The ASX sits on an old platform and the car hasn’t been crash-tested since 2014, when it achieved a five-star rating. If retested, it wouldn’t score top marks.

It’s not as refined as its main rivals on the road.

ON THE ROAD

The ASX is an honest mechanical package but it lacks the finesse and refinement of more modern rivals.

The 2.4-litre engine, which is matched to a continuously variable transmission, matches rivals for power outputs but can be a bit raucous under full throttle.

It’s reasonably frugal on the open road, but around town you won’t get anywhere near its fuel-use claim of 7.9L/km.

On the open road, it feels secure and sits reasonably flat through corners for a high-riding SUV, although it can be unsettled by mid-corner corrugations and bumps. Around town, the ride can be a bit lumpy.

ALTERNATIVES

MG ZS Essence, from $34,690 drive-away

Lineball on price but the MG has a more modern cabin and a lot more standard gear.

Kia Seltos Sport (with safety pack), from about $33,790 drive-away

Less power but better to drive, with more standard safety and convenience features.

Hyundai Kona Elite, from about $35,700 drive-away

Less powerful engine, shorter warranty but more safety tech and a longer standard equipment list.

VERDICT 3.5/5

The ASX is showing its age but the sharp price, long warranty and cheap servicing make it worth considering for buyers on a budget.

MITSUBISHI ASX GSR VITALS

PRICE About $35,000 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICING 10 years, 200,000km, $3890 over 10 years

ENGINE 2.4-litre petrol, 123kW and 222Nm

SAFETY Six airbags, auto emergency braking, lane-departure and blind-spot warning, rear cross traffic alert

THIRST 7.9L/100km

CARGO 393 litres

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