2017 Mitsubishi ASX 2.2D Auto AWD 5

The Mitsubishi ASX was the Japanese manufacturer’s first foray into the lucrative crossover segment in 2010, but it’s yet to be the sales hit Mitsubishi hoped it would be. A bland interior, unrefined engines and a rise in UK price due to an unexpectedly strong Yen exchange rate left it trailing its rivals, which are more competitive than ever.

In a bid to remedy that, the ASX has been updated for 2017. The alterations are mainly cosmetic, but the manufacturer hopes they will inject some fresh interest in the crossover.

Chief among those changes is a new front end, which brings the ‘Dynamic Shield’ styling of the ASX in line with the latest updates for the larger Mitsubishi Outlander. Certain trim levels also get more kit, and the revised ASX is offered with a new 1.6-litre diesel engine, which joins the 1.6-litre petrol unit in the line-up. That said, the lion’s share of UK sales is still expected to go to the 2.2-litre diesel.

The bigger diesel engine, which we’re driving here, is only available with a five-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive in the top two trims. Trim levels are divided up into 2, 3 and 4 variants as well as this new top-level 5 derivative, which features an upgraded leather interior, heated rear seats, LED interior lights and an aluminium pedal kit. ASX prices start from a fairly reasonable £15,999 but rise to a less-competitive £28,399 for the variant we tested.

The 2.2-litre diesel still has an agricultural feel to it. When cruising at around 2000rpm its thrum isn’t too noticeable, but acceleration results in harsh engine noise, and vibrations can be felt through the pedals.

Although engine noise is a major negative, at least there’s lots of torque available. The ASX feels urgent away from a standstill and its power delivery is linear, while acceleration is brisk even at higher speeds. This engine is gutsy enough to enable the ASX to tow a braked weight of up to 1400kg, which is enough to haul the majority of trailers and caravans. 

The six-speed automatic gearbox is a little slow-witted, although the manual paddle shifters can be used to offer more responsive gear changes.

Like many crossovers, the ASX offers unflustered, stable handling without being fun. The steering is light and doesn’t offer much feedback, but is at least fairly precise, while the ride remains composed on all but severely broken roads. The on-demand all-wheel-drive system ensures good grip through corners and makes the ASX sure-footed across challenging terrain.