Well the 2014 Mitsubishi ASX in a nutshell? Worldwide Mitsubishi is known for its rally cars such at the Lancer Evolution, and sport compacts like the Eclipse that moonlighted in the Fast and Furious. Well, the UK market wasn’t invited to that party – instead we get the 2014 Mitsubishi ASX.
Not that the 2014 Mitsubishi ASX is all bad. Mitsubishi has made some subtle tweaks to the crossover, including a mildly retuned rear suspension said to provide better ride quality and body control. Don’t bother lifting the bonnet however, there’s nothing new there. The engines and transmissions have all been carried over and include a 1.6-litre petrol as well as a 1.8-litre diesel. The petrol unit is fitted with MIVEC variable valve timing technology and produces 115bhp and 154Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. If you must have this little engine, don’t plan on going off-roading – it’s only available in the front-wheel drive configuration.
That shouldn’t be a problem since most buyers opt for the 1.8-litre DiD diesel which packs 114bhp and 300Nm of torque from 3,500rpm. For being a grungy oil burner, this unit is technologically advanced. The engine is all-aluminium and features common-rail injection. With all of this sophistication, the engine is still a bit rough around the edges, though the little bit of extra soundproofing added to the latest generation goes a long way. The diesel is offered in four-wheel drive as well as two-by, and gets a six-speed manual in lieu of the five-speed mated to the petrol units. The latest incarnation of the DiD has been neutered in the name of reducing carbon emissions, dropping power ratings from 148bhp down to 114bhp. If automation is what you desire, you can step up to the flagship 2.2-litre diesel fitted with a slush box transmission.
2014 Mitsubishi ASX doesn’t prompt stares at traffic lights nor does it provoke questions at fuel stations from onlookers. It simply blends in with the crowd. Despite this, if you have to live with the SUV every day, it is easy on the eyes. Mitsubishi has toned down the Evo-looking front end a bit, with a more modest grill and redesigned mirrors. The rear end has been altered as well with a revamped rear bumper, leaving the hind quarters looking a bit more macho than before.
Mitsubishi turned a deaf ear to complaints of the former generation having a cheap feeling interior – the latest version is just as chintzy. The inside is also so dull you may need to crank the stereo to keep yourself awake should you stare at the dash too long. The habitable zone may not be pretty, but at least it’s useful. There is a fair amount of leg and headroom for rear passengers, although they are not afforded the sliding seats found in some of the ASX’s competitors. The boot measures 442-litres, and if you fold the rear 60/40 split bench you are rewarded with up to 1193-litres.
What does it cost to get some mud on the tyres of the 2014 Mitsubishi ASX? Thankfully, pricing has been reduced and now ranges between approximately £15,000 and £24,000. The base model is the ASX2 which comes equipped with Bluetooth, a CD stereo with MP3, seven airbags, hill start assist, plus stability and traction control. All models also come with alloy wheels, air-conditioning, electric windows and keyless entry. If you’ve got the funds, you can step up to the ASX3 or ASX4 models, the all-wheel drive diesel ‘4’ being the pick of the litter.
The cost of keeping an 2014 Mitsubishi ASX satiated has come down as well. Although the 1.8-litre diesel isn’t as lively as before, it now gets 55.4 mpg while producing 134g/km of carbon dioxide and rolling on a front-wheel drive chassis. If you decide you need a four-wheel drive, economy remains about the same, but CO2 spikes to 136g/km. The petrol does alright for itself too, with a combined economy figure of 47.1mpg and 137g/km of CO2. The admission ticket for the petrol is much cheaper than the diesel, making it quite the bargain.
The 2014 Mitsubishi ASX has sold big numbers worldwide – over a quarter million to be exact. Still, us Brits have yet to be convinced. Maybe that’s because like rest of Mitsubishi products in the UK, the ASX just isn’t that exciting. Despite this, the ASX might reel in some new buyers based on price alone. Guess we will have to wait and see.
