Mitsubishi ASX 3 1.6 5dr Car Review - February 2012

Although the ASX isn't the most exciting drive, the ride is supple and comfortable and the handling is efficient and allows the driver to know what is happening. The steering is effective and the grip is plentiful going into a corner, although there is a fair amount of body roll going around the corners. The driving position benefits from the increased height of the car, and there is a good view of the road both to the front and the rear from the effectively designed interior.

The 1.6 litre engine delivers reasonably good performance, and even with the larger size of the ASX crossover it is still able to deliver acceleration from 0-62mph in 11.4 seconds. The top speed of 113mph is perfectly good for cars in this class, and this means that travelling on the motorway will be well within the vehicle's comfort zone.

Among the most popular vehicles sold by Mitsubishi in the UK are their 4x4s, and although this ASX is a two wheel drive car, the design does give a number of nods to the design of other Mitsubishis. The large grille and air intake are combined in a large chrome surround, and the headlights are a little sleeker than those of the larger Mitsubishi vehicles. The back end is tidy and has a small spoiler over the top of the rear window, and this efficient ethos is also seen within the cabin where everything is clear and easy to use.

The level of equipment in this version of the ASX is very good, and features such as air conditioning and climate control ensures that the cabin is comfortable, and heated seats do add to the luxury level. Alloy wheels are included as standard with the car, and the inclusion of Bluetooth connectivity is also a welcome addition that is now a standard feature in many modern cars.

Part of the reason that many people will be looking at crossover cars such as the ASX will be the practicality, and the larger size does mean that space in the front and rear seats is enough for people to ride comfortably. The boot is a well sized space with room for plenty of luggage, and the ability to fold the seats forward means that larger items can be carried with relative ease.

The Mitsubishi ASX has been awarded five stars in the Euro NCAP safety tests, and achieved good marks for both adult and child safety. The vehicle is supplied with a full range of airbags, including the driver's knee airbag which is a welcome addition. There are also a number of driving aids to help keep the car on the road, and the reliability that comes with Mitsubishi vehicles has been passed on to the ASX.

This version of the ASX has a list price of £18,169, which is certainly quite competitive when compared with equivalent versions from the competition. However, the price is close enough so that it shouldn't become the main focus, as the ASX does deliver a nice overall package.

In terms of actually running the ASX, the fuel performance from the 1.6 litre engine is fairly good, but not class leading, delivering an average 47.9mpg. The low insurance group will certainly be a welcome feature that will help to keep insurance premiums low, and the depreciation is not as bad as seen in some vehicles. The car is also supplied with a three year warranty and breakdown assistance policy, which is typical of what can be expected from cars in this class.