Mitsubishi has added a fourth model to its Australian 4WD/SUV range with the launch of its new ASX compact SUV. Although it’s based on the same platform as the Outlander, shorter overhangs make it the smallest of the four and the first to come with the cost-saving option of 2WD.

Mitsubishi Australia chose to use the name ASX (for Active Sports Crossover) despite it also being the abbreviation for the Australian Stock Exchange. The ASX name is also used in Europe while in the United States it is sold as Outlander Sport and in Asian markets as the RVR.

Changes to import tariff rates at the start of 2010 have contributed to a significant growth in the compact 2WD SUV market and ASX joins vehicles such as Nissan Dualis, Hyundai ix35 and Volkswagen Tiguan that are drawing sales away, not only from larger 4WDs, but also from hatchbacks.

As well as their cheaper pricing, much of the appeal of the 2WD SUV lies in their functionality with a tall, square design that provides a higher than normal driving position and practical rear storage space. ASX fits the bill in these regards while adding the large and eye-catching front grille that is a feature of all new Mitsubishi vehicles. The design, which is closer to hatch than SUV, will be familiar to concept car buffs – it first appeared as the Mitsubishi Concept-cX at the 2007 Frankfurt motor show.

There’s good interior space, not noticeably less than that of the Outlander, with plenty of rear leg and headroom and a large, easily accessible boot that caters for 426 litres with the rear seat back in place, and 1193 litres with them folded. Some of this volume is achieved through a space-saver spare tyre. For those who prefer it, the boot floor can be raised to allow for a full-sized spare at a cost of around $200.

Our only minor complaint about the ASX interior was the cheap, plastic look to the dashboard top.

The ASX comes with the choice of two engines, the 2.0-litre petrol unit that we’re familiar with from the Lancer and an all-new 1.8-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel. The latter is a breakthrough in that it’s the first time that a diesel engine has been fitted to a Mitsubishi passenger car and, according to Mitsubishi, the first passenger car diesel engine from any manufacturer to incorporate variable valve timing.

The diesel’s combination of 110 kW of power, and 300 Nm of torque at 2000 rpm is enough to satisfy the keen driver, yet the new technology helps keep fuel consumption at an officially tested 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres with CO2 emissions of 154 grams per kilometre.

The 2WD variant comes with the choice of five-speed manual or CVT automatic, the 4WD petrol is only available with CVT while the diesel only comes with six-speed manual.

Both petrol and diesel 4WD ASX are also offered in a higher equipped Aspire model.

Safety features across the range include ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist, stability and traction control and front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags. Also standard are climate control air conditioning, powered tailgate operation, MP3-compatible audio with USB input, tilt and reach steering wheel and alloy wheels. Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel mounted audio controls and rear parking sensors are all standard on 4WD models and a package option with 2WD, while the 4WD also gets front fog lamps.

The ASX Aspire adds heated seats, keyless entry and push-button ignition, 17-inch alloys, rear view camera and Mitsubishi’s Multi-Communication System that includes satellite navigation, Rockford-Fosgate sound system and a 40Gb hard drive (with 15Gb reserved for music), all displayed on a seven-inch dashboard display. A panoramic sunroof is optional

We were able to test all ASX variants during the 300-kilometre press launch drive between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast which included a short off-road section. Mitsubishi looks to be on a real winner with the new turbo-diesel engine. As we’ve come to expect from modern diesels the difference in engine sound is really only noticeable at start-up. There’s plenty of torque even at relatively low-revs and of course there’s the fuel cost saving.

With prices starting at $25,990 Mitsubishi anticipates about 65 per cent of ASX buyers choosing 2WD rather than 4WD models. We can’t help but feel that there will be plenty of disappointed potential buyers when they find that neither the diesel/2WD nor diesel/automatic option is available.

The Mitsubishi ASX is an impressive vehicle that’s likely to make a significant impact on the compact SUV market. Neat, practical and well-priced it also comes with added assurance of Mitsubishi’s five-year / 130,000-kilometre warranty.

The complete Mitsubishi ASX range, with prices (excluding dealer and government charges) is:
ASX 2WD 2.0-litre petrol: $25,990 (five-speed manual), $28,490 (CVT automatic)
ASX 4WD 2.0-litre petrol: $31,990 (CVT automatic)
ASX 4WD 1.8-litre turbo-diesel: $31,990 (six-speed manual)
ASX 4WD Aspire 2.0-litre petrol: $36,990 (CVT automatic)
ASX 4WD Aspire 1.8-litre turbo-diesel: $36,990 (six-speed manual)