Ashburton Guardian | Guardian Motoring | April 3, 2020

Motoring April 3, 2020

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Friday, April 3, 2020

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ASX improving with age A

s you read this, in better, Covid-19 free times, eighteen yellow shirted ‘classic aged’ blokes of the Summer Wine cycling group would have been setting off on the final leg – Hyde to Middlemarch – of the Otago Central Rail Trail.

This was to mark the ten-year anniversary since the group last rode it and had involved, especially given the group numbers, very extensive planning by group commandant Merv Gray.

All of which I’m glad to say is just on hold, and hopefully should be able to put in place later in the year.

Now one of the vehicles that was to be heading south, complete with trailer and bikes was a 2-litre Mitsubishi ASX, courtesy of Paul Sankey, Esquire.

While not one of the very latest face-lifted models, it is the last of the previous popular models and has pretty much the same engine/gearbox and cabin as the new ones.

So I was looking forward, as co-driver, to checking it out over the trip.

Of course that’s on hold, so lets take a look at what’s happened with the latest ASX range.

For a start they are more noticeable thanks to a now quite aggressive looking front end, right from the windscreen forward.

There’s different tail-lights and rear bumper as well.

Gone are the diesel four-wheel-drive

Roger Hart ROAD TEST

models with all ASXs, including the top of the line VRX, which now has the same 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine as can be had in the Outlander, are front-wheeldrive.

Those looking for a similarly sized vehicle with more off-road performance now need to consider the latest Eclipse Cross, or the said Outlander, both of which have versions with enhanced 4WD systems.

All three versions of the still nicely-compact sized ASX come with 18” alloys, LED headlights and daylight running lights.

As well all have automatic rain-sensing wipers and dusk-sensing headlights.

The test VRX with its Sunshine Orange paintwork was not just easily spotted, but because of its large windows was also easy to see out of.

Inside, subtle but important changes have been made, not just to freshen its appearance but technology as well.

This includes a larger more intuitive 8-inch infotainment screen complete with Apple and Android connectivity.

For those in the front access is easy and the more sculpted shape of the leather furnished, heated front seats proved both suitably comfortable and supportive.

It also easy to set up a comfortable driving position.

Then for taller people getting into the rear seats, they may find the door opening a bit restrictive, but once seated will be happy with the space, including the foot space under the front seats.

They don’t get separate air vents though.

Luggage space is 393 litres and the rear seats split/fold 60/40.

There’s a temporary spare under the boot floor.

The combination of the well-proven 2.4litre four-cylinder petrol engine with its strong mid-range torque and intuitive CVT transmission means it’s very easy to drive with smooth, responsive performance for most driving situations, and doing so with fuel consumption well in keeping with the claimed figure.

Even over bumps, a well-controlled and comfortable ride is delivered, while the handling is safe and predictable and body roll, when hurried through corners is also well-controlled.

The VRX (as does the mid-range XLS) comes with lots of safety features including lane departure/blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and forward collision mitigation.

While the LS misses out on these extras it has an five-star ANCAP safety rating.

FINALE Just like the Summer Wine cyclists, the ASX keeps getting better with age, being well-suited for life’s journeys, from everyday commutes to road-trip biking adventures. But then unlike said cyclists, this affordable, easy to drive and live with ASX needs to keep doing so, for there’s lots of new competitors arriving in this compact SUV class.

MITSUBISHI ASX VRX ■■ Pricing: $41,090. (2-litre LS from $29,990). All plus ORCs. ■■ Engine: 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol, 125kW@6000rpm and 226Nm@ 4100rpm.

■■ Transmission: CVT, front-wheel drive.

■■ Tows: 1300kg.

■■ Claimed overall fuel use: 7.9L/100km.

■■ Turning circle: 10.6 m.

■■ Warranty: 5year/130,000km.

(10year/130,000km for powertrain) ■■ Safety: 5 Star ANCAP

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