A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
3.8/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.5
Comfort & Interior
3.6
Running Costs
4
Practicality
4.2
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a compact SUV that offers reliable motoring without breaking the bank? The Mitsubishi ASX delivers exactly that with its practical blend of elevated driving position, decent fuel economy, and straightforward ownership experience. This Japanese crossover sits comfortably in the competitive family SUV segment, where it faces stiff competition from rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage. The ASX stands out with its generous warranty coverage and surprisingly spacious interior for its compact footprint.
While it may not offer the most exciting driving experience in its class, the ASX compensates with dependable build quality and low running costs that appeal to practical family buyers. The range of petrol and diesel engines provides decent performance for everyday driving, though acceleration is more about steady progress than outright pace. What makes the ASX particularly attractive is its value proposition, offering SUV versatility at a price point that undercuts many premium alternatives.
The ASX appeals most to buyers who prioritise reliability and practicality over cutting edge technology or sporty handling. Its straightforward approach to family motoring, combined with Mitsubishi’s reputation for durability, makes it a sensible choice for those seeking hassle free ownership. Whether you need a family runabout or a capable weekend adventure companion, the ASX delivers honest, unpretentious motoring that gets the job done without any fuss.
What's the Mitsubishi ASX Like to Drive?
The Mitsubishi ASX focuses on efficiency and practicality rather than thrilling performance. Most models come with either a 1.6 litre petrol engine producing around 117 horsepower, or a more efficient 1.6 diesel with similar power output. The petrol engine takes about 11.7 seconds to reach 60mph, which feels adequate for everyday driving but won’t set your pulse racing. Around town, both engines provide smooth and predictable power delivery that makes parking and low speed manoeuvring stress free.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.6L 4-cylinder Petrol / 1.6L 4-cylinder Diesel
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Power Output
117 bhp
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0-60 mph
11.7 seconds
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MPG Combined
42 - 58 mpg
- Boot Space
- 442 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Mitsubishi ASX?
Step inside the ASX and you’ll find a practical, well organised cabin that prioritises function over form. The dashboard layout is straightforward and easy to understand, with clearly labelled buttons and simple controls. Materials are hard wearing rather than luxurious, but everything feels solidly built and designed to withstand family life. The seats are comfortable and supportive for longer journeys, with decent adjustment range to help most drivers find a good position.
The Mitsubishi ASX is a practical, no-frills compact SUV that prioritises efficiency and reliability over outright performance. Its 1.6-litre engines deliver smooth, predictable power, adequate for daily driving but lacking thrill. While the interior feels functional and well-built, it lacks premium flair. Running costs are competitive, and its spacious cabin makes it a solid choice for families. However, its modest driving dynamics and uninspiring character may leave purists unimpressed.
Is the Mitsubishi ASX Expensive to Run?
The ASX shines when it comes to running costs, making it an attractive choice for budget conscious families. The diesel engine is particularly impressive, delivering real world fuel economy in the high 40s to mid 50s MPG range. Even the petrol version manages respectable fuel consumption around 40 to 45 MPG in mixed driving. Insurance groups are reasonable for the SUV class, typically falling into groups 10 to 15 depending on the specific model and trim level.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Mitsubishi ASX
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Nissan Qashqai
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Kia Sportage
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £18,000 | £20,000 | £19,500 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.6L 117hp | 1.3L 140hp | 1.6L 132hp |
| Power | 117 bhp | 140 bhp | 132 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 11.7 seconds | 10.1 seconds | 10.8 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 50 mpg | 47 mpg | 45 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 442 litres | 430 litres | 491 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Reliable, Good value, Practical interior | Modern tech, Refined ride, Popular choice | Long warranty, Stylish design, Good equipment |
Mitsubishi ASX Practicality & Boot Space
For families seeking practical everyday transport, the ASX delivers impressive functionality in a compact package. The 442 litre boot easily accommodates a weekly shopping trip or holiday luggage for four people. The rear seats fold down to create a flat loading area, perfect for larger items like furniture or sports equipment. Inside the cabin, you’ll find plenty of storage compartments for bottles, phones, and other family essentials.
We’ve had our ASX for three years now and it’s been absolutely reliable. Perfect size for our family of four and the boot swallows everything we need. Not the most exciting car but it does exactly what we need it to do.
The Mitsubishi ASX stands out in the competitive compact SUV market by offering straightforward practicality at a reasonable price. It combines Mitsubishi’s reputation for reliability with genuine everyday usability, making it an attractive choice for families who value substance over style. While it may not offer the latest technology or most sophisticated driving experience, it excels in the areas that matter most for daily family life.