Fun and Games with the Mitsubishi ASX

MANILA, Philippines - In case you were having trouble figuring out which Mitsubishi to get from their burgeoning lineup of pickups, cars, and SUVs, the triple-diamond giant releases a new crossover this month with the ASX, or “Active Sport Crossover” (with an “X”, of course).

Called the “Outlander Sport” in the US market, the ASX is shorter and narrower than the Outlander but keeps the all-wheel drive in the high-end variant, then pairs it with the 2-liter 4B11 inline-4 of the Lancer EX and a choice of 5-speed manual or 6-speed Continuously Variable Transmission. In other words, think of it as a Lancer with a backpack and wearing fashionable North Face trail running shoes.

In pictures, the ASX’s jet fighter nose bears a strong resemblance to the Lancer EX and the US-market Outlander, but a strong downward sloping character line on the flanks and sculpted creases on the rear give it a pseudo BMW X1 look that’s quite attractive. The familial theme continues inside with the hooded instrument binnacle and center console shared with the Lancer.

However, the ASX dashboard seems to use more refined plastics than the Lancer, with a richer grain that’s not too plasticky so the gray-and-black cabin feels more expensive than the sedan’s. The multi-information LCD display between the speedometer and tachometer also features a sharper blue-white-red lettering that’s quite iPhone-esque compared to the Lancer’s plain red (or maybe the 2011 Lancer will also get that improvement?). A pushbutton Start/Stop engine feature on the 4x4 GLS SE variant further gives it that BMW-esque feel.

Over a day of fun driving inside Clark, which included an Amazing Race-style drive within the former US airbase, a crazy gymkhana, and a timed fuel economy run inside Clark Speedway, there was plenty of time to appreciate the ASX’s virtues. The car has light and accurate steering and a suspension that’s tuned for comfort without too much body roll. Over several moderately fast laps inside Clark Speedway, the steering exhibited very little play off center and was sharp enough to keep us on the racing line with only minimal corrections. Body roll was within acceptable levels, and light trail braking unloaded the rear end in a progressive manner. With the same suspension design as the Lancer (front struts and rear multi-link), it drove remarkably just like the sedan albeit with a higher center of gravity.

The 2-liter engine is tuned differently for the ASX compared to the Lancer EX, and is now rated at 150 PS at 6000rpm and 197 N-m of torque at 4,200rpm. It propels the lightweight feel of the ASX with acceptable quickness and refinement, and choosing between transmission choices will come down to driving priorities. The 6-speed CVT comes with magnesium paddle shifters and is responsive, smooth and actually fun to drive.

On the other hand, the 5-speed stick shift has a light clutch, yields slightly better fuel economy but uses a tall and somewhat clunky-looking shifter that detracts from the sporty feel. All-Wheel Drive-equipped ASXs use a center differential that continuously adjusts torque between the front and rear axles (up to 30% to the rear), or it can be locked in a 50:50 ratio for sketchier terrain. Still, with modest ground clearance and the standard Yokohama Aspec street tires the ASX is more suited for clearing low floods and fire roads than making the trek to Mount Pulag.

Weekend warrior types may also find the ASX’s cargo hauling abilities wanting. Space behind the rear seats is just enough for a few small boxes and bags, and folding down the 60:40 rear split seatbacks only adds a few a little more space for a total of 384 liters. If you want the most room for your buck, ask the Mitsubishi salesperson to show you the Montero Sport. As it is, the ASX fits into that increasingly popular genre of not-quite-SUV and not-quite-car with a particular blend of fashion sense, sophistication, and driving fun. Small families and well-to-do singles will like the car’s compact size which makes it easy to maneuver, and its youthful aura will probably shave a few years off a buyer’s age.

High-end touches include a 6.2-inch touch screen LCD monitor with a built-in DVD/CD/MP3/WMA player and GPS navigation for the GLS and GLS SE models; handsfree Bluetooth cellphone pairing; iPod and USB connectivity; automatic climate control; Hill Start Assist and Active Stability Control, and 160-degree super wide range High Intensity Discharge Headlamps on the GLS SE.

The latter also comes with a 7-airbag system, while the GLS and GLX versions get dual stage SRS airbags for the driver and front passenger. Antilock Braking System is standard on all three variants. Set to be introduced to the public at this week’s Philippine International MotorShow, introductory prices for the ASX are P1,145,000 for the GLX 4x2 M/T, P1,225,000 for the GLS 4x2 CVT, and P1,498,000 for the GLS 4x4 SE.

Will it be enough to put up a serious challenge to the Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V, all-new Nissan X-Trail and upcoming Kia Sportage? We’ll see.