Mitsubishi ASX 220 DI-D AWD 150 CV Kaiteki, road test (Engine, performance, handling and consumption)

A year ago, the Mitsubishi ASX received an update with very subtle changes to its exterior design. It is an SUV that has two siblings: the Peugeot 4008 and the Citroën C4 Aircross. The ASX has given a real boost to the sales of the Japanese brand, and it has good reasons for that.

We have tested the Mitsubishi ASX with the 150 CV diesel engine, 4×4 traction and automatic gearbox. It is a version for those who want it all, and its diesel engine moves the ASX with great ease, while the automatic gearbox provides a great deal of driving comfort.

Engine and performance

Under the name 220 DI-D hides a 2.2-litre (100% Mitsubishi) engine that delivers 150 CV. It is a very performance-oriented engine (it has more than enough power and strength); the other engine variants with less power are more than sufficient to move the ASX with ease.

This powertrain has a torque of 360 Nm available between 1,500 and 2,750 rpm, while in practice above 3,500 rpm it stops pulling. But the torque is delivered at low revs, which gives an excellent response, especially for off-road use.

On the improvable side, we find the engine somewhat noisy and lacking the refinement of other similar powertrains, although in its favour it has proven reliability.

In this trim we have an automatic gearbox paired with the 150 CV engine. The automatic gearbox is a CVT, very smooth but it does not fully make the most of the engine. We can use it in sequential mode and it has paddle shifters.

Handling

The Mitsubishi ASX has typical SUV handling, with suspensions that above all seek comfort. It is true that within the SUV segment some cars are more dynamic than others, but that is not the case with the ASX, which has a suspension tuning that guarantees good interior comfort regardless of the condition of the road surface.

When trying to be more agile with the ASX, we find certain inertias that hold back the car’s dynamic character. On the road, unless it is a mountain pass, it is a very comfortable car, regardless of the condition of the asphalt. On the motorway we liked the car’s sound insulation.

In the city, being automatic, it adds driving comfort, but consumption is quite high in this environment, which is entirely understandable. Finally, the brakes do their job correctly, while the steering feels rather artificial and very power-assisted.

Regarding off-road behaviour, we must not forget that it is an SUV, even if it is a Mitsubishi. What I mean is that it does have a generous ground clearance, but for example it does not fit M+S tyres, and traction is selected via a dial, but in no case does it have a low-range gearbox.

For a typical ASX driver, traction is not necessary in most cases and you can drive on tracks without any problem. That said, should we need to tackle more complicated terrain or snow, it has a selector dial that lets you choose between: 4×2, 4×4 Auto and 4×4 LOCK.

Consumption

On our usual route on the motorway between Madrid and Vigo, the average consumption was 6.6 litres per 100 km, a more than correct figure considering it is a 150 CV, automatic, 4×4 engine.

On country roads normal consumption is around the same figure, that is, it can range from a minimum of 6 litres, which we achieved on our usual route, up to 7.5 litres in the worst scenario.

Finally, in the city is where consumption suffers the most, easily exceeding 9 litres per 100 km in urban areas.

In the second part of the test we will analyse the exterior design of the Mitsubishi ASX, which has undergone slight changes, as well as the spacious interior, the trim levels and the boot.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverMitsubishi ASX8 versions · from 25,250 €