- Doors and Seats
5 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
110kW, 197Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 7.6L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto (CVT)
- Warranty
5 Yr, 100000 KMs
- Ancap Safety
5/5 star (2014)
Mitsubishi ASX LS 2019 review
If the Mitsubishi ASX looks as familiar as the back of your hand, it’s probably because the model will soon turn ten.
It’s as if the Japanese brand’s product planning department operates in a fourth dimension, where the older a car looks the better it sells. But this is all unfolding in front of our eyes.
Like water off a duck’s back, the ASX doesn’t care for ageists, sitting comfortably ahead of any compact SUV in the sales chart last year and teaching a lesson to all those hip young models like the Mazda CX-3, Hyundai Kona and Toyota C-HR on how to do it.
Despite the bevy of expected nips and tucks during this trusty compact SUV’s lifespan, it is still very much recognisable to the original that launched in 2010. And unlike some young competition, it's become completely ubiquitous in the urban landscape. But the formula is solid and with yet another facelift just around the corner, Mitsubishi doesn't appear to be ready to put the brakes on anytime soon.
- Practical space
- Simple lineup
- Value proposition
- Automatic is indecisive
- Lacks refinement
- Dang, this thing is old
Is the Mitsubishi ASX LS right for me?
The ASX mantra is one of simplicity. This is an urban runabout with no regard for pretending to be something it’s not, and it wears an attractive price tag. This year the MY19 update ditches all-wheel-drive and diesel for a petrol, front-wheel-drive only lineup – it’s not some quasi wannabe off-roader and the net result will save you bucks. As simple, cheap and straightforward transport it succeeds, and while it mightn’t impress your High street friends, it’s no hog either, tinselled up with big wheels and chrome highlights that at least help it look as smart as it has ever been.
What does the 2019 Mitsubishi ASX LS cost?
For 2019 we see a new three-tier lineup, consisting of the entry-spec ES, mid-grade LS and top-model Exceed but without all-wheel-drive. Instead, all are front-wheel-driven and come with the choice of a manual or automatic CVT transmission.
Adding shine to its appeal is that the ES is now $1510 cheaper than before, priced to sell at $23,490 plus on-road costs with a five-speed manual. The auto is $2000 more expensive.
While the manufacturer listed price doesn’t jump out as a total bargain, it really doesn’t take much haggling to get a deal that undercuts rivals.
The ES can also be had with added safety technology as the ES ADAS and is priced from $26,990 (automatic only).
The LS on test starts at $27,990, also with an automatic only, and the Exceed comes in at $30,990 plus on-road costs.
What is the Mitsubishi ASX LS's interior like?
This mid-grade LS gets one of the smartest-looking mid-spec cabins to come out of the diamond brand in years. Supplementing red-stitched suede inserts with leather bolstering on the sides the seats are both comfortable and look good - the base grade looks a bit bland in comparison and even the Exceed’s all-leather fanciness isn’t as visually striking.
The front pews are supportive and the centre and door armrests are wide enough to be comfortable, and there are enough cup holders and sundry item areas to throw a mobile phone or drink bottle.
The rear-seat is comparatively barren with nothing more than seating for three.
How much space does the Mitsubishi ASX LS Wagon have?
As boxy as its styling is there’s a good amount of space inside. Starting with the boot, it’s a useable area that can carry more than a few bags of shopping. Measuring 393-litres large, it beats the Kona (361L) and C-HR (377L) and smashes the CX-3 with its diminutive 264L cavity. The seats also 60:40 split-fold to open up a 1193L cargo area.
Cabin dimensions are good elsewhere with reasonable head and shoulder room around the front seats and good rear-seat legroom for its size.
What's the Mitsubishi ASX LS's tech like?
There’s no special technology fitted to the ASX though the dashboard does its best to integrate Mitsubishi’s common 8.0-inch infotainment system used on other models. The screen is large and the system is easy to use, and despite no sat nav on any model grade maps are available via Apple Carplay or Android Auto phone connectivity.
The sound system is a basic four-speaker arrangement in ES and LS models, and it won’t worry the neighbours for volume, while the top-spec Exceed gets a better six-speaker system that has more fidelity.
Given its age, there’s not much wow factor, with no digital driver display or fancy climate controls to spruce things up.
How reliable is the 2019 Mitsubishi ASX LS?
With simple, well-known underpinnings and an unstressed engine, the latest iteration ASX shouldn’t kick up much of a stink. The latest integration of safety tech did cause a hiccup early on though with the forward collision warning engaging too eagerly – this was fixed in a recall issued late-2018.
How safe is the Mitsubishi ASX LS?
Five years on from being tested by ANCAP, the ASX carries the same five-star safety rating. It has seven airbags, a reversing camera and emergency brake assist. The safety pack and LS and Exceed models gain forward AEB, lane departure warning, lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert.
What is the Mitsubishi ASX LS's warranty like?
Like all Mitsubishis, the ASX is covered by a five-year, 100,000km warranty and complimentary one-year roadside assist (provided by your state’s auto club) when bundled with three-years fixed price servicing.
What are the on-going costs for the Mitsubishi ASX LS Wagon?
Service intervals are every 15,000 or 12 months, whichever comes first. Three-year capped price servicing is available at a cost of $240 per visit. The model also requires a free check-up at 1000km.
Is the 2019 Mitsubishi ASX LS value for money?
Helping the ASX appeal to many is sharp pricing, and as such it does come with a fair amount of gear for the dollar - 18-inch alloys, fabric trim, four-speaker sound system, climate control and cruise control. But the base model doesn’t come with AEB as standard, like the CX-3.
The LS adds nicer equipment such keyless entry and start, partial leather trim with red stitching on suede inserts, rear parking sensors, fog lights and automatic high beam, headlights and wipers. It also gets the ADAS safety pack.
The top spec Exceed adds full leather trim, six-speaker sound system and a sunroof.
What's under the Mitsubishi ASX LS's bonnet?
The engine is a mild 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol four-cylinder, producing modest outputs of 110kW of power and 197Nm of torque. It’s not particularly potent and is a leisurely motor that needs a kick in the guts to get moving briskly – which is easier said than done with the CVT that’s a little lazy and indecisive around town. It does cruise well though and is good enough for urban point A to point B shuffling.
The diesel was a stronger proposition but, alas, it is no longer available.
How much fuel does the Mitsubishi ASX LS Wagon use?
It's not a heavy drinker though, consuming a claimed fuel consumption of 7.6L/100km on the government combined cycle. It’ll run on 91RON petrol and the tank has a capacity of 63L.
What's it like to drive the Mitsubishi ASX LS?
Almost a decade since it first hit the road the ASX is not benchmark material, and it doesn’t have the polish and refinement found in most newer rivals. Unsurprisingly, it is a little noisy on coarse chips roads and the ride feels a touch unsettled on poor surfaces. It’s compliant enough that it soaks up bumps to an extent but it won’t win over keen drivers after good steering feel and enjoyable dynamics, despite carrying a sophisticated independent rear suspension setup (which doesn't have a positive impact on its boot space).
The combined engine performance and ride make the ASX an acceptable daily driver but it’s not effortless and occasionally annoying to drive due to a lack of power on hills and whining CVT transmission when trying to take off quickly at the lights.
How does the 2019 Mitsubishi ASX LS compare to the competition?
Newer competition has the ASX beat for all-round performance. Looks are subjective but the ASX is certainly a little more conservative than some. But then again, it wins on the showroom, where regular deals, sharp pricing and good kit seem to be the ultimate objective for many buyers.
Drive's Verdict
Almost ten years on the ASX is feeling a bit dated and due for renewal – there are better cars out there. That said, it currently doesn’t need bells and whistles to worry about the competition as it’s the segment’s - and Mitsubishi’s - best-selling passenger car. And for those that want something with more contemporary looks, it's about to get a major facelift.