Mitsubishi ASX adds gutsier 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine

Lifted from the larger Outlander, the new engine produces 110kW and 360Nm, and for the first time offers Mitsubishi ASX buyers the combination of a diesel engine with a automatic gearbox.

Indeed, the 2.2-litre is available exclusively with a six-speed auto, the existing 1.8-litre turbo diesel is carried over in six-speed manual form, with an unchanged 110kW and 300Nm.

Mitsubishi will continue on with the manual 1.8-litre diesel ASX option until later this year when it will be dropped from the line up. There are no plans for a manual version of the 2.2-litre diesel ASX for now or later.

The 2.2-litre diesel automatic is available in two specification levels, an unnamed base model and also a more luxurious Aspire version, while the 1.8-litre manual is only available with the latter. All diesel models are four-wheel-drive.

While the $25,990 starting price for the Mitsubishi ASX 2.0-litre front-wheel-drive manual remains unchanged, as does the Aspire with the same configuration at $28,990, with an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) adding $2000 to each, the diesels all start beyond $30K.

The entry-level 2.2-litre turbo-diesel auto costs $31,990, while the loaded Aspire version now sits right at the top with an asking price of $36,490. In between them, buyers can choose either the Aspire grade as either a 4WD 2.0-litre petrol auto or 1.8-litre turbo-diesel manual for an unchanged $34,990.

The new 2.2-litre diesel automatic is not actually the most economical version of the ASX for now, but it will be when the 1.8-litre manual diesel is dropped.

The smaller diesel and manual gearbox combination yields an official fuel consumption figure of just 5.7 litres per 100km, although the new larger diesel and automatic combination uses barely more, with a 5.8L/100km figure.

In addition to gaining 60Nm over the 1.8-litre, the 2.2-litre four-cylinder direct injection unit delivers that peak torque figure from 1500rpm through to 2750rpm. As with the diesel manual models, the new diesel automatics have a towing capacity of 1400kg as compared to the petrol versions that are rated at 1300kg.

Standard gear for the entry-level 4WD diesel automatic includes a rear-view camera and rear parking sensors, as well as a 6.1-inch colour centre screen, audio streaming Bluetooth with phone connectivity, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 60/40 folding rear seat, cruise control, 16-inch alloy wheels and body-coloured door handles and mirrors.

Stepping up to the Aspire diesel automatic adds 17-inch wheels, leather seats, a premium 7-inch colour information screen, satellite navigation (with 3D mapping), keyless entry and start, rain sensing wipers, automatic headlights, electrically controlled driver’s seat, panoramic sunroof, front heated seats, front fog-lights, a chrome exhaust tip and tinted windows.

Mitsubishi ASX pricing