Mitsubishi ASX Aspire Review

Ok, I will admit the first compact SUV that caught my eye was the Mitsubishi ASX Aspire.  Based on its looks (inside and out) I was sure this was going to be the vehicle for us.  Reading through the glossy brochure ticked all the boxes and I was looking forward to the test drive.

Mitsubishi ASX

The features that Mitsubishi provides in the Aspire model certainly grabs your attention if you are looking for a full colour 7" Satellite Navigation screen built into the dash, which is not found in the majority of other contenders in this market (one point here, if you want updates to the maps it looks like you will be up for $200 for an upgrade CD when you want to update).  The reverse camera also takes advantage of the large screen to assist with parking.

On inspection of the vehicle from the drivers seat you really feel like you are sitting in a cockpit with the instruments wrapped around you.  The room for the passengers in the back is on the small size.  I am rather tall at 187cm, so I do have the seat back reducing the leg room for passengers.  I would rate it rather cramped in the back seat and I think you would be hard pressed to get 3 large adults in the back for long trips.  The full leather seating is comfortable and visibility was good except when looking over your shoulder when merging, you do lose a little there.

Mitsubishi ASX Aspire with Sat Nav

Apart from the fantastic features provided in the ASX Aspire, it is interesting to note that if you want the panoramic roof for the Aspire model this is an extra $800.  Some other SUVs in this class and cost point do have this as a standard.

Mitsubishi ASX Aspire with optional panoramic roof

Cargo room in the back is on the small size when the seats are in place, when you lay the seats flat this increases the storage area and would be suitable for most families.  In the Aspire model you also get a 10" sub woofer as standard with the Rockford Fosgate Premium Audio system with 9 speakers.  One other thing to note is that you do not get a full sized spare in the ASX, you can upgrade but this will cost you extra and will also raise the height of the cargo area.

ASX Aspire cargo area with 10" sub woofer

After looking at all of the features on paper and in person, it came time to test drive the Aspire petrol CVT 4 cylinder 2.0L.    Unfortunately this is where I was disappointed.  Steering was on the light side and the engine noise within the cabin was not as quiet as I would have hoped.  Given that the diesel would produce even more engine noise, this was a negative for me.  This was a shame as the 2.0L unleaded did have a very good fuel consumption rating of 8.1L/100km combined.  As far as power goes, I would rate the engine as adequate and it was certainly quick to accelerate.  The ride itself from a suspension perspective was good, no real issues here.

From a cost perspective the Mitsubishi ASX Aspire is at the top of our budget, however speaking to the dealership revealed that $38,000 was not out of the question for this unleaded model drive away.  So even though the vehicle meets most of our needs, the driving experience fell short of what we had hoped and we will not be purchasing.

Conclusion: Nice looking vehicle, well equipped.  Limited space in back seats and cargo area. Noisy ride.