The new Mitsubishi ASX arrives to fill a space that was left empty since the previous generation stopped being sold at the beginning of 2022. It is available with gasoline, ‘mild hybrid’, hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines.
Without a doubt, the Mitsubishi ASX 2023 that I am putting to the test here is exactly the model that Mitsubishi needed, because the range of the Japanese manufacturer had become too sparse since the brand decided to stop selling both the previous generation of the ASX in Europe. , such as the Outlander and the L200.
Currently, in Spain, Mitsubishi Motors only had the Spce Star, belonging to segment A, and the Eclipse Cross, a compact SUV that is currently only offered with a plug-in hybrid engine and, therefore, is not within the reach of all budgets.
So this new ASX arrives to be placed right between the two models, since it is a B-segment SUV, which is the most demanded on the market in Spain. Consequently, they expect it to directly become the brand’s best-selling model, with some 3,500 units in 2023 and some 5,000 when it is marketed for a full year.
It is a model that was born as a result of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance and that is based, as is obvious, on the Renault Captur. In fact, it is also manufactured in the factory of the French brand in Valladolid, so it is the first model of the brand with the three diamonds made in Spain.
Design: this is the ASX 2023 inside and out
The new Mitsubishi ASX measures 4,228 mm in length, 1,797 in width and 1,573 in height. The wheelbase is 2,639 mm. Its exterior aesthetics is like that of the Captur, but the interior pattern of the front grille changes to adapt it to Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield design.
By the way, the two-tone paint with the black roof is optional. And the wheels of the access models are 17″ with hubcaps and 18″ will be optional or standard in the highest range.
At the rear, instead of placing the brand logo, they have chosen to put the brand name in the center of the tailgate, with the letters ASX at the bottom left of the tailgate and the name of the different mechanical versions available in position bottom right.
The cabin is also recognizable, but that does not mean that it is bad. Surely customers like to sit in front of a control panel that, depending on the version, will be 4.2″ analogue, or 9.3 or 10-inch digital. As well as a 7.2 or 9-inch main touch screen, 3 inches, depending on each version.
As for space, in front even the tallest can be accommodated without problems. In the second row, the legroom is somewhat tighter and the shoulder room is narrow, so it is more recommended for two passengers than for three.
As equipment, it can count on wireless charging for mobile phones, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a wide variety of driving assistants: Lane departure warning, Lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, semi-autonomous driving with Mi-pilot. ..
And now I only have to tell you about its trunk, which has a capacity of 536 liters if we count the space under the false bottom of the floor (422 liters with the bottom in a normal position, so that it lies flat when folding the seats) and 1,275 liters if the backrests are folded. In the case of the hybrid version the capacity is 419-1,158 liters and for the PHEV from 375-1,114 liters.
Engine and consumption of the new ASX
The varied mechanical range of the ASX 2023 is ideal for responding to all kinds of needs, since there are four mechanics available.
The access engine is a 1.0 turbo gasoline three-cylinder with 90 HP of power, which is associated with a 6-speed manual transmission. This version is called the ASX 100T.
Above is the 1.3 MHEV (with mild hybridization technology). In this case it is a four-cylinder turbo with 140 or 160 CV and is associated with a 6-speed manual transmission in the less powerful one and a 7-speed DCT (double-clutch) automatic in the 160 CV one.
It has the DGT ECO label, which makes it an interesting option, even more so than the HEV. Commercially it is called the ASX 130T MHEV.
The third available alternative is the so-called ASX 160 HEV, which is a self-charging (non-plug-in) hybrid model. Also with an ECO label, of course. Monata a 1.6-liter atmospheric gasoline engine with 94 CV, to which two electrics are added, one on each axis. The combined power is 145 hp.
The purpose of the front electric motor is to help propel the vehicle and it offers 49 horsepower. On the other hand, the rear axle, which has 20 CV, is only used as a generator and is not responsible for moving the wheels. Therefore, traction is only to the front axle.
This hybrid version is the one that I have been able to drive in this test of the Mitsubishi ASX 2023 and its thrust is remarkable in all types of conditions, thanks to the support of the electrical assembly. And the best thing is that its average consumption (WLTP official) is only 5.0 liters, that is, 1.0 liters less than gasoline and MHEV.
It is linked to an automatic transmission, of course, which seemed to me to rev excessively when you demand a lot of power, but which, in any case, has a better response than the CVT type used by Toyota, for example.
Finally, the ASX 160 PHEV (plug-in hybrid) is offered, which mounts the same gasoline engine as the non-plug-in hybrid, although it declares 2 less HP (92 HP). And here the front and rear electric motors are 67 and 34 hp, respectively. The battery has a capacity of 10.46 kWh and promises a range in the WLTP combined cycle of 49 km.
New Mitsubishi ASX 2023: behavior on the road
After this first test drive with the ASX 2023, I must admit that it is a car with a very balanced configuration, which is agile in the city and maneuvering in narrow streets and parking lots, but with an appropriate response on the road, without excessive swaying in curves or understeering. in the tightest turns.
It has three driving modes, which you can select through the Multi-sense section of the multimedia system: Eco, Sport and My sense (a mode that allows you to customize the direction and interior lighting to your liking).
Price and rivals of the Mitsubishi ASX 2023
Taking into account its dimensions, its theoretical rivals are models like the Seat Arona or the Peugeot 2008. In addition, obviously, its cousin the Renault Captur.
It starts selling in March and is available, with an optional tariff price, starting at €23,490 for the Mitsubishi ASX 100T, €25,990 for the ASX 130T MHEV, €31,790 for the 160 HEV, and €38,390 for the 160 PHEV.
If the commercial discount is subtracted, the campaign to finance the purchase and the Moves II Plan with scrap in the case of the PHEV, the prices are as follows:
- ASX 100T: 19,490 euros
- ASX 130T MHEV: 21,990
- ASX 160 HEV: 27,990 euros
- ASX 160 PHEV: 29,390 euros
The finishes from least to most equipped are: Spirit (only associated with the access gasoline engine), Motion, Kaiteki and Kaiteki+ (only for the PHEV)
Factors to decide the purchase
From my point of view, the new Mitsubishi ASX has the great advantage of its varied mechanical offer, which can respond to the vast majority of buyers, only the Captur has the same, of course, and perhaps the Hyundai Kona also has a very wide range. varied, although the Korean opts for a pure electric instead of a PHEV.
The fact that it has a 5-year or 100,000 km warranty (8 years or 160,000 km for the battery in the case of hybrid versions) is also a factor to take into account and its price, even below the model in which builds should be key to gaining new customers.
There may be those who criticize that its design is too cloned compared to the Captur. I myself think that they could have made an effort to change the light groups, to give it its own look, but that would have made its launch more expensive and delayed and it is still true that the vast majority of buyers will not even consider it.
Of course, this ASX comes out of the blue for Mitsubishi and is a really smart purchase option.
Conclusion
The best
Varied and efficient mechanical offer, balanced behavior, competitive price.
Worst
Design too clone with Renault, narrow in the second row, slippage of the change.
