Mitsubishi ASX (2010 – 2021) Review

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

motoreasy logo

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Mitsubishi ASX (2010 – 2021) Verdict

3/5

+Well-equipped as standard. Impressive Real MPG scores. Plenty of room for five plus luggage. Five-star Euro NCAP rating.

-Disappointing interior quality. Nosy diesel engines. 1.6-litre petrol lacks pace.

Find out more about the Mitsubishi ASX (2010 – 2021)

Insurance Groups are between 13–23
On average it achieves 84% of the official MPG figure

The Mitsubishi ASX is a crossover that provides decent value and everyday practicality, with a spacious interior and good amounts of kit fitted as standard. It also scores consistently high scores for Real MPG, which means it should get close to its claimed fuel economy. Not something you can say of many cars...

That said, the ASX does have its problems. It's not as plush or as refined as competition like the Hyundai Tucson or SEAT Ateca - and the interior feels rather cheap. However, the ASX is robust and usefully large. It is also available with four-wheel drive, which makes it an appealing crossover for those who want a no-nonsense, rural run-around. 

At launch, the ASX was offered with 1.6 petrol and 1.8 diesel engines. Both score highly for real world fuel economy, which means an average driver should easily exceed 40mpg for the petrol and 50mpg for the diesel. That said, the 1.6 petrol engine isn’t particularly powerful, with poor refinement and lethargic performance through all of the gears. 

The ASX works best with diesel and while the 1.8-litre unit has 150PS, it's noisy, with lots of clatter. But pulls strongly from the low gears thanks to 300Nm of torque. In 2013 Mitsubishi added the 150PS 2.2-litre diesel to the range, with more torque and a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Like all of the other engines, the 2.2 scores well for Real MPG, which means it will return 48mpg. 

Both diesels are available with two-wheel or four-wheel drive, with the latter making the ASX well-suited to rural conditions. Indeed, with winter tyres fitted, the ASX performs strongly in the snow, with mountains of grip and well-weighted steering that makes short work of treacherous B roads or muddy farm tracks.

The ASX isn't as good to drive as some of its rivals on the motorways or A roads though. All of the diesel engines are loud and there are high levels of road and wind noise above 50mph. The ride is comfortable though while the interior is hardwearing and large enough for four adults. There is also a large 442-litre boot.

With high levels of standard equipment and a five-year/62,500 mile warranty offered as standard, the compact and capable Mitsubishi has plenty to offer buyers in need of a practical crossover with affordable fuel costs. Not everyone will be taken by its lack of refinement or luxury, but if you prioritise value over plush interiors, then the ASX will be one for the shortlist.

Mitsubishi ASX (2010 – 2021) handling and engines

The ASX was launched in 2010 with two engine choices - one petrol and one diesel. The 1.8 diesel with 150PS provides the best performance and economy.

Variable valve timing allows it to trickle down to 800rpm, and it slowly accelerates without protest from 1000rpm, even up inclines. However peak torque of 300Nm comes in quite strongly at 2000rpm.

The 1.6 petrol with 115PS works fine in town, but struggles with only 154Nm. It's not turbocharged and as a result feels breathless when pushing to join a busy motorway or leave a narrow junction. Only those who are set on buying an ASX, but don't cover enough miles to justify the diesel, will want to opt for the petrol, which is also limited to two-wheel drive only.

In 2013 Mitsubishi expanded the engine line-up with the addition of the 150PS 2.2-litre chain cam diesel. The 2.2 unit produces more torque - 360Nm from 1500rpm - and is paired with a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission. It's the only automatic in ASX range, with the 1.6-litre petrol and 1.8-litre diesel linked to a respective five-speed and six-speed manual gearbox. 

All of the engines in the ASX line-up are strong Real MPG performers. As a result the 1.6 petrol should exceed 40mpg, while the 1.8 diesel should surpass 50mpg. The 2.2 diesel returns 48mpg in the hands of Real MPG drivers, which isn't bad when you consider its limited to an automatic transmissions and four-wheel drive only.  

Big, sensible 215/60 R17 tyres give decent ride quality and help absorb road humps and potholes. the steering is a little slow compared to the SEAT Ateca, but the ASX is easy enough to control. The 1.8 diesel can be specified with two-wheel or four-wheel drive, with the latter providing impressive performance in snowy and icy road conditions. 

Engine MPG 0-62 CO2
1.6 47–49 mpg 11.4 s 135–139 g/km
1.6 D 61 mpg 11.2 s 119 g/km
1.6 D 4WD 57 mpg 11.5 s 132 g/km
1.8 D 55 mpg 10.2 s 134 g/km
1.8 D 4WD 54 mpg 10.6 s 136–138 g/km
2.2 D 4WD Automatic 49 mpg 10.8 s 152–153 g/km

Real MPG average for the Mitsubishi ASX (2010 – 2021)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

84%

Real MPG

30–60 mpg

MPGs submitted

198

Mitsubishi ASX (2010 – 2021) interior

Dimensions
Length 4295 mm
Width 1770 mm
Height 1615–1625 mm
Wheelbase 2670 mm

Full specifications

The ASX is offered in various trims, but even basic versions get alloy wheels, air conditioning and electric door mirrors. Choose a mid-spec ASX in ‘3’ trim and you’ll get (almost) everything you’ll ever need, with cruise control, rear privacy glass, keyless start plus automatic headlights and auto windscreen wipers. 

Regardless of which spec you choose, there's no hiding the fact that the interior lacks any sort of premium feel. The dark and shiny plastics, while hardwearing, feel low rent and scratchy, while the cheap switches and dials are a long way from the quality found in a Kia or Nissan.

That said, everything is bolted together well enough, which provides confidence that the ASX will survive everyday usage, without anything rattling loose. However, crossover interiors have moved on considerably in terms of quality since the ASX was launched in 2010 and it shows.

The interior is large and comfortable though and has enough head and shoulder room for four large adults. The cloth seats in base-spec trim provide lots of support and higher spec cars get leather trim, which provides more long distance comfort owing to the deeper cushioning. 

The driver's seat gets height adjustment and multi-adjustable steering wheel. There's an adjustable centre arm rest up front too, while the rear seats split 60/40 and can be folded away to provide a flat load space. 

The 442 litre boot isn't as large as the 500+ litre loads paces found in the Tucson or Ateca, but the low floor makes it easy to slide heavy items into the back of the Mitsubishi. The boot floor doesn't have a load lip either, which again makes the ASX an easy car to load/unload.

Standard Equipment (from 2013):

Models in 2 trim come with 16-inch alloy wheels, electrically foldable door mirrors, rear fog lights, hill start assist, Bluetooth, air conditioning plus electric front and rear windows

3 trim adds privacy glass, chrome exterior details, keyless entry and start, front fog lights, rear parking sensors, auto lights, auto wipers, climate control, heated front seats and cruise control.

4 trim gets panoramic glass roof, leather upholstery, powered adjustment for driver's seat, electrically adjustable driver's seat, DAB radio, navigation, rear-view camera, roof rails, front skid plates, xenon headlights along with electric, heated and folding mirrors with indicators.

Mitsubishi ASX (2010 – 2021) models and specs

Dimensions
Length 4295 mm
Width 1770 mm
Height 1615–1625 mm
Wheelbase 2670 mm
Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight 1260–1540 kg
Boot Space 416–1193 L
Warranty 3 years
Servicing 9000–12500 miles
Spare Wheel
Standard Tyre-repair kit
Alternative Space-saving spare wheel
Costs
List Price £14,999–£25,139
Insurance Groups 13–23
Road Tax Bands C–G
Official MPG 47.1–61.4 mpg
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult -
Child -
Pedestrian -
Overall 5

On sale until April 2017

SUV
Version List Price MPG 0-62
1.6 DI-D Zc-H 4WD 5dr £23,684 56.5 mpg 11.5 s
1.6 DI-D Zc-M 2WD 5dr £19,554 61.4 mpg 11.2 s
1.6 ZC 2WD 5dr £15,434 48.7 mpg 11.4 s
1.6 Zc-M 2WD 5dr £17,684 47.9 mpg 11.4 s
2.2 DI-D Zc-H Auto 4WD 5dr £25,139 48.7 mpg 10.8 s

On sale until October 2015

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
ZC-M 1.6 115 MIVEC 2WD 5dr £17,499 - -
ZC-M 1.6D 112 2WD 5dr £19,499 - -

On sale until July 2015

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
2 1.6 115 MIVEC ASX 2WD 5dr £14,999 47.1 mpg 11.4 s
3 1.6 115 MIVEC ASX 2WD 5dr £17,250 47.1 mpg 11.4 s
3 1.8 114 DOHC ASX 2WD 5dr £19,250 55.4 mpg 10.2 s
3 Leather 1.6 115 MIVEC ASX 2WD 5dr £18,450 47.1 mpg 11.4 s
3 Leather 1.8 114 DOHC ASX 2WD 5dr £20,450 55.4 mpg 10.2 s
4 1.8 114 DOHC ASX 4WD 5dr £23,249 54.3 mpg 10.6 s
4 2.2 150 DOHC ASX 4WD 5dr Auto £24,649 48.7 mpg 10.8 s

On sale until September 2013

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
3 1.8 Diesel 4WD 5dr £22,749 54.3 mpg 10.6 s
4 1.6 5dr £20,505 47.1 mpg 11.4 s
4 1.8 Diesel 5dr £22,745 55.4 mpg 10.2 s

On sale until July 2013

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
Attivo 1.6 5dr £15,499 47.1 mpg 11.4 s

On sale until June 2012

Hatchback
Version List Price MPG 0-62
4 1.8 Diesel 4WD 5dr £24,895 54.3 mpg 10.6 s

Model History

July 2010

Mitsubishi ASX Launched

The range is largely 2WD (front wheels), with AWC electronically controlled 4WD offered on the 1.8 DiD. A choice of two Euro V engines - the 1.6 petrol - 115bhp @ 6,000 rpm, 114lb.ft @ 4,000 rpm and 1.8 DiD turbodiesel 147bhp @ 4,000 rpm, 221lb.ft @ 2,000-3,000 rpm.

It has a five speed manual transmission on the 1.6-litre petrol and a six-speed manual on 1.8 DiD diesel. AWC electronically controlled 4x4 system offered with 1.8 DiD turbodiesel.

Standard equipment on all includes alloy wheels, air conditioning, Automatic Stop & Go, Active Stability Control and Traction Control, aux-in jack, keyless entry, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, dual stage front side and curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, tilt and telescopic steering column.

ASX 3 gains fully automatic air conditioning, one touch starting, cruise control, heated seats, privacy glass, audio wheel controls, Bluetooth, leather covered steering wheel and shift knob, automatic lights and windscreen wipers, chrome exterior detailing.

ASX 4 gains leather seats and Kenwood in-car entertainment incorporating iPod control, sat nav and a reversing camera

Model 0-62 (secs) Top Speed (mph) Power (bhp/rpm) Torque Lb (Ft.lb/rpm)

Mpg

(Urban/Extra Urban/combined)

CO 2 (g/km)
ASX 1.6 Petrol 11.4 113 115/6000 114/4000 36.7/56.5/47.1 135
ASX 1.8 DiD 9.7 124 148/4000 221/2000-3000 42.2/58.9/51.4 145
ASX 1.8 DiD 4x4 10.0 123 147/4000 221/2000-3000 40.9/56.5/49.6 150
  • Wheelbase (mm): 2670mm
  • Dimensions L/W/H (mm): 4295 / 1770 / 1625
  • Track F/R 1525 / 1525
  • Kerb Weight (kg) 1270 (ASX2); 1290 (ASX3&4 Petrol); 1450 (ASX3&4 Diesel); 1525 (ASX3&4 Diesel 4WD)
  • Fuel tank capacity (litres): 63 (60 - 4wd)
  • Front (rear) axle: MacPherson strut (multi link)
  • Boot capacity seats up/down 442 / 1193 litres
  • Towing capacity (braked) 1100kg petrol / 1400kg diesel
  • Service Intervals: Petrol: 12,500/12 Months; Diesel: 9,000/12 months
  • Warranty: 3-year unlimited mileage, 12 year anti-corrosion perforation and 3-year pan-European roadside, home and accident assistance
Model Ins Group Mix Price
ASX 2 1.6 Petrol 13 15% £14,999
ASX 3 1.6 Petrol 13 36% £16,799
ASX 4 1.6 Petrol 14 4% £18,799
ASX 3 1.8 Diesel 19 27% £18,549
ASX 3 1.8 Diesel 4x4 19 13% £20,049
ASX 4 1.8 Diesel 19 3% £20,549
ASX 4 1.8 Diesel 4x4 20 2% £22,049

December 2013

2.2-litre diesel added to range

ASX '2.2' 6-speed auto added to the range with 2,268cc chain cam Mitsubishi diesel engine and 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. 150PS, 360Nm torque. 153g/km CO2. Priced at £23,899.

Model Trim Price (on the road)
ASX 1.6 petrol 2WD 2 £14,999
ASX 1.6 petrol 2WD 3 £16,750
ASX 1.8 diesel 2WD 3 £18,750
ASX 1.8 diesel 4WD 4 £22,499
ASX 2.2 diesel auto 4WD 4 £23,899

November 2016

Mitsubishi launches revised ASX

The revised Mitsubishi ASX crossover is ready to make an entrance into Mitsubishi showrooms across the UK from November 1 2016. The design of the Mitsubishi ASX gets new “Dynamic Shield” visual identity, refreshing the vehicle and bringing it in line with other models in the range such as the Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander PHEV.

The updated ASX not only welcomes the introduction of MMC’s “Dynamic Shield”, there is also a shark-fin antenna, revised seat cushions, new seat upholstery across the range and a new “Lightning Blue” colour option. Variant names in the new ASX range have also been changed, returning to the straightforward ASX 2, ASX 3, ASX 4 and ASX 5 format, and there have been changes to the trim levels too.

The engine range features a 117PS, 154Nm 1.6-litre MIVEC petrol engine driving the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox; a 114PS, 270Nm 1.6-litre DI-D turbo diesel engine with a six-speed manual gearbox (front-wheel drive on ASX 3 or on-demand four-wheel drive on ASX 4) and a 150PS, 260Nm 2.2-litre DI-D turbo diesel combined with on-demand four-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission as standard.

In terms of fuel economy and emissions, the 1.6 turbo diesel with front-wheel drive produces CO 2 emission of just 119g/km and is capable of 61.4 mpg on the official combined fuel economy cycle, while 4WD versions produce 132g/km and return 56.5 mpg. The 1.6-litre petrol engine produces emissions of 135g/km and is capable of 48.7 mpg on the official combined fuel economy cycle, while the 2.2-litre turbo diesel has emissions of 152g/km and returns 48.7 mpg.

The Mitsubishi ASX 2 is the entry-point to the ASX range, yet offers an extremely high level of standard equipment including 16-inch alloy wheels; front fog lamps; air conditioning; Bluetooth phone connectivity; a USB port with iPhone compatibility; a leather-trimmed steering wheel; multifunction colour instrument display; electric windows front and rear; rear privacy glass and arm rests for front and rear occupants. Safety equipment includes Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control (M-ASTC), Hill Start Assist and seven airbags as standard. The Mitsubishi ASX 2 1.6 petrol 117hp has a list price of £15,999.

The Mitsubishi ASX 3 builds on the impressive specification of the ASX 2 by adding two-tone 18-inch alloys; black wheel-arch garnishes; automatic climate control; keyless entry and operation; cruise control; automatic light and rain sensors; xenon super-HID ‘wide vision’ headlamps with washers; DAB radio and Bluetooth music streaming; auto-dimming rear view mirror; heated front seats; electric-folding door mirrors and, new for 2017, a reversing camera. The Mitsubishi ASX 3 1.6 petrol is priced from £18,349 with the ASX 3 1.6 turbo diesel is priced from £20,349.

The Mitsubishi ASX 4 features four-wheel drive as standard and is available with the 1.6-litre turbo diesel and 2.2-litre turbo diesel automatic. Standard features in addition to the specification of the ASX 3 include leather upholstery, black roof rails, an aluminium pedal kit (new for 2017); a panoramic glass roof and the Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS), which includes a seven-inch HD touch-screen display, satellite navigation, DAB, CD player, SD card compatibility and reversing camera. The Mitsubishi Outlander ASX 4 1.6 turbo diesel 4WD is priced from £24,249 while the ASX 4 2.2 turbo diesel automatic 4WD is priced from £25,649.

This premium edition of the Mitsubishi ASX, due in January 2017, is similar in concept to the highly successful and luxurious Mitsubishi Outlander GX5 and Shogun SG5 models. The seats are trimmed in rich Nappa leather available in a choice of three colours - Claret Red, Porcelain Cream and Gunmetal Grey – while the premium carpet mat set and boot mat feature colour-coded piping to match the leather trim. Heated rear seats are standard as are; a power-adjusted driver’s seat; twin rear USB charging ports; LED interior lighting and front-door entry guards. The Mitsubishi ASX 5 1.6 turbo diesel 4WD will retail from £26,949 in January 2017 and the top-of-the-range ASX 5 2.2 turbo diesel automatic 4WD will be priced at £28,349.

The Mitsubishi ASX range is backed by five year, 62,500 mile warranty and comes with three-year pan-European roadside, home and accident assistance as standard. The Mitsubishi Service Plan covers scheduled maintenance for the first three years and is available for £500 for 1.6-litre petrol and turbo diesel versions and £675 for the 2.2-litre turbo diesel.

October 2018

ASX range trimmed down

There is now a single Juro trim level. The new ASX Juro is positioned as the entry point SUV for the Mitsubishi range, priced from £19,195 OTR and features enhanced styling, a high standard specification and a considerably more spacious cabin than most of its comparably-priced competitors.

Powered by a 1.6-litre MIVEC petrol engine, which produces 117hp with 154Nm, the Mitsubishi ASX Juro is capable of accelerating to 62mph from a standstill in 12.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 113 mph where legally permitted. It’s also capable of delivering a combined fuel economy of 41.5mpg (NEDC†) and CO2 emissions of 155 g/km (NEDC†).

Standard specification includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED DRLs, privacy glass, front fog lamps and keyless entry and go with start/stop button. The interior features climate control air conditioning, Grand Luxe upholstery with front seat heaters, cruise control, Mitsubishi Motors’ Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA) which utilises Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility and is also equipped with DAB radio and a reverse camera. The only option available is metallic paint at £525 inc VAT.

January 2019

Mitsubishi ASX Black Edition on sale now

Mitsubishi has introduced new Black Edition variants of the ASX, Outlander Petrol, Eclipse Cross and L200 pick-up models. Black Edition versions are distinguished by their black alloys wheels and black detailing, and are only offered in one of three colours – black, grey or white.

The Mitsubishi ASX Black Edition is based on the Juro variant but with black 18-inch alloy wheels, black mirror covers, black front skid plate and a panoramic roof. The roof rails are also finished in black along with the side window mouldings. The interior adds aluminium pedals, a black window switch panel and red stitching on the steering wheel, gear stick, handbrake and centre console. The ASX Black Edition is limited to 300 units and priced from £21,660.

September 2019

Updated Mitsubishi ASX on sale

Priced from £20,295, the ASX is available in two trim levels: Dynamic and Exceed. It's powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine producing 150PS and available with two-wheel drive and a manual gearbox or four-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox.

The updated model adopts the chunkier design language of the rest of the Mitsubishi range, while the interior has been revised with a new eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system. DAB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range while TomTom navigation is standard on the Exceed.

Price List (September 2019):

ASX Dynamic Manual 2WD

£20,295

ASX Exceed Manual 2WD

£23,095

ASX Exceed Automatic 4WD

£25,945

What to watch out for

27-04-2012:

Diesels not driven far enough to regenerate the DPF are prone to engine oil becoming contaminated with fuel and oil level rising.

04-07-2012:

One complaint of severe wear on outer shoulders of front 215/60 R17 tyres at just 8,500 miles.

19-04-2013:

Diesels don't like repeated short runs from cold which are likely to clog their DPFs.

07-04-2014:

Otherwise excellent ASX4 2.2 (2.3) automatic criticised by user for noisy low rolling resistance tyres that give poor grip in wet ands icy conditions.

16-02-2015:

Roof rails of the 2014 Mitsubishi ASX are not compatable with either Mitsubishi's own or third party roof bars. To fit roof bars it would have to be a 15 reg ASX which has deeper roof rails. All the dealer could offer was to fit new roof rails at a cost of £1,500.

07-04-2015:

Vibration in the drivetrain of March 2011 Mitsubishi ASX bought in November 2012 eventually traced to a worn engine mount, but not until February 2015 after the owner had spent a fortune on tyres trying to cure it.

05-07-2015:

Complaint that the heating element in the driver's seat of a new Mitsubishi ASX creates a lump in the squab of the seat and causes discomfort.

01-09-2015:

Complaints about the Kenwood DNX 4230 DAB Radio/satnav uint fitted to a new Mitsubishi ASX bought in June 2015. No instruction manual for the unit supplied with the car. Keyless ignition has a delay of 30 miutes before radio comes on. Switching off the engine switches off the radio. Poor DAB reception. Complicated to use via touch-screen.

02-12-2015:

Fuel tank of properly dealer maintained 2012 Mitsubishi ASX rusted at the seam and started leaking at 34,000 miles and 3 years 6 months old. Initially Mitsubishi and the dealer refused to replace it FoC and demanded £750. Then offered a £155 discount. Eventually, Mitsubishi agreed to replace the tank FoC, fitted new fuel lines and even provided a courtesy car for 2 days wile the work was done.

20-12-2015:

Complaint of new Mitsubishi ASX suffering rom stiff gearchange and very bad condensation inside on windscreen. Dealer kept car for 2 weeks, could not solve either problem. Potential grounds to reject the car.

03-01-2016:

16,000 mile, 22 month old 2013 Mitsubishi ASX diesel reported as suffering increased engine oil level from failed DPF active regenerations.

07-11-2016:

Report of 6% sump oil dilution in engine of ASX 2.2 diesel caused by failure of DPF active regeneration system.

23-11-2017:

Report of three brake caliper cylinder failures in past 18 months in 58k mile 2010 Mitsubishi ASX 1.6

15-05-2018:

Report of repeated problem of rear brake dragging due to handbrake sticking on a 2014 Mitsubishi ASX 1.8d 4x4 with 66k miles. Garage has repeatedly cleaned but now looking for replacements. Mitsubishi quotes £460 per calliper but no stock. Googling <Mitsubishi ASX rear brake callipers> found plenty of callipers and repair kits at sensible prices but there were two types fitted to the ASX and it's vital to specify the correct type.

15-10-2018:

Report of (unspecified age) M itsubishi ASX d4d diesel 2/4 wd SV11 BWX commercial rear hatch rusting through around the release catch.

09-03-2019:

Report of tailgate of 2011 Mitsubishi ASX Di-D not locking.

10-11-2019:

Report of engine sump oil level rising in 2014 Mitsubishi ASX 1.8 diesel, probably because active regeneration of a DPF is fired off by diesel fuel post-injected into it via the engine. If the DPF is not firing off then that diesel fuel sinks into the sump. So the fault is that active regen of the DPF is not firing off.