2020 ASX: 10-year old crossover is back for another round
The current-generation Mitsubishi ASX keeps on chugging along. First introduced in 2010, Mitsubishi’s never-say-die crossover is back for another go at a segment that, on the surface, has passed it by a long time ago. But give credit to Mitsubishi. As dated as the ASX is — it received a facelift in 2015 — Mitsubishi believes that it can still print money, and as long as that’s the case, who are we to argue? And so, the 2020 ASX has arrived at Group 1 Mitsubushi with another extensive facelift that, at the very least, gives the crossover a fighting chance at staying relevant in a market that has become increasingly competitive in recent years. It’s not just about staying relevant, though. Mitsubishi needs the 2020 ASX to hold the fort until the automaker launches its wave of new models under the Nissan-Renault banner. Can the 10-year old ASX do it? It better.
Exterior
For a model that’s 10 years old, the Mitsubishi ASX looks surprisingly fresh, at least as far as the front section of the crossover is concerned. Mitsubishi deserves a lot of credit for adopting its "Dynamic Shield" design language on the ASX. Other automakers run the risk of making its entire lineup look identical, but Mitsubishi doesn’t have that problem, in part because it’s not as visible as it once was in the market. It can skirt aesthetic convention the way other automakers can’t.
We see that on full display in the front section of the ASX where everything forward of the A-pillar is completely brand new. That includes the headlamp design and the more imposing front grille with the large Mitsubishi crest in the middle. The 2020 ASX also benefits from a new LED setup on the cheeks of the section. It’s a lot bigger than the one on the previous ASX and the stacked look helps establish a level of masculinity that its predecessor lacked completely.
"The protruding panels that sit between the headlamps and the LEDs are still there, but the overall shape of the bumper has changed dramatically, too. The lower section, in particular, is completely horizontal now."
The underbody cladding doesn’t protrude on it anymore as it did in the previous iteration of the ASX. The cladding is still there, though, minding its own business at the bottom of the bumper. I’ll admit that it’s a nice look to the ASX. It doesn’t jump off the page but given that this model is 10 years old, you take anything that resembles something "new" out of it. This design is "new" for the ASX and Mitsubishi should count this as a victory in it of itself.
The side remains virtually unchanged, which isn’t really so much of a bad thing as it is an irrelevant thing. I was hoping for a few changes in the use of character lines to reshape the crossover’s body, but there’s nothing noticeably different there. Even the crossover’s length — 4,365 mm (171.8 inches) — remains the same. The only solace in this area of the ASX is how the changes in the front section spill into the side. At the very least, you can tell see — and notice — the new headlamps and the chunky intakes.
"The rear section is a different story altogether. It is, hands down, the worst-looking area of the 2020 ASX."
There are some noticeable changes, too, particularly in the rear bumper where the underbody cladding occupies more space than it probably should. This has functional benefits. The shape of the taillamps remains largely the same and props to Mitsubishi for using new LEDs there, too.
Overall, Mitsubishi accomplished what it set out to do with the 2020 ASX’s exterior. The goal was to give it a fresh look without having to change the design of the crossover. Mitsubishi did a great job of that in the front and less so in the side and rear of the ASX. The result is a crossover that touts a new era of design while still keeping pieces of its old identity in place. It’s not something that I would do, but then again, there’s a reason I’m not an auto designer. Mitsubishi believes that the 2020 ASX will appeal to a new batch of buyers looking for a cheap crossover that looks like it’s of this day and age.
Interior
While there are upgrades — the 8.0-inch infotainment system is a level-up from its predecessor — there aren’t that many of them to count in the grand scheme of things. The ASX’s interior remains simple and even sensibly arranged. A lot of the same components return in the 2020 model. The three rotary knobs that control the cabin’s temperature are still there in their proper place. The 2020 ASX also comes with the same instrument cluster and steering wheel. The door buttons are in their proper place, too. Outside of the larger infotainment screen, the only noticeable change is the gear shifter mechanism. Some of you might not even notice it, even "if it’s not that big of a deal in the first place.
"Build quality is what you’d expect from Mitsubishi."
You can opt to jazz up the proceedings with a few chrome trims here and there, but you’ll have to spend a little extra on these visual updates. The seats are comfortable, somewhat surprisingly. They’re plushier than you’d expect. Even if you struggle getting comfortable in the seats — a problem for tall folks — all versions of the ASX feature height-adjustable seats. Even better, the range-topping ASX Dynamic adds a little modernity to the equation with a four-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat. Legroom space is adequate in the front and especially in the rear where the raised front seats open up more space underneath for those long legs to stretch.
There’s not much of a rear screen at the back, but the good thing is that all versions of the 2020 Mitsubishi ASX are equipped with rear-facing cameras as a standard feature. Cargo volume adds up to 14.4 cubic feet when all the seats are up and 42 cubic feet when the split-folding rear seats are flat. Those are decent numbers for a crossover of the ASX’s size. Some rivals like Toyota have more space available — 19 cubic feet — when the rear seats are up and less space — 36.4 cubic feet — when the rear seats are flat on the floor. Other rivals offer the opposite. The Mazda has less cargo space — 12.4 cubic feet — than the ASX when the seats are up but more space — 44.5 cubic feet — when the rear seats are folded. The point is that the 2020 ASX isn’t at a disadvantage here. Besides, the ASX offers an extra 1.05 cubic feet of space in the underfloor storage area. That’s big enough to fit a piece of small luggage or two.
The tech side of things is where Mitsubishi usually falls flat. Happily, that’s not the case with the 2020 ASX.
"It’s not necessarily loaded with all the latest in technological offerings, but it does boast a handful of useful features. The aforementioned infotainment screen, for example, is compatible with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto."
Opt for the range-topping ASX Dynamic and Mitsubishi will throw in a TomTom navigation bundle. The infotainment screen itself is surprisingly easy to use. It’s very responsive and the big icons on the screen reduce driver confusion, especially when he’s driving. Climate and cruise control also come standard in the crossover.
All told, the 2020 Mitsubishi ASX’s interior is what you’d expect out of it if you keep your expectations where they’re supposed to be. The quality is decent. Space is adequate. And the layout, while a bit too old, doesn’t deviate away from what has worked in the past.
Drivetrain
Inside sits a new 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 148 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque. The figures are fine and in line with what you can expect from a crossover with some age on it.
"I suppose the decent output makes up for it, but even with those numbers, you’re going to have a hard time getting the most out of it unless you plant your foot on the floor long enough to see if you can reach a high rev range."
Only then will you actually feel the ASX take command on the road. In standard form, the ASX’s four-cylinder engine works in concert with a five-speed manual transmission that sends power to the two front wheels. Off the bat, I’ll tell you to steer clear of this and turn your attention towards the six-speed CVT automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels of the crossover.
Performance numbers are decent. The front-wheel-drive ASX with the five-speed manual can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 10.2 seconds and has a top speed of 118 mph. Meanwhile, the four-wheel-drive ASX with the six-speed CVT transmission can cover the same ground in 12.2 seconds. If there is a silver lining to the 2020 ASX’s power and performance numbers, it’s that they’re actually not that bad when you see them on paper.
That’s not to say that the setup is terrible. It’s not. The front McPherson struts and the multilink rear setup do their jobs when the roads are smooth. The four-wheel-drive version offers three driving modes, giving you the opportunity to set up the ride based on your needs at any point in time. There are two 4WD modes, including a 4WD AUTO that’s supposed to maintain traction on less-than-stellar roads and a 4WD LOCK mode that sends more torque to the rear wheels to further improve traction on poor road surfaces. There’s also the option to revert to a 2WD setup if you’re driving in the city or the ’burbs.
Final Thoughts
Age and all, the ASX is still fighting for its place in the compact crossover market.
Article source: https://www.topspeed.com/cars/mitsubishi/2020-mitsubishi-asx-ar185735.html