Mitsubishi holds media test drive for the ASX

The motoring media gave the ASX test cars a long cardiovascular stretch to check out its new features. PHOTO BY BOTCHI SANTOS

MANILA, Philippines–Last weekend, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. (MMPC) held its second installment of the 2015 Mitsubishi ASX media drive in Anvaya Cove, Subic Bay, to allow members of the motoring media to give their new ASX test cars a long cardiovascular stretch and to check out its new features.

The ASX, or Active Sport Crossover, was introduced four years ago locally, and now offers a new 4×2 platform instead of the 4×4 layout it had before, as well as a newly updated CVT (continuously variable transmission) matted to its existing 4B11 2-liter, 16-valve double overhead cam (DOHC) Mivec engine. Mivec stands for Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing electronic control system.

With a 4×2 platform and updated transmission, plus a slightly lighter curb weight of 1350 kilogram, the two-wheel-drive model offers better fuel economy and quicker response. The 2015 ASX now comes in two variants: the top-of-the-line GSR and GLS.

While the engine remained basically unchanged and still gave a maximum power of 147.95 horsepower at 6,000 revolutions per minute and a maximum torque of 197 Newton-meters at 4,200 rpm, its updated transmission comes with a six-speed Sportronic mode and offers a better fuel consumption and acceleration response.

We clocked about 10 kilometers per liter on a combination of highway- and city-driving speeds, despite the full load of passengers and a trunk-full of luggage all throughout the trip.

Our test-drive team also took the ASX for some spirited driving to see how well it would handle in the twisty backroads of Subic, with its numerous elevations and inclines; and we didn’t actually expect the consumption to hit double-digit. So we were surprised when the meter breached the 10-kpl mark.

The newly programed and updated CVT gave a smoother and efficient transmission, and was designed to eliminate the harshness and power lag of traditional gear changes. We also enjoyed the F1 racecar-inspired paddle-shift system mounted on to the steering column.

What’s interesting about the new ASX is the panoramic glass of the GSR variant with LED Illumination. The test-drive day was a combination of clear blue sky with some overcast clouds in the afternoon so we got to open the roof to bask in the morning sun, while the cold air-conditioner allowed us not to break a sweat and kept our chocolate chip cookies from melting.

With the roof shade fully retracted, passengers can see a full sky view since the glass roof panel extends from the front to the rear seats. For added evening lighting feature, the roof is illuminated with LED lamps.

The front of the ASX still has the same basic honeycomb grille design similar to its other siblings, but the GSR variant now has a 160-degree, super wide range HID headlamps that give out a broader beam of light. Also new to both variants are the LED daytime running lamps and fog lamps, and a retractable headlamp washer.

Both variants also sport new 17-inch alloy wheels and are available in six colors—Sapporo silver, sonic blue, Amazon red, virgil gray, biscuit white and carbon black.

Inside the ASX is a sporty, all-black dashboard with an elegant three-spoke, leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio remote and cruise control switches, and tilt and telescopic adjustment features. Both variants are likewise equipped with an engine start/stop button.

For fuel- and trip-conscious owners, the ASX also includes an LCD-type multi-information display monitor that can show trip meters, fuel economy and average speed.

Its entertainment system comes with a 6.5-inch touchscreen LCD monitor that mates with either an iPod or USB stick. The infotainment system has a dealer-option GPS navigation system as well.

Safety features for the new ASX includes front dual SRS airbags and the body features Mitsubishi’s proprietary Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) system, which provides a safe cocoon for all the passengers in the event of a bad collision. Its body structure’s crumple zones are engineered to effectively absorb and dispense crash energy from all directions, completely protecting the passengers while inside the interior cabin.

With the new two-wheel-drive layout, MMPC managed to lower the suggested retail prices to P1.248 million for the GSR and P1.148 million for the GLS variant.