Mitsubishi ASX gives a wider view with its new GSR variant

THE PANORAMIC roof, made of laminated glass to help suppress noise and reject solar heat, is standard in the ASX GSR.

Soon to hit the market is the latest update of Mitsubishi’s compact SUV, the ASX. As Japanese crossovers like the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V moved up the size with a higher price, the ASX was one of the first entries to repopulate the smaller end of the market. This updated version sees two models available, the base GLS and the more upscale GSR.

Design: The ASX was expressly designed to recapture some of the easy maneuverability and nimbleness of the compact crossover—to be fun, in other words. Its pedigree is impressive, as it shares a chassis with the Lancer and Outlander, both fun-to-drive cars.

The most significant exterior change is the ASX’s glass roof that stretches the whole length of the cabin. The panoramic roof, made of laminated glass to help suppress noise and reject solar heat, is standard in the ASX GSR. The new roof incorporates LED strips that provide the cabin with subdued mood lighting. 215/60-17 Yokohamas are wrapped around new design alloy wheels.

ASX SHARES a chassis with the Lancer and Outlander.

Inside, the ASX retains black trim, with higher-grade fabric on the base unit and leather on the high-end car. The 2-DIN head unit is a touchscreen device that includes a complete suite of inputs, with DVD, USB port, and Bluetooth connectivity that is iPod ready. GPS navigation is standard. Air bags are limited to dual front. A new carbon-fiber panel decks out the center of the instrument panel. The rear seat gains a center armrest.

Engine and transmission: ASX is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four. The drivetrain uses 16 valves, dual overhead cams and MIVEC variable valve timing to extract 150ps and 197Nm of torque. The engine is designed to run on regular 90 octane unleaded gasoline. It’s mated to a new continuously variable transmission with sport mode. Unlike a regular automatic, a CVT eliminates the shift shock and helps keep the engine in its optimum rev range. The driver can use the column-mounted paddle shifters to command the transmission to select any of six preset ratios for better response. Drive goes to the front wheels. The ASX can hit 100 kph in 11.3 seconds, on to a top speed of 193 kph.

THE GSR is fitted with LED daytime running lights and HID headlamps.

Suspension: If the previous ASX is anything to go by, the car provides reasonable nimble handling. Four-wheel independent suspension, with MacPherson struts up front and a multilink setup at the rear. ASX uses four-wheel disc brakes.

Active safety features: The GSR is fitted with LED daytime running lights and HID headlamps. Reverse sensors are standard on the GSR, with a reverse camera standard on both ASX models.  ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist are standard. The electric power steering is fitted with an anti-backlash system.

The GLS retails for P1.148 million, while the GSR is priced at P1.248 million.

LOOKING UP ASX’s glass roof that stretches the whole length of the cabin.