Mitsubishi ASX Expert Reviews

The Mitsubishi ASX has already received a five-star commendation from the safety experts at Euro NCAP. An energy dispersing structure helps protect occupants in the event of an accident while whiplash reducing seats, up to seven airbags, stability control and hill start assistance also aid safety. Pedestrians are also protected by plastic front wings and bonnet and an energy absorbing front bumper. Wide vision headlamps are also particularly effective, casting a sharp beam across a wide angle.

The key to the appeal of crossover models is that they offer the raised ride-height and driving position of an SUV model but with the road manners and manoeuvrability of a traditional family hatchback. The ASX is less adept than some of its key rivals at delivering that c-segment hatch-like driving experience, but it's still a marked improvement over a compact SUV. Although there is still some body roll in the corners, the ASX never feels like it is losing its impressive traction on the road even in two-wheel drive form. The steering has a springy and responsive feel and the driving position is excellent, with very good visibility. The diesel engine takes a little time to get into its stride, but is punchy once the turbo comes in.

The ASX is strong on family appeal, offering all that parents and children could desire from a vehicle in terms of space, tractability, economy and practicality. The robust interior should deal comfortably with family life. The ASX offers a spacious and versatile family car that takes up a similar amount of space on the driveway as a traditional hatchback.