Mitsubishi ASX Exceed

Overview

MITSUBISHI Motors Australia Limited introduced its new ASX late last year, the Renault Captur-based SUV arriving with a $13,250 price premium over the outgoing model, and with just three trim grades offered instead of the previous seven.

That’s right, less choice, and a higher price. Hardly a wise decision given the current state of play (i.e., where far cheaper Chinese imports now offer an impressive level of quality and an outstanding level of standard equipment from as little as $27,000).

But we digress…

The Spanish-built ASX arrives from $37,740 plus on-road costs in entry form, stepping through $42,690 + ORC for the mid-tier Aspire, and up to a towering $46,490 + ORC for the flagship Exceed on test.

Unusually, the new entry level model is pricier than the top-of-the-range outgoing ASX Exceed that was $35,240 + ORC. The former entry-grade GS – previously from $24,490 + ORC – is now cut from the line-up.

All three grades of the 2026 Mitsubishi ASX share the same turbocharged 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine rated at 113kW/270Nm driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Following in the 15-year-old steps of the hugely popular superseded model, the new ASX competes against a swag of entrants in the hotly contested small SUV segment. Those include the Chery C5 (from $29,990 d/a), GWM Haval Jolion (from $26,990 d/a), Honda HR-V (from $34,900 d/a), Hyundai Kona (from $32,700 +ORC), Subaru Crosstrek (from $35,990 +ORC), and Toyota Corolla Cross (from $37,440 +ORC).

Of critical importance, and addressing a cause of the previous model’s demise, is the new model’s combined ADR 81/02 fuel efficiency figure that improves by around 16 per cent with a 19 per cent emissions improvement over previous 2.0-litre ASX variants.

In hard numbers, combined fuel consumption is now a claimed 6.4 litres per 100km, with CO2 emissions of 142 grams per kilometre.

The new model is built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-B platform, with a “uniquely” Mitsubishi visual identity.

The front fascia is underscored by a blacked-out bumper section contrasting with a distinctive grille that features three-dimensional silver fillets and a prominent Three Diamond badge creating what Mitsubishi says is a “dynamic presence”.

Exterior lighting is by LED with the rear lighting sweeping in an elongated c-shape, on either side of the wide M-I-T-S-U-B-I-S-H-I rear lettering.

Wheel sizes are 17- and 18-inch alloys depending on variant.

All models feature gloss black door mirrors, climate control, paddle shifters, an electric parking brake with auto hold, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a rear-view camera, and an extensive safety and ADAS suite.

Across the line-up, the Mitsubishi ASX LS (from $37,740) offers 17-inch alloy wheels, a 7.0-inch digital instrument display, a 10.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, cloth upholstery, soft-touch steering wheel rim, rear parking sensors, and more.

The mid-tier Aspire (from $42,690) ups the ante with 18-inch alloys, a 10.0-inch driver instrument display, Google built-in infotainment and connectivity, rear privacy glass, a floating style centre control, LED ambient cabin lighting, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, heated steering wheel, and a wireless device charging pad to name a few.

Finally, for the flagship exceed (from $46,490) we find a panoramic sunroof, two-tone paint, leather upholstery with front seat heating, and a power adjustable driver’s seat.

MMAL backs the ASX with a hard-to-beat 10-year warranty with conditional capped-price servicing and roadside assistance program. Scheduled maintenance intervals are set at 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first) with service costs ranging between $349 and $1099 depending on the interval.

Driving Impressions

The ASX is a good-looking SUV with an almost muscular visage that suggests a more potent driveline than is actually on offer. Now, we’re not saying the turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol is underpowered or anything like that, just that the body sculpting suggests the ASX could be a little zestier were Renault or Mitsubishi to put their minds to it.

The proportions work very well, the LED lighting is sharp, and the level of fit and finish quite difficult to fault – outwardly, at least.

Step inside and our perception shifts a little, with a monotone and plasticky feel to almost every surface, prosaic styling, and a number of rattles and vibrations that seriously undermine the vehicle’s asking price. The buzzing noise from the centre of the dashboard was a deal-breaker for us, the shaking rear seats another issue we felt entirely unacceptable for a close to $50K ask.

It doesn’t help that the ride of the ASX is appreciably firm, the car seemingly finding irregularities in the surface you can’t see while driving. The suspension tends to jostle and pogo over lumps and bumps, rarely settling toward anything that might be described as comfortable.

Of course, the trade-off here is that the ASX handles nimbly, reacting quickly to steering inputs and holding its line well through corners. But just why this level of tune is necessary, or how it suits the target audience, are questions we couldn’t reconcile – especially when others in the segment manage to offer comfort and handling within the same package.

With 18-inch wheels and an accompanying lower profile tyre, the ASX is also a little on the noisy side when cruising on the open road.

Combine that with an air-conditioning system that has to work very hard to maintain cooler cabin temperatures on hot days and you might say the ASX is a noisy environment in which to spend time – a shame considering just how many positives the car has going for it.

The accommodation and seating comfort is generous for a car of this size, as is the outward visibility, the clearly visible digital instrument panel, and easy-to-use portrait-oriented central display. The menu layout is well constructed with logical steps to the most commonly accessed features.

We were impressed to find hard buttons for regularly used ancillaries, noting that the steering wheel spoke buttons are also clearly labelled offering easy control of the various ADAS systems and audio controls.

The vehicle’s driver assistance technologies are exceptionally well calibrated and offer the ability to minimise intervention literally at the push of a button. We were so impressed with the Mitsubishi (Renault) system that we left the entire suite of ADAS aids engaged for the duration of our loan.

Away from the electronic amenities on offer, we found the ASX’s oddment storage a little peculiar. Multi-tiered shelving and out-of-sight pockets are clustered upon a peninsula-style console, the lidded centre bin almost something of an afterthought in an open-for-all-to-see array.

There are a couple of cup holders, the requisite power outlets, and a small gear selector at hand, but no wireless phone charger, and no lidded cubbies.

Away from those issues, we found the ASX to be rather charismatic. The torque-rich engine feels effortless in its lower reaches, complementing the dual-clutch auto in delivering smooth acceleration and effortless hill climbing.

Sure, like many turbocharged engines, the H5H-series Renault unit runs out of puff at higher speeds, but we found there was sufficient power on hand for overtaking, and for hauling a full complement of passengers.

Fuel economy is acceptable, rather than outstanding, with a 6.3 litre per 100km result in urban running and a 5.7-litre result with some open-road driving thrown in.

The ASX’s braking action is decently assisted and offers ample stopping performance when required.

Overall, we think ample and acceptable are terrific descriptors for the Mitsubishi ASX.

Considering the list price, we could recommend almost a dozen competitors that do an equally impressive (or better) job for a whole lot less money – and judging by its most recent sales performance, so do ASX buyers.

Mitsubishi had to replace the aging ASX with something; of that we’re certain. But whether this expensive, European-made model is the right fit for a segment that is heavily focused on value for money is a very tricky call.

Put bluntly, we’d certainly be shopping around extensively before committing to a Mitsubishi ASX, and we reckon you should too. It really is that simple.