2017 Mitsubishi ASX: Which spec is best?

The Mitsubishi ASX offers great value and an opportunity to get into a reasonably equipped SUV at small-car prices - mainly because it’s one of the oldest models on sale in Australia. The budget pricing does come at the expense of refinement so it pays to make sure you’re choosing an ASX model that you’ll continue to be happy with once the new-car smell wears off.

Variants

There are four main ASX variants with the price range primarily set by their type of engine, transmission and drivetrain. All variants come with reversing camera and rear parking sensors, climate control air-conditioning, a 6.1-inch colour touchscreen with infotainment including DAB+ digital radio, hill start assist and alloy wheels.

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The ASX range starts at $24,990 with the front-wheel-drive LS with five-speed manual gearbox, while for an extra $2000 you can have the same car with CVT auto. Next up the range is the CVT/FWD-only XLS [pictured] which adds keyless entry, leather seats that are heated and power adjustable at the front, automatic windscreen wipers, auto headlights, panoramic sunroof and a larger 7-inch touchscreen. The LX and XLS models are powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine.

The LS 4x4 and XLS 4x4 are essentially the same as their FWD namesakes but with four-wheel traction, a better six-speed automatic gearbox and a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine that delivers the same power, but considerably more torque and better fuel efficiency.

• ASX LS petrol manual - $25,00
• ASX LS petrol CVT - $27,000
• ASX XLS petrol CVT - $31,500
• ASX LS diesel 4x4 auto - $32,500
• ASX XLS diesel 4x4 auto - $37,000

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Our pick

A big reason the ASX is a big seller for Mitsubishi is the value the LS models present so we recommend the LS CVT. The CVT-auto performs reasonably well and while the petrol engine isn’t as fuel efficient as the turbo diesel, it is a lot cheaper to buy and service. If you have more money to spend it’s a good idea to shop around as the ASX doesn’t quite hold up to its newer opposition once you go beyond $30,000.

Available options

Premium paint (all colours but white) - $590