Mitsubishi ASX LS vs Mazda CX-3 Maxx comparison review

MITSUBISHI ASX LS 2WD

Driveability and economy

While the Mitsubishi ASX may be one of Mitsubishi’s bestselling models, it’s one of the oldest in this segment and its due for an update. For the most part, it drives well and gives driver confidence, but the steering can be jolty on bumpier roads and noisy tyre-road relations can become an irritation. It’s also thirstier than the Mazda CX-3.

FUEL: 7.4L/100KM

Comfort and space

The seats of the ASX are comfortable but the seats have little lateral support so you end up using your legs more for grip. This is not the car to play ‘corners’ in. On the flipside, the ASX is one of the largest small-SUVs with more rear leg and head space than many of its competitors. When it comes to comfort the ASX and CX-3 are similar, but the Mitsubishi wins in the space department with a 393L boot-space capacity.

Price and equipment

Given it’s age, it’s no surprise the ASX comes with slightly less gear than the CX-3. When you consider we’re comparing the base model ASX with the mid-spec CX-3, it seems harder to justify. The ASX car includes cruise control, reversing camera, parking sensor, leather steering wheel, touchscreen infotainment system, and alloy wheels as standard. It also features automatic climate control and digital radio, which gives it a two-up on its competitor. On the plus side, Mitsubishi offers ASX buyers a 5 year/100,000km warranty.

Click here to read the full review on the Mitsubishi ASX range.

MAZDA CX-3 MAXX AWD

Driveability and economy

The Mazda CX-3 has a punchy engine and good engagement. It handles corners well and offers a smooth ride. The biggest criticism of the CX-3, however, is it has some refinement issue and, like the ASX, it can also be a little bit noisy. But, the 2.0L four cylinder engine sets better economy figures.

FUEL: 6.3L/100KM

Comfort and space

The Japan-made CX-3 is one of the most comfortable of the small SUVs, particularly at this price point. It’s got good visibility, particularly from the slightly-elevated rear seats, giving back-passengers a good view of the road ahead. Boot space, on the other hand, is annoyingly small measuring in at just 264L, which is slightly bigger than its Mazda2 sibling. It’s enough to fit a couple of overnight bags, but getting the pram in can be a bit tricky and may require the backseat to be folded down. It’s certainly one of the smallest of the bunch.

Price and Equipment

The CX-3 comes stacked with gear. Like the ASX, cruise control, reversing camera, leather steering wheel, touchscreen infotainment system and allow wheels all come as standard. But then the CX-3 takes off, offering buyers brake assist, automatic start/stop, keyless entry, and satellite navigation and seatbelt reminders for all seats. As for warranty, it’s the segment popular 3 year unlimited warranty.

Click here to watch our video review on the Mazda CX-3.

VERDICT

When it comes to who wins this race, both have their obvious pros and cons. The ASX may come with a spacious interior and five year warranty; it loses out when compared to the CX-3’s equipment, economy and price.