With the recent introduction of the Eclipse Cross, Mitsubishi Motors South Africa expanded its family car line-up to 3 models, which now begins with a standalone ES derivative of the long-serving ASX crossover.

Nic Campbell, general manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa says the Japanese marque’s new market strategy is to “emphasise the value for money offered by its(family car/compact SUV) product range. The ASX, Eclipse Cross and Outlander, all come in “at under the R500000 mark.”

As before, the ASX ES is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine (110 kW, 197 Nm), mated with a 5-speed manual or 6-step continuously variable (automatic) transmission. By virtue of a 63-litre tank capacity and identical claimed economy figures of 7.5 L/100 km (manual and auto), ES derivatives are said to be capable of travelling up to 800 km on a single fill-up.

Although the ES does not yet feature Mitsubishi's latest design language (as shownat the Geneva Show recently) it wears its age well.

In terms of interior spec, the ES comes with a rake and reach-adjustable steering column, while its multifunction leather-trimmed wheel offers remote toggles for the audio system (an MP3-compatible radio/CD setup with a touchscreen interface, appended by USB and accessory sockets), Bluetooth telephony, voice-recognition function and the cruise control system.

Other nice-to-have features include electric windows, automatic aircon, keyless entry, push-button start, a panoramic glass roof, a reverse-view camera, rear park distance control and speed-sensing auto door locks.

The ASX comes well equipped in terms of interior features. The leather-trimmed steering wheel includes cruise control toggles.

Plus, in terms of practicality, the ES’s load bay has a 442-litre capacity, which can be expanded to 1 193 litres by folding the rear seats forward.

The safety spec is particularly impressive at the ASX ES’ price point ­– R359995 for the manual, R379995 for the CVT (April 2019). Over and above the RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body construction, both derivatives come side-impact protection bars, a collapsible steering column, brake-pedal recession protection and whiplash-injury-reduction seats, as well as a total of 7 airbags and ISOfix child-seat anchors.

Extra safety spec on Auto derivative

The manual ES comes with ABS, EBD and brake assist, while the CVT version additionally features hill-start assist and traction control.

The range is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty of 3years or 100000 km, a 5-year/90000km service plan and a 5-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Service intervals are every 15000km.

View the full specs for the Mitsubishi ASX and request a test drive

Mitsubishi often offers attractive deals on its models, visit our Specials page

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