Mitsubishi ASX (2WD) 2010 on ANCAP Crash Test

Occupant Protection Score	34.13
Pedestrian Protection Rating	Pending
Make	Mitsubishi
Model	ASX (2WD) 2010 on
Category	Compact SUV
Body Type	SUV
Variant	2WD
Tested Vehicles Built	2010
Airbags (if supplied)	Front + side + head + knee airbags
Engine size	2 L
Kerb Weight	1360 kg
Test Date	9 July 2010
Tested By	ANCAP

 

Model History and Safety Features

The tested model of Mitsubishi ASX was introduced in Australia during 2010. This rating applies to the two-wheel-drive variant.

Dual front airbags, side airbags, head-protecting side curtains and knee airbags are standard equipment.

Antilock brakes (ABS), electronic brake distribution (EBD) and electronic stability control (ESC) are also standard. Advanced seat belt reminders are fitted to both front seats.

Pretensioners are fitted to the front seat belts to reduce slack in the event of a crash. A three point seat belt is fitted to the centre rear seat. This provides better protection than a two point (lap) seat belt.

 

OCCUPANT PROTECTION: 5 Stars

The ASX scored 14.13 out of 16 in the offset crash test. The passenger compartment held its shape well. Protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver.

The vehicle scored 16 out of 16 in the side impact crash test and a further 2 points in the optional pole test.

 

FRONTAL OFFSET CRASH TEST

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head/neck 4 pts, chest 3.90 pts, upper legs 4 pts, lower legs 2.22 pts.

The passenger compartment held its shape well in the offset crash test. The clutch pedal moved rearwards by 112 mm and upwards 69 mm. The steering wheel hub moved 22mm forward, 33mm downward and 13 mm sideways. The front ("A") pillar moved 1 mm rearwards. All doors remained closed during the crash. After the crash all doors could be opened with normal effort.

The airbag cushioned the head of the driver and contact was stable. The knee airbag protected the driver's knees. The passenger's head was cushioned by the airbag.

 

SIDE IMPACT CRASH TEST

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head 4 pts, chest 4 pts, abdomen 4 pts, pelvis 4 pts.

The vehicle was eligible for an optional pole impact test. The manufacturer decided to go ahead with the pole test and the vehicle earned a further two points.

Modifiers - Offset test scores Head - No deduction Chest - No deduction Upper leg Variable & conc. loading - No deduction Lower leg - No deduction Foot score Blocked brake pedal - Score 3.31 points
Note: Steering column and pedal movements are measured relative to the driver's seat.
Other Modifiers Chest - No deduction Safety Features Driver airbag S Antilock (ABS) brakes / Electronic brake distribution S/S/X Passenger front airbag S Electronic stability control (ESC, VSC, DSc, ESP, VSA) S# Side airbags, front seats - chest protection S 3 point centre rear seat belt S Side airbags, front seats - head protection S Active head restraints - front seats X Side airbags, rear seats - head protection S Intelligent seat belt reminder - driver S Intelligent seat belt reminder - front passenger S Driver knee airbag S Front/rear seat belt pretensioners S/X Rear seat belt status indicator X Key: √ = Fitted to vehicle that was crash tested (where not standard) S = standard on all models S* = Standard for petrol models but not available for LPG models until 1 May 2009 O = optional on base variant. May be standard on higher variants V = not available on base variant but standard or optional on higher variants X = not available on any variant. * = not available on the Australian model # ESC required by ANCAP for 5 star rating from 2008. Injury Measurements Refer to the information sheet "How the tests are done" Offset Crash Test at 64 km/h (v4.1) Side Impact Crash at 50 km/h (v4.1) Driver Passenger Driver Head HIC 224 143 37 Acceleration (g for 3ms) 35.1 29.5 24.1  Head Injury Criterion (HIC) is a measure of the potential for head injury. At a HIC of 1000 one in 6 adults will suffer from life-threatening injury to their brain.   Neck Shear (kN) 0.38 0.57 - Tension (kN) 1.12 0.64 - Extension (Nm) 12.8 14.3 -   Chest Acceleration (g for 3ms) 35.00 29.30 - Compression (mm) 22.67 20.00 9.30 Viscous Criterion (m/s) 0.06 0.07 0.03 Chest compression of 75 or more, or chest acceleration of 90 or more indicates poor protection from serious chest injury. Abdomen Force (kN) 0.62 Pelvis Force (kN) 1.68   Upper Legs Force Left (kN) 10.6 0.34 Force Right (kN) 1.23 0.69 Knee Disp. Left (mm) 1.39 0.23 Knee Disp. Right (mm) 0.53 0.13 An upper leg axial force of 10.9 or more indicates poor protection from serious upper leg (femur) injury. Lower Legs Force Left (kN) 2.54 1.34 Force Right (kN) 2.13 1.06 Index (upper/lower) Left 0.41/0.80 0.36/0.23 Index (upper/lower) Right 0.32/0.43 0.27/0.19 A lower leg index of 1.2 or more indicates poor protection from serious lower leg (tibia) injury. Bonus points (maximum 5): Pole test: 2 pts Seat belt reminders: 2

MITSUBISHI ASX 2WD REVIEWS

OVERVIEW:

Mitsubishi's new ASX is the baby brother to the popular Outlander SUV (with which it shares its platform).

Marketed as a versatile urban compact ‘crossover’, and available in both all-wheel-drive and front-wheel drive configurations, the 2WD tested here combines SUV style and practicality with a conventional hatchback drive-train.

INTERIOR

• Quality: The ASX's dash pad is trimmed in a nicely textured black plastic; steering wheel and gearknob are finished in smooth leather. All cabin fittings are solid and well-finished and free of rattles.

• Comfort: The front seats offer decent support, and legroom and headroom is good. The rear bench is similarly spacious, although the ASX's narrow width is a bit tight for three adults abreast.

• Equipment: The base ASX 2WD is fitted with 16-inch alloys, four-speaker stereo with USB input and iPod compatibility, cruise control, power windows, power mirrors and climate control.

• Storage: At 416 litres, the boot has enough room for a pram and the weekly shopping. Boot space expands to 1193 litres with rear seats folded flat.

ON THE ROAD

• Driveability: The 2.0 petrol requires plenty of revs when merging onto highways, but despite its lowish output, the ASX doesn't feel underpowered. The five-speed manual has a smooth shifter and a light clutch, but could use another gear to make the most of the 2.0 litre's power.
  
  The ASX's rising beltline can impede over-the-shoulder vision, but the large wing mirrors compensate. It is easy to manoeuvre around town with a tight 10.6 metre turning circle.

• Refinement: There is some wind noise from the large wing mirrors, however the ASX is generally quite well-isolated at speed. The higher-profile rubber of the base model helps give a quiet, smooth ride.

• Suspension: Independently sprung at all four corners, the ASX has a soft higway ride but can be slightly fidgety on choppy suburban tarmac.

• Braking: There are disc brakes at each corner. Braking is smooth and without the ‘grabbiness’ of some European crossovers.

SAFETY

• ANCAP rating: 5 Stars

• Safety features: The ASX has seven airbags (front, front side, driver's knee and curtain), three-point seatbelts, ABS, EBD, brake assist, traction control and stability control as standard.

HOW IT COMPARES | VALUE FOR MONEY

• Nissan Dualis ST  - Currently the best-value compact SUV in terms of size and spec, the Dualis nevertheless is a little underpowered and has a tighter rear cabin than the ASX.

• Suzuki SX4 4WD - Suzuki's SX4 may be the smallest in this bunch, but it's also the cheapest and packs AWD to boot. Niceties like keyless ignition help offset the Suzuki's smaller cabin.

• Toyota RAV4 CV 2WD  - The RAV4 feels the biggest both inside and out, and its 2.4 litre 125kW/224Nm petrol engine is most powerful of this group. The downside? It's expensive.

• Hyundai ix35 Active - The MY2011 ix35 Active offers a high level of standard equipment, but the ride is harsh and rearward vision compromised by its edgy design.
  

TMR VERDICT | OVERALL

The compact SUV segment is a crowded one, and covers a broad spectrum from 'budget' to 'premium'. Mitsubishi's ASX 2WD is priced at the budget end, but it doesn't feel cheap.

It drives well, has plenty of space for a young family and is also backed by a very competitive warranty. The styling may be a bit aggressive for some, but the ASX provides an enticing alternative to the Dualis and ix35.

ASX: A spacious steed

There's little argument that looks create an impression, and at first glance, the Mitsubishi ASX suggests some mojo and even allure. It has the comportment of an SUV in that it gives you a higher perspective of the road than a sedan, and has the apparent bulk.

Yet, it isn’t exactly the sort of thing you would want to take into the wilds. This is chiefly an urban lifestyle vehicle, comfortably falling into the crossover category. During a weekend I had the ASX, it eceived a number compliments over its looks.   This certainly is a fine-looking set of wheels, with a yin yang mix of muscle and svelte lines. The impression extends into the cabin where, despite the black theme that is interrupted only by the silver highlights on the steering wheel, floor console and centre piece, the ASX continues to ooze a quiet and understated elegance.

Space-wise, it is generously endowed and will carry four or five adults comfortably; the 442 litres of cargo area is airy enough to accommodate all the weekend luggage of the occupants as well. The ride, once you get going, is tuned for comfort, and despite a bit of roll, the ASX tackles uneven surfaces with hardly a suggestion to its occupants of what it is tackling.

As an urban lifestyle vehicle and with the features onboard, the ASX is perfect for those seeking an alternative and stress-free ride.

Still, there’s a “however” . . .

Okay, I’ll get to the point - since we don’t have soccer mums here, the ASX makes a pitch for the run-around mum! She, who has to drop the kids off at school and pick them up, transport them to tuition classes and other activities, and is part of the neighbourhood car-pool. She will love how smooth and easy the ASX is to handle, allowing its occupants to enjoy a graceful and comfortable ride as it soaks up bumps and roughs without fuss.

The more hard-nosed driver, though, may take umbrage at the polite disposition of the engine, which is not an unsubstantial unit - a 2.0-litre, 16-valve and DOHC Mivec configuration, dishing out a respectable 150bhp and 197Nm.

While the six-speed CVT and a sports mode allow the driver some control over the powerplant’s response, a weekend with the ASX revealed its true nature, appealing more to the sedate driver than aggressive one. Attempts to provoke it to respond rudely were met, despite the surprising roar of a sporty exhaust, with dignified disdain. The 215/65/R16 size tyres seemed almost excessive, given this scenario.

You do get some features that will go down well with many, like the reverse camera routed to the large and bright colour display on the dashboard. This proved to be extremely useful when parking or backing out, even at night.  The ASX’s overall length is 4,295mm, a bit shorter than I expected after seeing it in photographs.

The 1,770mm width and hydraulic power steering assist make the ASX a breeze to slot into tight spaces, while the 1,615mm height doesn’t required a major adjustment of driving style for those more at home with sedans.

Other features on the ASX are magnesium gear shift paddles on the steering wheel, fully automated air-conditioning for the front and rear, cruise control, adjustable front centre armrest with lower and higher storage compartments, colour multi-information LCD display, dual front and driver’s knee airbags, hill-start assist, anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, active traction control and leather seats.

The Mitsubishi ASX, available in five colours (black, grey, blue, red and white), is priced at RM136,208 (without insurance), which is quite competitive in its category.  An optional accessories package is available for RM6,490. 

This includes front corner extension, front under cover, rear garnish, chrome-plated door mirror cover, side wind deflector, rear bumper plate, tail-gate protector, aluminum/black leather gear shift knob, scuff plates, side tray lids, luggage net in cargo hold and luggage mat.