Mitsubishi releases a very competitive compact crossover that likes city life and loves the challenge of being on the open road.
The Mitsubishi ASX is among a growing number of new vehicles for which diesel delivers the top level of performance.
That's not uncommon among the Euro - and now Korean - brands but it's a new scenario for a Japanese manufacturer in the Kiwi car market.
The five-strong ASX lineup includes four 2.0-litre petrol variants in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configuration and the flagship Diesel Sport four-wheel drive model tested here.
Mitsubishi's new 1798cc diesel has a remarkably low 14.9:1 compression ratio with square 83mm x 83mm bore and stroke dimensions. The sophisticated MIVEC valve control, variable vane turbocharger are key contributors to getting a diesel to work at such a low compression ratio, meeting the Euro V emission standard and adding a punchy and highly efficient performance edge to the ASX driving experience.
Maximum power of 112kW matches the 2.0-litre petrol model while 305Nm of torque across a 2000-3000rpm range gives a 50 per cent advantage and results in responsive overtaking and easy hillclimbing capability.
What restricts the appeal of the Diesel Sport in New Zealand is only being available with manual transmission. It shares that limitation with rival diesel versions of the Subaru Forester and the Toyota RAV4.
Drivers who are comfortable with three pedals will discover the accurate shift mechanism and gear ratios work happily with the muscular torque curve and 100km/h in sixth gear is achieved at 2000rpm where peak torque has just been reached. The downshift into fifth bumps the tachometer needle to 2300rpm and another shift to fourth gear keeps the engine at peak torque using 2900rpm.
This powertrain is at home on Kiwi highways with long-legged performance at light throttle openings. Completing a mixture of highway and city driving allowed me to better Mitsubishi's claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.9 litres per 100km. My test achieved 5.6 litres per 100km.
The ASX is the among the newest arrivals in the compact crossover segment. It's based on Lancer underpinnings and is another higher riding alternative to a conventional hatchback, offering what car makers like to call "lifestyle" motoring.
It's by no means a tough offroader, but the four-wheel-drive capability - selected from a rotary control on the dash - gives extra assurance on slippery surfaces.
Moderately heavy steering provides plenty of road feel and the ASX Diesel Sport has a firm stance on the road that blends progressive damping with generous size tyres to give a car-like and agile drive.
There is considerable coarse chip surface road noise and considering its diesel grunt the 1050kg braked towing capacity - the same as the petrol models - seems like an unnecessarily conservative rating.
The five-door bodystyle provides typical small-medium hatch load capacity with 348 litres of cargo space and 1158 litres when the 60/40 split rear seat is folded.
There's plenty of headroom up in front and the driving position reinforces the role of a long distance machine with supportive leather trimmed seats and the visibility benefit of a raised driving position.
Moderate side bolstering and good cushion length is provided by the front seats and the driver's seat has power cushion height/tilt and slide/recline adjustments. In the rear the seating is upright but the generous headroom remains and there's good kneeroom.
The Sport versions of the 2.0-litre petrol ASX offer an appealing specification and the Diesel Sport adds a few more features - namely the 17-inch alloy wheels, leather interior, power driver's seat adjustment and heated front seats.
Shared with the 2.0 Sport models are rain sensor wipers, high intensity headlights with auto level control, keyless entry with push button engine start, hands free Bluetooth phone connectivity, a reversing sensor, high contrast LED instrument display and a six-speaker audio audio system with steering wheel control.
The entry level LS models have an immobiliser and alarm, audio jack and USB port, trip computer, cruise control, leather steering wheel, power windows and mirrors, rear privacy glass and full body colour treatment for the bumpers, side skirts and door handles.
With a 2011 5-star EuroNCAP rating the ASX ranks as Mitsubishi's safest car at this time with a roster of safety features including seven airbags, Active Stability and Traction Control, anti-lock brakes and hill start assist. Among the safety highlights mention must be made of the headlights which provide very bright and wide road illumination.
An initial glance at the $46,990 pricing suggests the ASX is quite expensive, but a broader look at the market sees the rival Subaru Forester 2.0D at $47,490 and the Toyota RAV-4 Diesel at $49,990 - and neither of those vehicles have standard leather trim.
A Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI with a six-speed DSG transmission at $48,000 is the most accessible Euro alternative and the Korean choice of the Hyundai ix35 (only with automatic transmission) starts at $50,990 although to better match the ASX specification including leather trim the ix35 Elite is $54,990.
What I liked most about the ASX Diesel Sport is the modern diesel that delivers plenty of performance, impressive fuel efficiency and an involving drive with the six-speed manual gearbox. The compact five-door size makes it easy to drive and park in the city at the same time as the comfortable driving position and good visibility make it a smooth drive over a longer journey.
MITSUBISHI ASX Diesel Sport $46,990
SAFETY:
Dual front airbags
Front seat side and curtain airbags
Driver's knee airbag
Front seatbelt pretensioners and load force limiters
Automatic Stability Control and Traction Control
Antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist
Three-point centre rear seat belt
3 x child seat tether points
Alarm and immobiliser security system
Full size spare wheel
CRASH TEST RATING:
Euro NCAP rating (2011 test): Overall rating
FUEL ECONOMY:
Combined (claimed): 5.9 litres per 100km
Auto Parade test results
Combined: 5.6 litres per 100km
MORE INFORMATION:
THE NUMBERS
Engine 1798cc 16-valve direct injection turbocharged diesel
Maximum output 112kW at 4000rpm
Maximum torque 305Nm at 2000-3000rpm
Length 4295mm
Width 1770mm
Height 1615mm
Wheelbase 2670mm
Kerb weight 1525kg
Fuel tank capacity 60 litres
Wheels 17 x 6.5-inch alloy
Tyres Dunlop SP Sport 270 215/60 R17 radial