Mitsubishi's smart little ASX crossover in the city

The crossover ASX blends the functionality of a hatchback with the utility and style of a compact SUV. Photo / Supplied

The new Mitsubishi ASX crossover will be available with petrol and diesel engines and two- and four-wheel-drive when it goes on sale in New Zealand in August, priced from $35,490.

The ASX handle stands for Active Smart Crossover, or a mix of drivetrain technology that Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand believes will appeal to the town-and-around buyer.

Its obvious rival is the Nissan Qashqai, in that both models blend the functionality of a hatchback with the utility and style of a compact SUV.

"The ASX is such a smart, efficient package we think city dwellers who own hatches and sedans will see it as a step up," says MMNZ sales and marketing chief Daniel Cook.

"It comes with all the SUV plusses like lots of space, flexibility and the panoramic driving position, plenty of vitality and ooomph, but without the bulk that often just isn't practical in the city and suburbs."

The ASX gets a 2-litre petrol unit and a 1.8-litre turbodiesel. The 2-litre engine is mated to a constantly variable transmission (CVT) in both front- and four-wheel-drive models.

The 1.8-litre oil-burner is available only with four-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox.

Mitsubishi claims town-and-around fuel economy for the petrol unit of between 7.9 and 8.1 litres/100km, or around 35mpg, depending on drivetrain. Exhaust C02 emission ratings are 184 grams per kilometre for the two-wheel drive and 188gr/km for the four-paw.

The 1.8-litre diesel meets Euro5 regulations and returns a claimed 5.9 litres/100km, or 48mpg, and C02 emissions of 155gr/km.

The engine was developed jointly by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Mitsubishi says it is the first passenger car diesel to use variable valve timing.

Cook said he couldn't imagine a vehicle that was better placed to meet the demands of such a wide range of drivers.

"With life moving so fast these days, our customers need a smart car that can keep up with their active lifestyles," he said.

"The ASX gives them everything they need, and even a few extras they might not expect. This truly is a feature-packed vehicle that will not disappoint."

The entry-level LS two-wheel drive is $35,490; the two-wheel-drive Sport $38,990; the LS four-paw $37,990; the Sport four-paw $41,990; the diesel four-wheel-drive Sport $45,990.

Smart technology was a key focus during the design and planning stages of this vehicle, says the carmaker. All three Sport models are equipped with steering wheel mounted audio controls and Bluetooth on the Sport Models.

The ASX will be backed by Mitsubishi's diamond advantage warranty: 10 year/160,000 powertrain warranty, 5 year/130,000 new vehicle warranty and 5 year/130,000 Roadside Assist.

The ASX is also badged ASX in Europe. Nissan NZ did something similar, using European handle Qashqai instead of the Japanese name Dualis.

But both carmakers across the ditch steered a different course.

Nissan Australia followed Japan with Dualis. Mitsubishi ignored the Japanese RVR badge and went with ASX, despite ASX being the abbreviation for the Australian Stock Exchange.

Mitsubishi NZ wanted to stay away from an RVR badge, because its history in this country is associated only with used imports. The original RVR never sold new in New Zealand.