2020 Mitsubishi ASX Exceed – Staying out in front

There’s many reasons why ASX is Australia’s best-selling small SUV and with the recently released fifth generation, ASX continues to extend its lead over competitors. Small yet spacious, reliable, well appointed, generous warranty, low running costs and competitively priced. MY20 ASX has a lot to offer.

Not resting on its laurels, ASX’s facelift has helped improve and align it to the rest of Mitsubishi’s range with new muscular looks, in line with the designs of Triton and Eclipse Cross. This new look with fresh updates to both the front and rear of the vehicle certainly gives the ASX a much stronger road presence and is much more attractive than the old model.

A 2.4lt four cylinder engine (123kW/222Nm) is standard fare for the Exceed and the new GSR variants, whilst the 2.0lt engine (110kW/197Nm) remains for the rest of the range. All models are fitted with a CVT transmission, bar the base model ES, which is also available as a five speed manual. The CVT has two modes ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’, with the latter putting the 2.4lt engines output to good use increasing its responsiveness. Fuel economy is listed at 7.9lt/100km combined cycle and all ASX’s have a 63lt fuel tank.

As with the previous model, I drove the ‘top of the line’ Exceed. Around town, as before, it feels unfussed, comfortable and quite pleasant. But what the previous models 2.0lt engine lacked on the open road/motorway, the 2.4lt engine more than makes up for. The extra 13kW/25Nm the 2.4lt has over the 2.0lt makes country driving/highway cruising a ‘breeze’ and a lot more enjoyable, knowing it’s got the ‘oomph’ when you need it.

18 inch alloy wheels feature across the range with 225/55R18 tyres with a temporary spare provided.

Inside ASX Exceed there’s leather accented seats (heated in front) and a panoramic glass roof (complete with mood lighting at night) adding an extra feeling of space in the car. It’s very easy to get into and out of both the front and rear seats, with plenty of space for all occupants. Leg room in the back is good, however you sit very upright, compromising head room, so the rear seats remain best left to the kids on longer trips. Boot space is good at 393lt (rear seats up) and 1143lt (rear seats down).

Apple Car Play/Android Auto is standard across the ASX range as is DAB radio and a new eight inch touchscreen. Exceed now scores nine speakers, including a huge sub-woofer in the boot, for the Rockford Fosgate Premium Sound System plus integrated Satellite Navigation. A smartphone storage tray and two USB connectors and 12V’s are provided in the front.

Single zone climate control A/C remains standard across the range, but still doesn’t feel befitting a ‘top of the line’ model like Exceed and you still cannot close off individual air vents.

ASX retains its five-star ANCAP rating (from 2014) and driver aids offered on the Exceed model include:-

• Forward Collision Mitigation (now standard across entire ASX range)
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Departure Warning/Lane Keep Assist
• Automatic High Beam.

ASX comes with Mitsubishi’s Diamond Advantage five year 100,000km warranty, with service intervals set at 12 months / 15,000km.

Value is where ASX really shines, with pricing for MY20 ASX starting around $25K for the ES to $36K for the Exceed (driveaway); it’s got the space/comfort, durability and value that continues to make it Australia’s best-selling small SUV and why its staying out in front of its competitors.

What does it look like as a Novated Lease?

This data is from the 2020 Novated Leasing Guide produced by Fleet Auto News.