For this Crossover, Mitsubishi engineers used their tried and true 4B11 engine with its aluminum block and cylinder head. With its innovative MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) continuously variable valve timing system and normally-aspirated configuration which are accompanied by new features including resin coated pistons and smoother surface camshafts for reduced friction and improved fuel economy, this ASX drive is smooth and without any fuss from gear to gear. A higher efficiency alternator and electric power steering greatly aid in this cause as well.
In the ASX crossover this improved version of the 4B11 produces a full 148 hp @ 6000 rpm and 143 lb.-ft. of torque at a lower 4200 rpm from its 2.0-liter inline-4 configuration. What’s more, the majority of the engine’s torque is produced across a wide powerband of around 2200 rpm all the way up to just below its redline at 6500 rpm.
The Sportronic ® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) features design updates that not only help to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions over previous iterations of this innovative Mitsubishi transmission technology but also improve driver feel when manually shifting via the magnesium paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.
In normal driving on flat roads, the CVT’s shift schedule has been set to provide a good balance between fuel economy and dynamic performance. But should a driver encounter a windy road that just begs to be driven with greater zeal, the CVT switches to a more aggressive manual sports mode that mimics a 6-speed gearbox and improves the responsiveness of the unit’s pulley hydraulics.
