Surprisingly, the ASX depreciation is not that bad.
In case you didn’t know this, ASX stands for ‘Active Smart Crossover’, which pits it directly at the current segment sellers like the Renault Captur, Subaru XV and Mazda CX5.
Interestingly, the ASX sits on a Mitsubishi Lancer platform which gives it a car footprint with SUV-style seating.
With its easy entry and SUV driving position, the ASX makes a strong case for retired people, ladies with a height disadvantage and drivers with bad backs.
This ASX boasts Mitsubishi’s best cabin presentation. It has a good driving position, switch placement and operation, build quality, and overall aesthetics. The dashboard and door panel surfaces have been replaced by a nice to look and feel rubberized trim that is welcomed.
First introduced in October 2010, the locally assembled ASX was sold with 17-inch wheels, leather seat trim, power driver’s seat adjustment, Smart Key keyless entry and start, auto on/off headlights, a rear armrest with cup-holders, reversing camera and iPod connection cable.
The ASX cargo area has 416 liters when rear seats are in use and 1193 liters with the rear seats folded down.
Safety wise, the ASX comes with three airbags, ABS and EBD are standard across the range, while the 4WD variant adds on Traction Control, Active Stability Control (ASC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA). This agile and easy handling ASX has a class leading turning radius of 5.3 meters.
Both CKD (Completely Knocked Down) ASX variants are equipped with automatic lights and wipers (auto rain and light sensors), leather seats, GPS navigation, front and rear parking sensors with reverse camera, automatic air conditioning and a high contrast instrument panel.
Mitsubishi Malaysia sold the ASX with the Lancer’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder MIVEC petrol engine that delivered 150bhp of power at 6000rpm and 197Nm of torque at 4200rpm.
This is a sensible engine with good fuel consumption. In city driving the ASX does not disappoint as it performs like any other midsize sedan.
The high driving position allows for easy parking and some curb jumping when tight parking spaces are presented. The 5.3m turning radius is great when working your way around the older roads in Petaling Jaya.
The ASX enjoys a 195mm of ground clearance which allows it to climb curbs and take on some light off-road duties with no issue.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia sold the locally assembled ASX from RM104k for the 2WD variant, while the 4WD was priced at RM125k when brand new.
Now, years later and with the demand for compact SUV’s and crossovers at an all time high, the ASX might be what you want if you are on a budget. Yes, with deprecation at between 50 percent to 70 percent, the ASX might be worth a second look if you missed it before this write-up.
Look, all other Mitsubishi’s maintenance is not an issue and parts are easy to find and do not cost the earth. Most first owners were sensible drivers as you hardly see a ‘modded’ or an abused ASX.
There were some special edition ASX’s launched by the factory, like the ‘Orange Edition’ in June 2016 for RM132k.
There are dozens for sale and best to look for a single owner car with its factory paint and if you can afford the price, go for the facelift model.
Early 2011 units right now are asking in the region of RM35,000 to RM38,000. The facelift 2015 model is asking for RM55,000 and this RM20k higher price also means you will be able to get an 80 percent loan over 60 months payment.
With the 2011 model, getting a loan will be tough and might only be 50 percent of its price.
