Driving Mitsubishi’s evergreen small SUV today – the ASX, not the latest small
SUV but outstanding value, long standing and well tried and tested and best
value in the second tier ES grade backed up by a 10-year/200,000km warranty as
long as it’s serviced by a Mitsubishi dealer. But how does it drive – the ASX ES
automatic at just under $30,000 drive-away powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder
driving the front wheels through a CVT automatic. Step into the cabin and it feels
a little dated, very comfortable and practical with great seats but there’s no smart
key or wireless phone charger, but thankfully, it has dials for the climate control
air-con, radio tuning and volume as distinct to the frustrating and distractive
menus on a touch screen. The drive experience also shows its age – the engine
no fire breather and under load, the noise vibration and harshness levels are
such that it feels a little unrefined. No problems with economy however, 8.0L/100
on 91 grade petrol while it exhibits good steering feel and a pleasant ride. A new
Mitsubishi ASX SUV is due in November, a rebranded Renault Capture, although
Mitsubishi has indicated it will not be as affordable as the current model. I’m
David Berthon

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Talking about Mitsubishi’s small ASX SUV today – the ASX has been around for a
long time – first surfacing in 2010 but updated visually three times since. Sharply
priced it remains our fourth best-selling small SUV, strongly recognised for its
value story and a 10-year warranty. A roomy small SUV in seven front wheel
drive grades from $26,240 drive-away for the entry manual GS – I drove the next
grade up, the ES automatic, the best seller and frankly the one to own at $29,740
drive-away. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder driving through a CVT or continuously
variable automatic. This year the ES gained lane departure warning for the first
time, but it lacks rear cross traffic alert and autonomous emergency braking.
Features include a rear-view camera, climate control aircon, rear parking sensors,
rain sensing wipers and air-con ducts to the rear seats. The Mitsubishi ASX ES
competes in a super competitive small SUV segment – not the latest design but
this trusty small SUV with great interior room has been kept competitive with
small tweaks along the way. For a small family in today’s cost-conscious world, it
has one outstanding feature – a 10-year/200,000 km warranty if you keep it
serviced by a Mitsubishi dealer. Drive details next segment. I’m David Berthon

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We already have the luxury General Motors built Cadillac Lyric SUV and it
will be joined next month by GMC’s Yukon Denali luxury 8-seat SUV. The
full-size GMC Yukon Denali offers class defining pulling power in the form
of a 6.2-litre EcoTec 3 V8 engine with a healthy 624Nm of torque linked to a
10-speed automatic. While its official braked towing capacity is rated at
3,628 kilos, the highest braked towing capacity of any SUV on sale in
Australia. Fitted with what called an active response 4WD system the GMC
Yukon Denali is listed to sell at $174,990 and is loaded with comfort and
convenience features putting it firmly in the luxury class. Responsibility for
selling the Yukon Denali rests with General Motors Special Vehicle dealer
network who already handles the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck and
Corvette sports car. I’m David Berthon

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