Mitsubishi ASX 3 1.8 DiD review

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Mitsubishi ASX 1.8 DiD 3 2WD Road Test

Test date 14 July 2010 Price as tested £20,384

For Excellent real-world economy, Flexible engine, Equipment levels, Low price

Against Excessive engine noise, Bland interior, Steering kickback

This was a simple decision for Mitsubishi. The compact SUV sector is one of the most profitable and Mitsubishi has a decent heritage in value-led utility vehicles, so the firm would have been foolish not to capitalise on it with a car like this.

The ASX we’re testing is front-wheel drive and has a 1.8-litre diesel. It is likely to be the most popular variant in the UK although four-wheel drive and a 1.6-litre petrol are also offered.

The ASX represents more than an obvious business decision, though. Not for the first time, Mitsubishi has brought an entirely new technology to the passenger car market. The 1.8 DiD engine tested here is the first turbodiesel motor outside of the commercial vehicle world to get variable valve timing. Common on modern petrol units, variable valve timing gives this new engine the performance of a 2.0-litre with the economy and emissions of a smaller unit, according to Mitsubishi.

Whether the new tech provides the rewards Mitsubishi claims, and whether it comes in a package worthy of the highly competitive soft-roader market, is what we’re here to find out.