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Sports cars are sublime and many drivers are also passionate about the off-road experience … and wouldn’t it be it amazing to find a vehicle that possessed the power to thrill on both counts?
The Mitsubishi ASX crossover is a prime example of exactly this. It has all the perks of a small car but the power and dominance of a magnificent beast.
The ASX, which stands for Active Sporting Crossover, joins the growing niche of family cars with luxurious bodies and SUV capabilities at affordable prices.
The car offers a blend of exterior styling and practicality that ensures this crossover segment continues to grow in popularity.
It ticks most of the boxes for comfort, design and safety and is an intelligent addition to the Japanese company’s line-up.
As I entered the car and put the key into the ignition, it gave me a very nice ‘Welcome!’ message on the dashboard bringing a smile to my face, making the comfortable interior feel even friendlier.
As the interior of the base model I drove was pretty basic with its highlights including MP3 compatibility, air conditioning with separate climate controls and alloy wheels, it was the exterior that truly caught my attention.
The ASX has a softer look than your average SUV and will definitely appeal to hatchback buyers as well as those on the hunt for a family-oriented vehicle with character.
The elegant body features an aggressive-looking bumper with the fog lights on either side of it. Together with the large front grille and the high-belted bulging waistline, Mitsubishi works hard to exude a new type of elegance.
The exterior of the test car I drove was curvaceous and boasted a sportier feel than your average SUV giving it a trendy and funky look.
The wide wing mirrors were also a major advantage as they enhanced visibility and made it easier to change lanes without fear of the unknown.
Under the bonnet is a four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol, 115bhp engine.
The interior’s basic package looks durable, which is something that will help the ASX win more sales … but the icing on the cake is its family friendliness.
The cabin’s quality is good with easy-to-use climate controls and audio capabilities. It is straightforward and concise … simplicity is definitely the theme throughout the interior design.
The ASX is spacious with adequate legroom. Two adults will be comfortable in the back but for kids, especially the smaller ones, it will be relative luxury.
After driving through the streets of Manama I warmed to it and it turned out to be an extremely pleasant and quiet drive.
The gearbox was simple, the steering was sturdy and there are more than enough compartments for your coffee, phone and extra essentials like keys.
The top-of-the-range model, as Mitsubishi sales manager Pramod Prabhakar explained, includes satellite navigation, leather upholstery, rear cameras, a screen on the main dashboard, steering wheel controls, voice activated Bluetooth, CD stereo with iPod compatibility as well as a USB input, along with climate controlled air conditioning and cruise control.
Safety is a priority with the fully-loaded model including front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force and brake assist as well as stability and traction control and reverse parking sensors.
The family-friendly theme is reinforced through the controlled drive even on those rocky roads filled with potholes … some could even imagine that the maintenance of the roads in Bahrain was excellent after such a silky smooth ride.
The ASX’s price tag is definitely one of its powerful points and the car made me feel like a proud owner, sending me comforting messages throughout, including ‘See You!’ before I switched the car off and handed it back to the dealership. I hope so.
Prices start from BD7,495.
For more information call Zayani Motors on 17703703.
