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Mitsubishi’s RVR or ASX as it is called in some markets, is a compact SUV much like the Skoda Yeti. Built on the same platform as the Evo X and larger Outlander, it shares the latter’s wheelbase and much of its charm too. The best bit is that Mitsubishi plans to price it around the Rs 15lakh mark, which of course may mean some amount of local assembly. Also interesting is the fact that this car will come with a 1.8 litre common rail diesel that uses a variable valve timing system. The front wheel drive only version were driving here is likely to prove the most popular.
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. The all-alloy 148bhp 1.8-litre DiD is entirely new and performance is pretty strong. It does 0-100 in under 10 seconds and in gear flexibility is also very good due to the variable valve timing, which gives it very good low down torque. The motor can get quite audible at times however, and there is scope for improvement as far as refinement is concerned.
The ASX also gets stop-start as standard across the whole range, as well as an alternator that frequently disconnects; it does most of its charging under deceleration to reduce load on the engine under power and improve economy too.
In the front-wheel drive guise the ASX has ample grip, which lets it carry good speed through corners; this car is related to the Evo after all. And the ride quality is pretty good too. However there is some amount of suspension thump over severely broken surfaces. The steering is precise but can feel overly light and slack, which is fine at urban speeds but less welcome in high-speed manoeuvres.
On the inside, the look and feel of the cabin is also very Outlander like. There is a clear resemblance to the larger SUV and much of the feel of the insides is similar too. Due to the long wheelbase rear passengers have a good amount of legroom and headroom and seat backs tilt is impressive as well. But there are no individual sliding seats, as found in some rivals.
If Mitsubishi can assemble the car in it’s plant, to the same levels as the Lancer, they clearly have a potential chart topper on their hands.
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