Used-car review: 2016 Mitsubishi ASX LS
The ASX has been one of the mainstays of the Mitsubishi range for more than a decade, and there are still plenty on the second-hand market.
Mitsubishi calls this car its Active Sports Crossover and with a few facelifts over the years, it’s been reinvented and remained a popular choice.
The 2016 ASX has a reputation for being a good value small SUV when new, and it’s no different on the used-car market. The ASX’s popularity also means there are many to choose from at your local used-car dealer.
Features
In its day, the ASX offered standard features such as cruise control, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, and a colour touchscreen for controlling infotainment functions.
It was also wired for sound and had an iPod and MP3 compatible audio system, with AM/FM and digital radio, CD player, USB input, and Bluetooth connectivity for phone calls and audio streaming.
Warranty and servicing
When new, the 2016 ASX came with a five-year warranty, so most things should have been fixed during the past seven years if it was serviced regularly by a Mitsubishi dealer.
Check the service history if you’re looking to buy a used ASX. One good thing is the engine has a timing chain, so you don’t have the expense of replacing a timing belt.
Interior
The original ASX platform started in 2010 so the 2016 model was still a new car on an ageing platform, but the same generous space, enhanced with 60/40 split-fold rear seats, has been a common theme.
Even when new, the interior design was a bit dated but fundamentally it still works, although the seats don’t provide much lateral support when cornering. Functionally, the ASX has good storage for front occupants and in the cargo area.
Under the bonnet
The petrol engine, front-wheel drive ASX has a ride and handling package that will suit most driving conditions. The two-litre petrol engine comes with a five-speed manual gearbox or a CVT automatic. The flaring noise and unusual acceleration may be annoying to some people so make sure you take any car you’re thinking of buying on a long test drive to make sure you can live with it.
If you need a no-fuss, reliable, proven and roomy small SUV, then the two-wheel drive Mitsubishi ASX LS is a well-rounded car that’s affordable in the used car market. The 2016 ASX is a good first car for novice drivers given it includes features such as hill-start assist, which controls the brakes automatically to help drivers take off from a standstill on uphill slopes. It also has lifesaving electronic stability control (ESC) to give drivers more control in an emergency and help avoid crashes.
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Used-car price range | $16,500 to $20,900 |
| ANCAP safety rating | 5 stars when new (Current Used Car Safety Rating of 3 stars) |
| Warranty | No longer under warranty |
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