When you first saw the Nissan Qashqai Crossover SUV were you one of those people who thought to themselves: ‘neat idea, but looks a little plain’?
 
Mitsubishi spotted that same flaw, so they launched a car with all the same positive features,but without that typical ‘cute family car' look and from the front especially, it looks very sharp and purposeful. Often, Dad does not like the family car as much as Mum does, but we reckon the ASX has a good chance of passing the official Dads ‘cool car’ test. It is a real alternative to the Qashqai, with loads of kerb appeal and a great price!
 
The big challenge for families these days, especially if they choose to own just one car, is to find a model that is cheap and affordable to buy and run, without leaving family members short of space in the future as they grow. One of the ASX’s key strengths is its rear bench seat. It is positioned quite high off the ground so tall teenagers’ won’t have their knees stuck up in the air or pressed against the seat in front. It is wider than most family hatchbacks too, so three larger children, or a baby seat and two kids should be fine for space.  
 
Inside, the ASX is a little old fashioned, and while you might consider that a negative, we certainly don’t. It is one of the easiest cars to operate we have tested this year. A lot of cars today display buttons, menus and screens that would not look out of place in a computer lab, but the ASX is a simple, well laid out, easy-to-drive car.,
 
The interiors are simply, but certainly not unattractive. There is loads of knee space for taller drivers around the gear stick and a high driving position so visibility is excellent. 
 
When it comes to how it handles, the 1.6 petrol model is great for around town, but there is also a 1.6 diesel engine version that would probably suit you better if you live outside of the city or do more than just the school run. 
 
 
So what about price?
 
The good news is Mitsubishi has recently added a whole heap of extra equipment to the ASX as standard - over €3,000 worth in fact - so it is brilliant value. The 1.6 petrol model is €24,450 and includes tinted windows, cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, reversing camera and sensors, a host of safety equipment (see below for details), as well as a host of other impressive features. It is superb value. The 1.6 diesel we liked so much when we tested it is €3,000 extra with all of the same equipment. Diesel model costs €200 per year to tax, while petrol version cost €280. In the petrol model you should travel roughly 375 miles on €50 fuel, while €50 diesel should give you a range of about 500 miles.  
 
Is there loads of storage space?
 
The boot is a good, square shape with a high load lip so sliding things in and out with a baby in your arms is easy. There’s about 15% more boot space than in a hatchback like a Volkswagen Golf, you are unlikely to need a roof box for a family holiday. When you fold the seats flat, the high roof means there is loads of room for things like bikes and furniture.
 
In the front the centre storage box is big and deep with USB and power socket meaning you don’t need to leave your phone or ipod lying out loose in the car to plug them in. We found the power socket useful for powering a tablet for a child sitting in the back. There’s a decent glove box, too.
 
 
Is it baby friendly?
 
There’s two ISOFIX child seat mounts in the rear, on the outer two seats. Both have ‘top tethers’ to stop a child seat lurching forward in a crash. You can disable the passenger airbag and carry a baby seat in the front, too. The doors open wide enough for it to be easy to get a baby in an out quickly, and there’s lots of headroom so the risk of bumping your head is low.  
 
Is parking easy?
 
Sure is. Most drivers will be able to see the edge of the short bonnet from the driver’s seat as it is quite tall, so ‘judging the gap’ is no problem. All ASX models now come with a reversing camera and parking sensors as standard, perfect for Mums reversing in school car parks and shopping centres where children might wander behind the car. It is no longer than a normal hatchback, so fitting the ASX into tight spaces is easy
 
What about safety?
 
Euro Ncap awarded five stars to the ASX in its safety test. It has a 78% child safety rating which is very respectable, with testers noting that child seats were ‘well controlled’ in an impact. There’s full length curtain airbags and a knee airbag to protect the drivers legs in a crash, and no less than six electronic driving aids like emergency brake assist to help ensure you do not lose control of the car.
 
 
Verdict: Thumbs Up
  • A worthy alternative to a Nissan Qashqai
  • Really great value with loads of extras as standard
  • Strong focus on family safety
  • Simple to park
  • Thumbs down:
  • Rear seats don’t recline
  • Cabin is a little dull
Mummypages Ratings
  • Baby friendliness: 3.5/5
  • Safety: 4.5/5
  • Cool rating: 3.5/5
  • Passenger and storage space: 4/5
  • Car park friendliness: 4.5/5
  • Value for money: 4.5/5
  • Overall rating: 24.5/30
 
Statistics: (Republic of Ireland market)
  • Starting Price: €24,450/€27,450.
  • Average Fuel Economy and tax: 49 mpg / €280 per year
  • Warranty: 8 years / 150,000 kilometres
  • Isofix baby seat mounts: 2
  • Seats suitable for adults (excl driver): 4
  • Seats suitable for kids only: 0

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