Photo by ANJO PEREZ

The latest SUV in town is based on what Mitsubishi Motors Philippines calls the just-the-right-size concept. It’s high enough to give the SUV advantage. It’s also compact in size to drive around in our usual traffic-clogged streets. When you get to the destination, it’s just-the-right-size to park easily. And when you’re driving, it gives that ‘just-the-right-size’ feeling of being in control.

This is the Mitsubishi ASX (Active Sport Crossover) which was unveiled yesterday at the 3rd Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS). MMPC calls it the “little brother to the Outlander” and it measures 4,295 mm in length, 1,770 mm in width with an overall height of 1,625 mm and a ground clearance of 195 mm.

The ASX flashes a “jet fighter” grille, similar to the Lancer EX, stating the sporty character of the new vehicle. At first glance, you may find the ASX “too small”, but that’s the result of a curving roof line. Inside, the cabin gives more room than a sedan. The second row seats can be folded flat to give 384 liters of cargo space.

Lights give the ASX more character. The top-of-the-line GLS SE 4x4 has a 160-degree super wide range H.I.D. headlamps which sends out a broader beam of light. The front and rear lamps are extra wide which is designed to give a high-grade impression.

All three ASX variants are equipped with a multi-spoke 17-inch aluminum wheels mounted with 215/60 R17 rubber.

We drove the ASX during a media event last week and found much pleasure in being behind the wheel, and later, as passenger to Anjo Perez and Brian Afuang, motoring editor of Manila Times. Assigned to us for the day was the top-of-the-line GLS SE 4x4 which had a Push Start/Stop Engine button. Its multi-information meter shows the average fuel consumption, average speed, trip meter and odometer, periodic maintenance reminder, drive range and outside temperature.

If we had time to enjoy the mobile entertainment, we would have, but the test drive had assigned us many tasks – each designed to demonstrate the superior performance of the ASX. Next time, we shall enjoy the 6.2-inch touch screen LCD monitor that has a built-in DVD/CD/MP3/WMA player with FM/AM tuner.

The same headunit also provides GPS Navigation for the GLS and GLS SE models, hands-free Bluetooth pairing, plus iPod and USB connectivity.

During the test drive around Clark and later, at the Clark Speedway, the all-new ASX showed us the power of the same 4B11 2.0-liter engine that’s also on the Lancer EX. Mitsubishi said the engine has been 'retuned' to match the weight and specific drivetrain of the ASX. Power output is now at 150 Ps at 6,000 rpm and torque at 197 N-m at 4,200 rpm. MMPC said that’s because of the MIVEC or Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control technology.

The ASX variants offer the 5-speed manual transmission and the Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT with 6-speed Sportronic mode. You either use the gearshift lever or the paddle shifters mounted on the steering column – a neat way to increase the pleasure of driving.

For those who love the outdoors and will likely drive the ASX off-road, the GLS SE 4x4 has a simple multi-model 4-wheel-drive system. A rotary knob located at the floor console allows selection of the three drivetrain mode settings: 2WD, 4WD, and Lock. Turning the knob to 4WD automatically shifts up to 30 percent of the torque to the rear wheels for better traction.

When you turn to “Lock” position, torque shift to the rear wheels is increased to 50 percent on demand, to gain maximum traction in extreme weather conditions or in difficult terrain.

Safety features include the Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body design crush zones which progressively crumble to absorb impact energy, and key structural areas direct energy away from the cabin. Airbags around the cabin protect the occupants. The GLS SE variant has a seven-airbag system; while the GLS and GLX versions are equipped with the dual stage SRS Airbags for both driver and front passenger.

According to the Mitsubishi brochure, the ASX has a Hill Start Assist System which comes standard on the ASX GLS SE. When starting on an upward slope, the HSA automatically holds the brakes for about two seconds after the driver releases the brake pedal and applies the accelerator, to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards.

The GLS SE also comes with Active Stability Control or ASC to automatically control the brakes and power output to stabilize the car in the event of a detected lateral slippage.

Suggested introductory prices are P1,145,000 for the GLX 4x2 MT, P1,225,000 for the GLS 4x2 CVT, and P1,498,000 for the GLS SE 4x4 model.