Mitsubishi updates its ASX for 2014, with big price reductions across the range and an improved interior.

Gadgets

- Bluetooth, air conditioning and keyless entry come fitted as standard on all cars, but if you’re a gadget fiend it’ll have to be the top-spec ASX 4 model. It comes complete with a number of interesting tech details.

- Smartphone connectivity: Yes, Bluetooth and wired connections for smartphones.

- Navigation: Full colour touchscreen satellite navigation.

- Personalisation: Some customisation of menus available.

- Audio: USB and Bluetooth modes for audio playback.

- Internet: Internet connectivity not supported.

- Can it Tweet or Facebook: No, Mitsubishi has not included any social network capability.

- What is the standout gadget on the Mitsubishi ASX? Full colour reversing camera – a great safety aid.

Passenger space

The 2014 Mitsubishi ASX does not feature any structural changes, which means passenger space remains unchanged. There’s plenty of space in the front and ample leg, head and shoulder room in the rear. The angle of the rear seatbacks is adjustable, too.

Boot space

The car’s boot is large at 442 litres, making it bigger than the new Nissan Qashqai’s luggage capacity at 439 litres. The shape of the load bay is nice and regular too, meaning you can maximise the available space. If you fold the rear seats the load bay expands to 1,193 litres. There’s plenty of in-cabin storage, too.

Refinement

As we mentioned, if you don’t rev the engine too hard, refinement is good. Even at motorway speeds there isn’t much wind or road noise to rattle around the interior. On the whole, the improvements to sound suppression have worked.

Safety

As we mentioned, no structural changes means the 2014 ASX receives the same maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating as the original 2010 car. There are seven airbags, anti-whiplash headrests and an Electronic Stability Programme fitted as standard across the range.

Fuel economy

The 1.6 petrol returns the same 47.1mpg with 137g/km CO2 as before, while the 1.8 turbodiesel is now slightly more efficient, offering a claimed 55.4mpg with 134g/km CO2.

The more powerful 147hp 2.2-litre turbodiesel is surprisingly economical given how it’s mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive system (even if the latter is only two-wheel drive most of the time in its ‘intelligent’ setting). Mitsubishi claims 48.7mpg with 153g/km CO2 for this engine.

Quality

The Japanese firm claims to have improved quality inside the 2014 ASX’s cabin. It’s certainly tried, with some glossy black plastics, a revised leather steering wheel and plenty more soft-touch materials. There is a but, though – it still doesn’t feel as classy or refined as some of its rivals, even if it’s likely to be very robust.

Price and equipment

It’s here where the ASX claws back ground over its competition, however. The range starts from £14,999 – a massive £2,500 saving over the original car – with the ASX 2 boasting Bluetooth, air con and keyless entry as standard. The mid-grade ASX 3 is also £2,500 cheaper than its predecessor and gets climate and cruise control, automatic headlights and wipers, and heated front seats.

The top-spec ASX 4 features a full colour reversing camera, leather seats, sat nav and a, LED-lit panoramic glass roof. Amazingly, it’s 10% cheaper than the equivalent outgoing ASX.

Value for money

These price savings make the new 2014 Mitsubishi ASX great value for money. Compare the price, the equipment on offer and the car’s efficiency, and it’s easy to see why the ASX is an attractive proposition in the crowded crossover marketplace. By pricing the car aggressively, Mitsubishi is hoping to steal sales from its rivals Nissan, Kia and Hyundai.