Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 LS CVT (2022) Review

Summary

Here’s the real Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 LS CVT review South Africans actually need: how it copes with Gauteng altitude, what your money gets you in 2024, and whether this old-school Japanese crossover still has a place now that turbocharged Chinese options like the Haval Jolion and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro pack the dealership lots. Let’s dig in.

Introduction

The Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 LS CVT is for buyers who want proven, fuss-free motoring from a brand with a reputation for reliability, even if finding a dealer outside Cape Town or Joburg can be a mission. If you’re drawn to lane-keep assist and all the latest gadgets, you can move on - the ASX isn’t winning a spec war. What you see here is essentially the same car Mitsubishi launched in 2010, facelifted five times. Both its strengths and weaknesses are obvious. This is for the risk-averse, the “I don’t want surprises” crowd.

Key takeaway: The ASX 2.0 LS CVT is a low-anxiety city crossover, priced for a market that’s moved on in tech and safety. Buy it for long-term durability, not gadgets.

Design & Exterior

The “Dynamic Shield” nose finally looks right. Sharp, not shouty, and the LS-grade chrome and gloss-black bits mean you won’t feel like you’re parking a rental at Woollies. But the shape? Instantly recognisable - at 4295 mm long and 1770 mm wide, the ASX is now smaller than most in its class. Old-school, for better or worse.

How it sits next to rivals

Put it next to a Jolion or Tiggo 4 Pro, and the ASX is noticeably smaller. That’s a plus in cramped Cape Town side streets or those narrow Sandton basement bays - every millimetre helps. At 1625 mm tall, it slides under most shopping centre booms, and with 195 mm ground clearance, you won’t sweat speed humps that catch out sedans. No need to creep over every pavement.

Detail design notes

• LED head- and tail lamps on all LS models. Table stakes in 2024, but still welcome.
• 18-inch alloys finally fill the arches - something the ES’s smaller wheels never managed.
• Roof rails that actually work. I’ve tied down a surfboard- no issues.
• No panoramic roof, no electric tailgate. LS spec is honest, not flashy.

Cabin & Practicality

Step inside, and the years are obvious. Analogue dials, a tiny infotainment screen perched on top, and buttons straight out of a 2010 Lancer. If you can live with that, there’s a charm to the simplicity.

Materials and ergonomics

Hard plastics everywhere: dash, doors, centre tunnel. Not a soft touch in sight. The thing is, everything fits together with classic Japanese tightness. Not a single rattle, even after a rough stretch on the R55 between Hartbeespoort and Krugersdorp. Seats are tough cloth, the steering wheel is leather-wrapped on LS, and the physical climate knobs are a relief after endless touch panels. The spec sheet looks basic on paper, but you get cruise control, auto headlights, a reverse camera, six-speaker audio, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto via a compact Sony unit. Nothing fancy, nothing missing that matters day-to-day.

Space and boot

Five seats, no pretence. Two adults in the back are fine for a 90-minute trip; three is a squeeze and nothing more. Boot space is 406 litres with the seats up, 1206 litres with the rear seats folded (60:40 split). That’s right in the mix for this class. I once packed two full suitcases, a cooler, and a folding camp chair for a weekend away, and still had space for a couple of soft bags. ISOFIX on both rear outer seats, as expected.

Stat callout: 406 litres boot, 1206 litres seats down, 195 mm clearance, 1770 mm width.

On the Road

This is where the “LS CVT” badge sets the tone. The 2.0-litre non-turbo four makes 110 kW at 6000 rpm and 197 Nm at 4200 rpm, driving the front wheels through a six-step CVT. Mitsubishi won’t quote a 0-100 km/h time. It’s not quick.

The CVT character

At the coast - looping along the Durban beachfront or heading up the N2 to Ballito - the ASX is adequate. Not exciting, not slow. On the Highveld, especially when overtaking a truck on the N1 between Polokwane and Mokopane, you need to plan and let the CVT run the revs high. There’s a drone. Not awful, but you’ll know it’s a CVT. If you want calm, smooth traffic progress, you’ll be satisfied. If you want punch, look elsewhere.

Ride, steering and refinement

Hydraulic steering is the hidden gem here. Heavier, more talkative than the numb electric racks most new SUVs use. Ride comfort is just right for South African roads - plush enough to take the sting out of potholes and broken tar. Above 120 km/h, wind noise creeps in, and on rough tar the tyres start to groan. I averaged 8.4 L/100km over a week, split between Joburg traffic and a highway run - just above the claimed 7.9 L/100km. Not great, not terrible - just honest.

Towing reality check

The CVT ASX is rated for 750 kg unbraked only. Small Venter or jet ski? Fine. Caravan or bike trailer with brakes? Not happening. If you need to tow more, the manual ES (rated 1260 kg braked) is the better bet. Worth knowing before you sign up.

Data & Comparison

Specs at a glance

How it compares

On paper at least, the numbers don’t flatter the ASX. Turbocharged Chinese rivals bring more airbags, more safety kit, and longer service plans. The Mitsubishi offers a platform that’s stayed the same for years. That’s the deal: fewer features, more peace of mind… if you buy the reliability story.

Ownership cost and finance

Warranty is 3 years/100 000 km, service plan is 3 years/60 000 km with 15 000 km intervals. Our data puts the five-year running cost at around R423 550, including fuel, tyres, insurance, and scheduled services under typical South African use. WesBank and MFC will write you a standard deal, but always get a quote without a balloon to see what you’ll really pay per month. Decide if you want a residual or not.

Pricing context

Launched in 2022, the LS CVT came in at roughly R485 000. Today, you’ll need to check your local Mitsubishi dealer for a live quote - prices and trim levels keep shifting. Don’t trust a static figure online.

Reliability and known issues

This is where the ASX claws something back. The 4B11 2.0-litre engine and Jatco-derived CVT have a solid reputation here and overseas. Early Mitsubishi ASX models (2011 and 2014) mostly report trouble from neglected CVT fluid changes, the odd infotainment freeze, and worn rubber bushings. Stick to the service schedule, use the proper Mitsubishi fluids, and you’re unlikely to see major drivetrain trouble before 200 000 km. I’ve seen a 2012 ASX on Gumtree with almost 250 000 km and its original gearbox - so the legend isn’t just marketing.

Category trend signal

Our tracker shows SUV demand holding above 73 points through late 2025, while crossovers sit in the 30s. Buyers want the SUV look, and the ASX delivers that shape for a lot less than a Hilux or Ranger - if you’re not set on a bakkie.

People Also Ask

Is the Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 LS CVT good for highway driving?

It’s fine. The 2.0-litre and CVT combo cruises at 120 km/h without stress, and the hydraulic steering helps it feel stable on long stints. Overtaking at altitude takes planning - the engine loses some puff up here. For steady N3 runs, it’s acceptable.

How much boot space does the Mitsubishi ASX have?

406 litres with the seats up, 1206 litres folded flat. That’s big enough for a weekend away or a solid grocery run. The load floor is flat, and the opening is wide - fitting a pram or golf bag is easier than in most rivals.

Is the Mitsubishi ASX reliable?

Yes, for the most part. The platform’s been around since 2010, and the biggest issues show up when owners skip scheduled services or use the wrong CVT fluid. Stick to 15 000 km intervals, and the car will likely see 150 000 km with just routine maintenance. Mitsubishi’s parts pricing isn’t scary, either.

What rivals should I cross-shop against the ASX LS CVT?

Check out the Haval Jolion 1.5T, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Kia Seltos, and Hyundai Creta. They all offer turbo engines and more safety features. The ASX answers with simplicity and proven running costs. Try at least three before you decide.

Does the ASX have advanced safety features?

No, and that’s a major shortcoming. The LS CVT skips things like autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, and blind-spot warning. You get three airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, hill-start, and stability control. If safety is a priority, weigh these gaps against what the Jolion or Tiggo offer at similar prices.

What is the fuel consumption of the Mitsubishi ASX 2.0 LS CVT?

Mitsubishi claims 7.9 L/100km on the combined cycle. In real-world Gauteng conditions, expect 8 to 9.5 L/100km depending on traffic, hills, and your right foot. That’s typical for a non-turbo 2.0-litre; you’ll see lower numbers from smaller turbo rivals on the same commute.

Verdict

The ASX 2.0 LS CVT is a head-over-heart buy. It’s for loyal Mitsubishi fans trading up from an older ASX or Outlander, or families who want predictability over digital trickery. If you want the latest safety kit, turbo shove, or showroom bling, look elsewhere. If you’re waiting for the all-new ASX on Renault-Nissan underpinnings, hold off - because that’s the car that’ll finally bring the formula up to date.

Rating: 6.5/10

Durable, honest, and well-built, but outpaced on tech and safety by newer rivals. Still makes sense for buyers who know what matters and value long-haul reliability over showroom flash.