2016 Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi’s ASX sits in a tough spot locally, boxed in by the Mazda CX-3, Kia Stonic, and Renault Captur, all of which have sharper marketing and fresher lineups. Here, you’re looking at a single 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine—no diesel, no hybrid, just the basics. Gearbox options depend on the trim: manual, traditional auto, or CVT. You won’t find new ASX stock in South Africa anymore, so it’s a used-only affair now. Out of just 12 units on the market, prices swing from R145,900 up to R339,950, and the typical odometer reads just over 101,000 km. That means patience is essential, and a thorough inspection isn’t negotiable, because you don’t want to inherit someone else’s neglect. Most used listings are 2.0 LS CVT models, with sellers hoping for as much as R339,950, which feels steep when Mitsubishi has all but ghosted the local market. The value play is clearly the GLS A/T, clustered around R145,900 to R148,500, and it’s the logical place to start if you pack smart and don’t mind higher mileage. The range spans from 2012 to 2024, so watch for different generations and spec quirks. What’s kept the ASX relevant is its honest, easy-going nature: that 2.0 petrol is simple to maintain, parts supply is fair, and it’s sized right for Joburg traffic or a quick Cape Town dash. No, it’s not going to wow you with cabin pizzazz like the Captur, but on paper at least, running costs are predictable—and that matters in a segment where flash doesn’t always mean less hassle.