The Mitsubishi ASX doesn’t get the pulse racing, and its size makes it better for inner-urban use than open road touring. Because fuel economy can suffer if the engine is required to work too hard, it’s also better suited to terrain where engine performance is less of an issue.
Pros Flexible, pragmatic interior Well-specified equipment list Goldilocks size for inner-urban use
Cons Outdated material and build quality Drivetrain really lacks verve NVH and wind noise
Pros Phone integration; spacious interior; five-year warranty.
Cons Tyre noise.
The Mitsubishi ASX is a compact SUV that is, well, a little bit boring – something that matters in a class full of funky rivals such as the Renault Captur, Peugeot 2008 and Honda HR-V.
Pros Low running costs Roomy interior Decent levels of kit
Cons Not game changing Not very stylish Plasticky interior
At first that may seem faintly ridiculous, but when you look at the Venn diagram of price, proportions and performance, the Ateca lives in a little world of its own. To get vaguely comparable speed and power from any other medium-sized SUV, you’re looking at spending around £50k+ on a Porsche Macan S or an Audi SQ5. But although it may be marooned in its own micro-sector, that doesn’t mean it has a free pass. A £40,000-ish Seat – sorry, Cupra – has a lot to prove, starting with how it drives
Pros Hot hatch performance with SUV styling and practicality
Cons £40k for a Seat with somewhat unconvincing branding
The Cupra Ateca SUV is a brilliant family car that’s fast and great to drive, but you’ll have to accept its gloomy interior and boy racer exterior complete with tuner-esque branding.
Pros Surprisingly nimble Fizzing performance Still practical
Cons Boy racer looks Dark, gloomy interior A VW Golf R costs less
