Discovering a hidden gem is one of the few genuine delights on the weekly road test roundabout.
They are very rare and can come from almost anywhere in the showroom world – not just the top-end world of Porsche and Ferrari.
Not usually, though, from the cookie-cutter world of battery-powered Chinese SUVs . . .
Last year I was captivated by the Nissan X-Trail, not because of its predictable family SUV packaging but thanks to its e-Power mechanical package. It takes a different approach to hybrid motoring and the combustion engine only ever charges the battery.
So the e-Power models all run 100 per cent electric, with no connection between the combustion engine and the wheels, which means they are quiet, spritely and enjoyable.
Now there is the new Mitsubishi ASX.
In the past the ASX has been a passable family SUV with a nice price and a long warranty. Definitely a car to recommend to friends.
But everything has changed for 2026, although the tasty price line and 10 years of warranty back-up remains.
The new ASX is a good looker with a classy cabin for the class, nice driving, good economy and excellent value. It was enjoyable in all conditions, from highways to bumpy country roads at the back side of the Gold Coast in Queensland.
It is now a stand-out in Mitsubishi showrooms and shows how an old-school brand – some people use the disparaging “legacy” label – can still do things well.
Pricing for the ASX begins at $37,740 and that brings a baby three-cylinder turbo engine, like so many starting-price cars now including Mercedes-Benz, with a double-clutch gearbox and front-wheel drive.
It’s predictable stuff, but the finishing makes the difference.
Parked alongside the superseded model, as I was during a Saturday shopping expedition, the newcomer looks a little smoother, a little nice, and slightly better on the final finishing.
The real difference is inside. Even with some cheap hard plastic surfaces, Mitsubishi has put some personality into the cabin with comfy seats and logical controls with buttons instead of relying only on the touch screen.
The ASX can seem a bit dowdy at first, but switch to the Sport model for the seven-speed auto and it kicks up a gear with strong acceleration and good engine braking into corners. It’s not a sports car by any stretch but drives far nicer than other recent runners through the @60 test program. Fuel economy is fine at close to 6 litres/100km.
There is a question mark and it will be a big one for some people. The ASX only gets a 4-Star ANCAP safety rating, which is now considered a failure by the safety czars in Canberra.
Still, a 4-Star car provides all the passenger protection you need without a bunch of the niggling nanny extras which contribute massively to the ‘binging and bonging’ complaints by a lot of new-car buyers. The ASX can be a bit over-helpful with its lane-keeping assistance, but otherwise it just does the job.
And that’s the thing, it does a good job for a good price. And it promises to go and go, with solid resale and plenty of warranty protection.
It’s not the best thing on the road in 2026 but it’s definitely a car to recommend to friends.
Price: from $37,740
Engine: 1.3-litre four cylinder turbo, 113kW/270Nm
Gearbox: 7-speed dual-clutch auto, front-wheel drive
Safety: 4-star ANCAP
The tick: A surprising but definite yes.