New Mitsubishi ASX a stunner;
4th Auto Review listup is on
MITSUBISHI Motors Philippines, the country’s second largest car company, has another potential winner in the new ASX or Active Sports Crossover. The ASX was introduced in last month’s 3rd Philippine International Auto Show. According to MMPC executive vice president Taizo Furuhashi, the Philippines is the first country in Southeast Asia to launch Mitsubishi’s newest SUV.
The ASX completes Mitsubishi’s line-up of SUVs from the large Pajero to the midsize Montero Sport and the compact Outlander. Considered smaller and sportier sibling of the popular SUVs, the all new ASX compact crossover is another global car which was first introduced in Japan in February 2010.
There have been many concept cars and the ASX is an example of a successful concept car turned into a full-fledged production car after the concept version, the Concept-cX became a hit at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The ASX is a stunner. Its F-2 jetfighter stance or grille is also used in nearly all Mitsubishi on-road vehicles in Europe like the Colt, Lancer and Outlander. At first sight, the ASX can be mistaken for a Lancer but its taller frame, strong exterior lines and hatch features give it a character of its own.
Prior to the formal launch, we had a chance to test drive the ASX at Clark in Pampanga. It is definitely a fusion of the Lancer EX and the Outlander for that unique crossover build-up.
The first challenge was an Amazing Race style contest around Clark. Teamed up in groups of three, participants set off from Fontana Leisure Park in search of different locations to match a series of photos given to us. The real challenge was for all teams to travel through all of the locations on board the ASX in the shortest distance possible, as stated by the odometer reading. Over the route, we got to experience the riding comfort of the ASX. The ride was very car-like and its compact size is just right especially when you imagine driving it in Metro Manila.
Then we had a chance to rev up the ASX on the new Clark International Speedway on an entirely different mode. It was an economy run with a twist.
We were given six laps each on a special course but with a time limit of 12 minutes which meant we could not afford to go too slow or too fast on the circuit.
The ASX felt very stable even if we had to go on the corners quite fast to be within the qualifying time. The engine responded quickly whenever we passed the long straights.
The teams used the two variants of the ASX- one with a manual transmission GLX and the other with an INVECS-III equipped ASX GLS SE. The team that drove the smoothest lap with the best fuel economy under 12 minutes won.
The last challenge was a gymkhana on a tight course on the extended main straight of the speedway. The turns of the gymkhana were meant to showcase maneuverability of the ASX‘s new steering system, which is now an electronic power steering system replacing the older hydraulic pump. It was a test to find out how easy it was to maneuver the ASX on sharp corners and tight parking space. It also showed how flexible the SUVs cargo capability could be. We also had the option to use the ASX’s paddle shifters, a unique feature in this class.
MMPC president Masahiko Ueki recalled that when they introduced the Montero Sport two years ago, it created a lot of traffic on their showrooms producing significant sales for their brand. He feels confident that the ASX will also catch the fancy of discerning motorists.
It was quite an experience taking the Daraitan Trail in Tanay, Rizal on a bike last Saturday. The event was a Concept One anniversary adventure ride on a portion of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges hosted by Sam Liuson, president of Concept One, and organized by Jeff Reyes of Philippine Star and Ariel de Jesus of Motor Image. The destination was a picturesque farm and 4x4 off-road training school of Landcraft Philippines owned and managed by another good friend Beeboy Bargas also of Top Gear Magazine.
I have been to the place many times during my off-roading days but this was only my second time to join a bike trail. The entry point to the Daraitan trail is a 60-kilometer drive from Ortigas Avenue in Quezon City via Antipolo and Baras.
After parking our vehicles in front of the Bargas’ residence along the highway, we mounted our bikes for the long and very challenging 16-km ride to the off-road camp. As in mountain trekking, the downhill sections of the ride were relatively easy but the steep climbs are lung-busting. Mountain biking, I found out, is much tougher than I thought. It requires a lot of stamina and you have to be always on the watch out for those loose gravel and protruding rocks.
But the thrill is on how you get to conquer the tough terrain and your own fear.
The rewards are quite simple yet satisfying- good company of colleagues and friends in the motoring industry; great views of the jungle while getting a good amount of sweat; sumptuous breakfast of banana leaf-wrapped rice complete with salted eggs, fresh tomatoes, fried bangus and grilled pork. Then the dip in the cold and cascading waters of Daraitan River. Lunch included sinigang na baboy, grilled tilapia and chicken, laing and green mango and bagoong.
Motoring and running aficionados can now register for the 4th Auto REVIEW Run for Road Safety & Courtesy set for 5 a.m. September 25 at The Fort in Taguig City Runners may list up at event’s Secretariat at No. 5 Agusan St., Sta. Mesa Heights, Quezon City, ROX and Runnr at the Fort and Tobys outlets at SM North-The Block in Quezon City and Park Square, Makati, Mizuno at 650 Club C-5 Libis, QC, Mizuno Festival Mall and Photo Tech on Ground Flr Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City for the 3K, 5K and 10K runs in both men’s and women’s divisions. Runners may also register online at www.autoreviewtv.net.
This year’s theme is "Run Fit, Drive Fit," underscoring the direct relationship between good health and good driving. Those who live healthy, active lives are often the most alert, aware drivers with fast reflexes. They are the motorists who are less prone to accidents and quick to adapt to the rigors and conditions of local driving.
The event supports the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. The global body on March 2, 2010 took its historic decision to address the road safety crisis over the next ten years. The members of the UN Road Safety Collaboration will seek to save lives by halting the increasing trends in road traffic deaths and injuries world-wide.
Sponsored by Goodyear, Powerade, Accel, Mitsubishi, Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., Isuzu, Great Wall Motors, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Chevrolet, Mini, Manila North Tollways Corporation, Acer, Bosch, One-Tagaytay Place, 7-Eleven and Tapa King, the race hopes to fund the production of road safety plugs and features and staging road safety events n some school campuses.
AGC , makers of quality flat glass products, is providing the handsome trophies for the top ten winners in all three categories. Media partners include the Philippine Star, Business Mirror, Manila Times, Malaya Business Insight, Takbo.ph, NBN4, RunnerSpeak, Frontrunner, Design Hub and Total Fitness.
For inquiries, contact 742-0283, 742-3091 and 09088633114 or email autoreview10krun@gmail.com.