Mitsubishi ASX GLS 2.0L 2012 versus Tucson Theta II 2.0L GLS 2WD AT

**jut703** · May 2nd, 2012 02:48 PM

I don't really need 7 seats. And while I wouldn't really like a mainstream car (I already drive an Altis, you can't get much more mainstream than that), the want/need for a diesel that's fast and frugal trumps such fickleness.

I haven't really gone through the nitty-gritty of each compact SUV, since the purchase is still a few months from now, but so far I haven't really found any other alternative that's got something that's worth giving up the R-eVGT for. I've driven the Tucson R-eVGT, and it surely didn't disappoint, despite my high expectations from it. It's as smooth as your regular petrol-burner, but has got gobs of torque and a transmission that's up to the task of reining it all in.

**ghosthunter** · May 2nd, 2012 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by jut703

This is a bit out of topic, but since the discussion is about the ASX anyway, what is it with that car?

I remember a few months back, when it was new, everyone was like, "get a Lancer EX instead, that ASX is an SUV with the space of a subcompact" or "It's an SUV that isn't any more practical than a car" blah blah. I haven't really kept up with the forums over the past few months, but as I see it now, the ASX is getting the nod over the Tucson, which was, and I believe still is, one of the most recommended compact SUVs available locally.

I ask because I haven't gotten the chance to drive it, and I think it's one of the cars that was the first among the new set of crossovers (e.g. Subaru XV, Mazda CX-5) that are smaller than your typical Tucson-CRV-RAV4 set. I'm pretty traditional in the sense that I'd opt for a sedan or hatch if I didn't need the space, but I'd like to know what's in it with a "subcompact" SUV like the ASX.

The ASX is a crossover. Smaller than the compact-SUV and is somewhat between a sedan & a compact-SUV in design. Consider it as a four-door hatchback with taller suspension (and 4x4 in some models). It is more practical vehicle for the young urban dweller who wants SUV capability combined with sedan manners. It's biggest compromise in design would be the smaller cargo area, which may or may not be an issue with buyers.

**sachiel** · May 2nd, 2012 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by Prime A

That was a good review, but they did not include problems after a year just like the frustration of owners who suffer from different problems like a/c problem, brake & brake dust issue, central door lock, noise at the back...etc...

They did mention something about Tucson's interior not holding up in the long term like the fading Start/Stop button label. But they only compared it all in 1 or 2 days so I don't think they can give any feedback on long term durability and reliability. In fairness the ASX has good reviews in this test. Didn't expect it to have good driving dynamics.

**GTi** · May 2nd, 2012 08:25 PM

Originally Posted by ghosthunter

It is unfair to stereo-type ASX owners as "boy-racer types"... given that the ASX is spacious, comfy and has it's own kind of style. Plus the smooth suspension and CVT tranny.

Was illustrating a point here. ASX is more sport-oriented while the Tucson is more comfort-oriented. In much the same way some folks may prefer an Accord over a Camry.

**Starex_Gold** · May 2nd, 2012 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by sachiel

They did mention something about Tucson's interior not holding up in the long term like the fading Start/Stop button label.

Napansin ko yan sa Tucson Premium ko..

Pero yan lang naman.. Tsaka yung piano black panels, ang dali magasgasan.

Pero okay lang, sulit parin sa 1.7M. Nasa gagastos din kasi yan.

**ghosthunter** · May 2nd, 2012 09:18 PM

Originally Posted by GTi

Was illustrating a point here. ASX is more sport-oriented while the Tucson is more comfort-oriented. In much the same way some folks may prefer an Accord over a Camry.

While I do like sporty cars. I prefer the Camry over the Accord.

**GTi** · May 2nd, 2012 11:47 PM

Local top of the line Accord's a bit too bare, I should say, not exactly very up to date with the latest tech too.

*TS: Are you not considering the diesel Tucson? Price is not too far off from the gasoline Tucson. And its already got 4WD and a more powerful and more fuel efficient engine. If you want, there are even slightly used 2010 or 2011 2nd hand units.

**NeilJohn** · May 3rd, 2012 01:03 PM

TS, why are you not considering the Subaru XV?

**sachiel** · May 3rd, 2012 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by Starex_Gold

Napansin ko yan sa Tucson Premium ko..

Pero yan lang naman.. Tsaka yung piano black panels, ang dali magasgasan.

Pero okay lang, sulit parin sa 1.7M. Nasa gagastos din kasi yan.

Yup. It also depends on the user actually. No matter how durable the car is, if the driver is reckless and doesn't care about the car, masisira talaga yan. Yun first gen Xtrail prone to gasgas rin mga plastics kaya hirap i-maintain yun interior. But it still looks good for its age pa rin. Mga Fortuner class ang mas durable na plastics pero boring tignan.

**Noel Salisipan** · May 3rd, 2012 05:03 PM

Originally Posted by sachiel

Yup. It also depends on the user actually. No matter how durable the car is, if the driver is reckless and doesn't care about the car, masisira talaga yan.

In contrary, kahit gaano kaingat ang owner pag sirain talaga yung unit ay masisira at masisira rin talaga sooner or later.hehehe