Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Mistubishi’s Popular ASX Range Gets Two New Siblings

By H&H Admin

Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA) is making its range of sought-after vehicles accessible to a wider customer base with the introduction of a new ES specification level for the popular ASX. Slotting in below the two existing models, and badged as LS variants, there are now two new ES derivatives in either manual or continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The ASX ES models cater to customers who put a premium on value for money but demand a proven crossover SUV with the best possible combination of attractive design, advanced technology, spaciousness, fuel economy and competitive pricing.

“The ASX was first introduced in South Africa in 2011 and since its launch, over 9300 units have been sold in South Africa, making it the most successful model for the brand in the last decade. The ASX has also opened the Mitsubishi brand to younger families seeking access to the legendary Mitsubishi way of life. The addition of the two ES models with revised specification levels now places this lifestyle within reach of buyers for whom affordability is a greater consideration,” explains Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at MMSA.

Apart from featuring the same powertrain combinations as the LS models, the ES additions boast the same striking exterior styling, spacious interior, upgraded seats and advanced mechanics.  These include

Exterior
  • Key exterior features include:
  • LED headlights
  • LED daytime running lights (DRL), 
  • LED fog lamps
  • electrically adjustable foldaway mirrors
  • LED brake lights, 
  • LED taillights, 
  • LED reverse lights 
  • Rear spoiler with a high-mounted stop lamp
Interior
  • Electric windows all round
  • Fabric upholstery
  • Manual air-conditioning. 
  • Radio/CD player
  • Touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay (Android Auto is available as an option). 
  • USB and accessory sockets 
  • Bluetooth connectivity with hands-free voice control
  • Cruise control
Performance

The new ES models use the same engine as their LS siblings, being Mitsubishi’s 2.0L MIVEC aluminium powerplant, which offers 110 kW at 6 000 r/min and peak torque of 197 Nm at 4 200 r/min.

As with the LS specification level, the ES is available with a five-speed manual transmission or CVT.

The ASX boasts a towing capacity of 1 260 kg (braked) for the manual transmission and 750 kg for the CVT (unbraked), making it a great getaway partner for families who seek adventure outside of the city.

Safety

As with all Mitsubishi products, safety features abound in ASX ES models. 

These include hill start assist (HSA) and active stability and traction control (ASTC), as well as anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist (BAS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).

Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body construction, which provides superior all-direction collision safety design, is supplemented by side impact protection beams, a collapsible steering column, brake pedal recession protection and whiplash injury reduction seats to ensure optimal occupant safety. 

Driver, passenger and knee airbags as well as ISOFIX child seat anchor points are also standard as part of the package.

ASX ES models also boast rear park distance control and a keyless operating system with a unique smart key that works within a 70 cm radius from the vehicle for easy locking and unlocking. 

Once inside, the driver can start the engine with the simple touch of a button.

Warranty and service

The ASX range is covered by Mitsubishi’s three-year/100 000 km manufacturer warranty, a three-year /60 000 km service plan and three-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at 15 000 km or once a year.

“The ASX has proven itself to be a youthful, urbanised crossover SUV for those who appreciate quality, capability, practicality and versatility in a vehicle. With the introduction of the ES models, more South Africans will now be able to benefit from Mitsubishi’s impressive SUV heritage and unrivalled reputation, while enjoying enhanced affordability and value for money,” concluded Allison.

Pricing
 
ASX 2.0 ES ManualR 369 995
ASX 2.0 ES CVTR 389 995
ASX 2.0 LS ManualR 419 995
ASX 2.0 LS CVTR 439 995

How To Help Your Aging Parents Drive For Longer

By H&H Admin

For senior citizens, being able to drive represents freedom but as we get older our abilities to drive change as well.  

Senior citizens are at risk of declining cognitive and motor skills, and should you notice that your parents’ car has an increasing number of scratches and dents, you may have something to worry about.  As an adult child, how can you set your mind at ease about your aging parent’s ability to drive?  

Here are a few ways you can assess their driving skills.

Ride Along For An Informal Driving Assessment

A non-intrusive and polite way to check out your parents’ driving abilities is by taking a drive with them. Just get into the car and observe how they get about.  

Look out for the use of seatbelts, indicators and observe if they check their side mirrors before changing lanes.  Also, note their speed and attitude behind the wheel.  Are they confident, nervous, or aggressive?  Do they notice and adhere to the rules of the road? Similarly important, do they seem to struggle with their eyesight or is their vision seemingly alright?

Keep Fit

Encourage your aging parents to stay as physically active as possible.  Exercise improves strength and flexibility which translates to a better and safer driver.  Driving is a physical activity and exercise makes it easier to look over one’s shoulder to check blind spots, turn the steering wheel, park and reverse.

Exercises such as walking and stretching all work together to improve mobility.

Install Vehicle Safety Devices

There are a number of inexpensive devices adults can install into their aging parents’ vehicles for added peace of mind.  These include larger-than-standard side mirrors to help eliminate blind spots, larger rear-view mirrors, front and rear park sensors, or booster seats to help shorter drivers see better. 

Stick To Regular Vision and Hearing Tests

Some senses decline with age such as vision and hearing, both of which are necessary for safe driving.   Remind senior drivers to keep their headlights, windscreens and mirrors clean and to turn up the brightness on the instrument panel. Common age-related vision impairments such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts can have long-term devastating implications if not identified as early as possible.   

Should an elderly driver show signs of hearing loss, a good hearing aid may help the situation. However, remind senior drivers to be aware when opening the windows when driving as the draft impair a hearing aid’s effectiveness. 

Encourage your aging parents to stick to their health care tests and examinations, even if they feel fine at the time. 

Manage Medication

Be aware of the medication your parents are taking and ensure that you and them understand how these can affect their ability to drive as some pain killers may cause drowsiness. 

Prescription marijuana can also have adverse effects on an elderly person’s ability to drive.  If your aging parent needs to be mobile while on medication, consult their health care provider and discuss alternatives.

Drive At Certain Times Of The Day

Elderly drives can improve their safety by driving only when there is good weather, on quiet roads, during daylight hours, in off-peak traffic times and in familiar places.  

Asides from road and weather conditions, adult children should remind their parents not to drive when they are upset, angry, or tired.

Accept Your Limits

As difficult as it may be for your parents to accept that they are indeed aging and that their bodies are changing, it is important that you do your best to help them understand and accept their mental and physical limitations.  

For example, arthritis can make holding the steering wheel or changing gears difficult.  In such instances, opting for a vehicle with an automatic transmission may be the answer but a visit to an occupational therapist should also be considered. 

It may be difficult to have a conversation with your parents about their declining driving abilities, but it is essential for their safety and that of other road users as well as your own peace of mind.