• 2.0-litre petrol is thirsty, though no official figures yet
• Older engines, including diesels, are reasonably efficient
• Reliable and should be cheap to maintain

Mitsubishi ASX running costs are likely to be slightly disappointing for the latest model. The 2.0-litre petrol is disappointingly thirsty, and we found it averaged just over 30mpg on a mixed driving route. Official fuel economy and CO2 figures haven’t been released yet, though.

If buying used, there are more variants to consider.

The 1.6-litre DI-D diesel engine not only performs well but is also economical, with a claimed fuel consumption figure of 61.4mpg for the two-wheel-drive version and 56.5mpg for the four-wheel-drive model.

Even the 1.6-litre petrol engine is quite frugal with a claimed average of 47.9-48.7mpg, depending on the wheel and tyre size.

The 2.2-litre diesel auto matches the petrol’s fuel consumption figures at 48.7mpg.

Insurance groups are slightly lower when compared to the Nissan Qashqai with the ASX ranging from insurance group 17-25.

• Mitsubishi has a good reputation
• Feels solidly built
• Five-year warranty should cover you

Mitsubishi ASX reliability shouldn’t pose too much of a problem. The firm has an excellent reputation for building strong and reliable cars, and the ASX doesn’t feel any different.

According to the VOSA website, the ASX has been subject to three recalls. In 2014 one was issued regarding an issue with engines stalling. This affected cars built between April 2010 and June 2012, while another was regarding an issue with the brake pedal failing to release. This affected a small selection of cars built in April 2010.

The third is an issue regarding power steering failure on some models early on in the production run.