So after a long trading grind, I finally got my ASP and thought I would share my thoughts, there is no science behind this, it's just my feelings - but it may help anyone thinking of going that way
Aesthetics
The ASP will not win any beauty awards, the blurb states that it's the civilian version of a military craft, and it shows, in many ways it reminds me of a military Land Rover or the like, that said with the new paint jobs available it does have a mean brooding look.
Internally there is nothing much to speak of in the cockpit (no interesting glowing panels or anything), but this is really because, like other Lakons, it's mainly glass, giving amazing views of what's around you, really amazing views.
Flight Performance
In a straight line, I'd put the ASP behind the Cobra for basic speed, but in a fight the ASP feels well ahead in terms of manoeuvrability, in fact after only a few days of using it, Vipers seem to be the only craft I struggle to keep in front of me, and then it's just a case of moving away a bit.
Weapons
The ASP has two medium and four small hard points, I have 2 x sml beams, 2 x small multi-cannons, and 2 x medium multi-cannons, all gimbled. The hard points are nicely forwards and close together, so there doesn't seem to be the issue that the Cobra has where you need to tilt the ship slightly up if your target is above you.
The six weapon layout is a real blast, anything smaller than a Cobra is usually dead before my kill scanner finishes, and I've even been in the interesting situation of Pythons trying to run away. I actually look forward to being interdicted, just for the sudden panic that comes across the comms when they are taken down to 20% in a single sweep .
From a utility point perspective, with four points I can have a top and bottom point defences, chaff launcher and kill scanner.
Compartments
The ASP has loads of internal space, a size 6 compartment means you can have 64 tons of cargo and only use one compartment, if you wanted however you can have 96 tons of cargo space without needing to touch the shields.
I've gone for BDS, detailed surface scanner, fuel scoop, shield cell, docking computer (yes I know ), and still have 64 tons of cargo space.
Travel
Out of the box, the ASP has a 13ly jump range, my fully loaded version (with full cargo) is still over 11ly, and I haven't upgraded the FSD, from what I've read a grade A FSD will put it in the mid 20's.
Running Costs
Being a bigger ship it uses more fuel, I'd guess 20% to 30% more than the Cobra, but with a fuel scoop it really isn't an issue. Obviously, if you use kinetic weapons you'll be spending more on ammo as well.
However, it's the upgrades that are the stinger, most of the components are class 4 or 5 and they cost , to give a simple example military grade composite armour will set you back a cool 5 million credits (500k ish on the cobra) .
Conclusions
Like I said there is no science to this, it's just my feelings, but so far I've got to say I'm loving the ASP. In a fight it feels really competent, if I want to trade I can still turn a decent profit, a bit of exploration - no problem, decent jump distance and a 32 ton fuel tank means you should never get stuck if you can't fuel scoop.
Overall this really does feel like the perfect multi-purpose ship, yes it's expensive to buy and upgrade, but for me it really feels like it has opened up Elite to endless possibilities.