OK, I've been flying an Asp for a couple of weeks now.
Without down-grading the shield setup, I have 92t cargo space. Basically, the class 3 and class 2 slots can take cargo racks, 8t for the class 3 slots and 4t for the class 2. I have not replaced the BDS as I am getting some decent money from exploring in the core systems - wherever I have to use a waypoint on my way to a trade system.
I have finally got enough weapons for a good defence
2 gimballed beams in the medium hardpoints - primary fire
2 gimballed pulse in the small hardpoints - secondary fire
2 fixed multi-cannons in the other smalls - secondary fire
Also have 2 shield reinforcements in utility mounts and a point-defence system. I have hardened alloy hull, as I could not afford the Military Composite (5M+) and the mirrored or the other one were over 14M

, so way out of my league!
If you want to explore outside the core sytems, you will need a different setup and a fuel scoop is only needed if you are going places without any stations. Fuel is available even on platforms where there is no commodities market (afaik).
That is another advantage, apart from a Type 6, the Asp is the largest ship that can land on a platform.
For combat, use thrusters as well as moving the nose to get your enemy where you want him. Gimballed weps are useful for ripping thru shields, but fixed are always more powerful but much harder to aim and hit.
The Asp is expensive to kit out with all A modules costing over 5M. but with my C FSD and power plant I can do just under 15ly fully laden.
Jon Jaymes
PS just waiting for the Courier to come with 1.3m, but will need more money before I can buy one (no prices yet, but I'm sure it will cost more than an Asp
PPS current insurance cost c477,000