MITSUBISHI'S refreshed ASX SUV offers extra equipment, a new engine and a reduction in the asking price.

The compact crossover, which was originally launched in 2010, is available with two or four-wheeldrive, three engines and a choice of three well equipped trim levels badged 2, 3 and 4.

The latest model also includes additional sound insulation, the choice of an automatic gearbox, keyless entry and starting, hill start assist, improved rear suspension, an electrically-adjustable driver's seat and panoramic glass roof with LED lighting along the side.

There is also an improvement to the materials, especially the dashboard.

Lance Bradley, managing director of Mitsubishi Motors UK said: "In Japan a quality interior is one that is hard-wearing so hard plastics are used. But in Europe, people want a softer dash. The new ASX has softer plastics that are also very hardwearing."

But the top line is the price reduction which makes the ASX very competitive compared to the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and other rivals.

The ASX 2 and ASX 3 models have dropped by about nine per cent and start from £14,999 and £16,750 respectively, whereas the ASX4 has been reduced by 10 per cent and starts from £22,499 for the manual variant.

The new engine that is available in the ASX4 is the 2.2 16-valve DOHC that is used in the larger Outlander SUV.

So it was that model with automatic transmission priced at £23,899 that we tried out on a road route incorporating busy towns and winding country lanes.

The car was packed with creature comforts such as heated leather upholstery, an integrated sat nav system, CD radio with MP3 compatibility, parking sensors and reversing camera, cruise control, auto light and rain sensors and the eye-catching panoramic roof which allows light to flood into the cabin during the day and at night is illuminated by LED mood lighting.

Comfort levels are excellent and the improved rear suspension certainly helps to iron out the creases on the pothole-ridden roads.

The new automatic transmission is very smooth and the 2.2-litre diesel engine provides all the power and acceleration you could wish for.

It can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in 10.8 seconds and redlines at 118mph. According to official figures it delivers combined fuel economy of 48.7mpg and carbon emissions of 153g/km.

Road-holding is flawless even at higher speeds and the 4WD system is easily controlled via a dial and offers three settings - 2WD for normal day-to-day use, 4WD whereby 30 per cent of the torque is transferred to the rear wheels and 4WD Lock where 50 per cent of the torque goes to the back.

There is a very simplistic, yet effective feel to the ASX. It's elegant, stylish, practical, versatile and great fun to drive.

Admittedly it has some stiff opposition, not just from the Qashqai but also the Kia Sportage and Hyundai ix35, but Mitsubishi is confident the ASX will be a success, especially as the car is cheaper than the South Korean opposition for the first time.