A FEW short years ago none of us had even heard of a crossover - now you can hardly pull off your driveway without seeing one.

It's doubtful, though, that even the folks at Nissan knew just how successful these hatchback-SUV mash-ups would be when they unleashed the Qashqai on an unsuspecting market.

Largely acknowledged as the trailblazer in the sector, the runaway success of the 'Qash-cow' has set the standards that all other crossovers must emulate.

There's no shortage of car makers willing to try, either, as any marque worth its salt has launched its own rival.

Fellow Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi's offering is the ASX, which hit the road in 2012 looking to capitalise on the company's acknowledged expertise in the large SUV and 4x4 market with models such as the mighty Shogun and the Outlander.

Already boasting a fair dollop of the Outlander's DNA, having been based on the same platform, the new-for-2014 2.2-litre diesel ASX is even more closely related to its bigger sibling.

That's because the 147bhp power pack and the paired six-speed automatic transmission are lifted straight out of the seven-seater SUV.

The combination offers some extra grunt and versatility to a range which had previously made do with just 1.6-litre petrol and 1.8-litre diesel manuals.

Although the engine does clatter a little under acceleration, once warmed up it is fairly refined and offers plenty of pull throughout the rev range while the transmission is smooth and adaptable, making progress untroubled either in traffic or on the open road.

While engine noise is not too intrusive, a fair bit of road noise does make its way up from the wheels and there is some wind noise at motorway speeds.

The suspension is supple and set up for comfort which is well-reflected in the ride. This does result in a little body roll in corners but with stability and traction control and ABS brakes with brake assist on board as standard the ASX never feels anything less than assured on the road.

This range-topper also benefits from Mitsubishi's electronic all-wheel drive system with three traction modes, toggled between via a simple button beneath the gear lever.

Two-wheel drive is the default setting and delivers power just to the front wheels for nimble driving and maximum fuel economy. In four-wheel drive, torque is transferred between front and rear wheels depending upon the prevailing conditions and four-wheel drive lock splits power evenly between front and rear for better traction on more difficult surfaces.

There's plenty of other top-end kit here including a Kenwood integrated sat nav and stereo with touchscreen controls, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, climate control, push-button start, reversing camera and parking sensors, privacy glass, front fog lamps, 17-inch alloys, cruise control, heated front seats and leather upholstery.

The typically raised SUV-style driving position offers a commanding view of the road for the driver who, with an electronically adjustable seat, should have no trouble finding a comfortable position.

The panoramic glass roof, new for 2014 with ASX 4 models, lets light flood in and accentuate the impressive space in the cabin.

There's plenty of room for five adults and those in the back won't be cramped for head or leg room unless they're the type of folks who live at the top of beanstalks.

There are plenty of convenient storage cubbies and cup and bottle holders and the boot, at 416 litres, should handle most family needs. The 60/40 split rear seats fold down for extra load space if needed and there's a ‘ski-hatch' to carry longer items as well as some concealed storage under the floor.

There are still some hard, scratchy plastics about for a flagship version but everything is well screwed together and should withstand the rigours of day-to-day family use and abuse.