MITSUBISHI might have been a late entrant into the crossover market but given the firm's heritage for producing consummate and highly capable 4x4 vehicles it would seem like a natural step.
The ASX is a good looking car that has something of a premium air to it - to the point where it could almost pass as one of Audi's ever-growing family of vehicles.
It might have stuck fairly closely to the traditional SUV boxy blueprint but it also manages to be modern and stylish.
It's suitably compact but in many ways perfectly proportioned and when you step in it feels a lot bigger than it looks from the outside.
The driving position is suitably elevated and the cabin is impressively roomy given its relatively compact dimensions.
It compares more than favourably with family hatchbacks and small estates and has a decent-sized boot too (416 litres).
The instrumentation and switchgear still have that traditional Mitsubishi rugged country set kind of feel, which is perfectly acceptable, though at times feels a little bit dated.
Exchange rate issues posed a problem when the ASX was launched in 2010 but since then the situation has stabilised and a refreshed ASX for 2014, which boasts an enhanced suspension designed to offer a smoother rise and a new interior, has also seen a price reduction.
One of the enhancements is the addition of a 2.2-litre diesel engine to the range. It's certainly a more refined and capable unit than the alternative 1.8-litre offering.
It comes mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox and is the most powerful engine in the range.
The ASX is a nice agile car to drive too, its stiff and solid structure ensuring it feels sure-footed on the road. Those compact dimensions help ensure it has none of those less desirable traditional SUV character traits that can manifest themselves with a little too much roll and a general feeling you are in a car that's very big and bulky.
The elevated driving position offers a commanding and clear view of the road and that more traditional styling also means visibility is good all round.
It's comfortable and rides nicely with a decent and supple suspension set-up.
Another big advantage is that you can switch between two-wheel or four-wheel-drive.
The ASX comes in 2, 3 and 4 trim, though the 2.2 is only offered in 4 trim. Standard equipment includes a panoramic glass roof, climate control, leather upholstery, keyless entry and start, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, alloy wheels, auto lights and wipers.
Overall the ASX is a capable all-rounder that is likely to offer customer satisfaction a-plenty and the 2014 version should broaden its appeal even further.
£23,899
147bhp, 2,268cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6-speed automatic gearbox
118mph
10.8 seconds
48.7
19
153g/km
26%
3yrs/unlimited miles