MITSUBISH 4x4s sold in their thousands all over the world, and were the rugged workhorses of many countries where roads are rough or non-existent.

Such a manufacturer, with years of experience of all terrain vehicles, could therefore be expected to come up with a very good crossover to take on the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and the Suzuki Vitara.

And they did so with the ASX, that was launched in 2010 and with numerous updates and revisions, lasted 11 years until 2021.

It's an attractive and appealing vehicle with a premium, well finished air about it, and to my eye at least it looks slicker and more stylish than some of the others on the market.

It has the feel of a larger 4x4, and with Mitsubishi's history, many models were available with 2 or 4 wheel drive (4WD) unlike most of the competition, making them very good in the rough or in the worst that winter can throw at us.

For most of the model's life the petrol engine range consisted of just one model that was only available with front wheel drive, and three diesels with or without it.

So if you're looking for one and need that all wheel drive traction for towing or winter security, make sure you buy right.

As I said above, for most of its life there was just one petrol offering, a 1.6-litre with 115bhp and front wheel drive. It reaches 60 miles an hour from rest in about 11 seconds and has a government economy figure of 47miles per gallon.

Diesels start with a 1.6-litre too, which has 112bhp and gets to 60 in 10.8 seconds while being rated at 61mpg.

Then come a brace of 1.8's with either 114 or 147bhp and these were both available with 4WD. The lower powered 114 reaches 60 in 9.9 seconds and can do 54mpg at very best, while the 147 cuts the sprint down to 9.4 seconds and is rated at 51mpg.

Earlier models were also available with a 2.2-litre diesel that came with 4WD and an automatic gearbox as standard. It too has 147bhp, but the time taken to reach the benchmark 60 is longer because of the auto. It's rated at 48mpg.

For the last couple of years of production, diesels were dropped completely, and the ASX was only available with two petrol engines and front wheel drive.

There was a 1.6 with slightly more power and similar performance figures to its earlier sibling and a 2.0-litre with 147bhp and a standard CVT auto box.

From a practical point of view, theASXis nicely proportioned and feels a lot bigger than it looks from the outside.

There's good space in the rear of the roomy cabin and it stands up very well against hatchbacks and estates, with a boot that measure 442 litres.

Like other crossovers, it feels like a halfway house between a conventional car and an SUV. Comfort is excellent with a supple suspension system that takes the worst roads in its stride, but this does affect the cornering attitude, with a fair amount of roll when pressed.

But of course, this is a high riding vehicle and as such, is not meant to be slung around corners.

The range consists of 2, 3, 4 and 5 trim levels and mid-range 3 comes very well equipped, with big alloys, keyless entry, automatic climate control, DAB radio and Bluetooth, cruise control, automatic lights and wipers, xenon headlamps with washers, heated front seats, electric-folding door mirrors and a reversing camera.

Pay about £10,150 for a '19 19-reg 1.6 SE diesel 2WD, or £15,850 for a '21 21-reg 2.0-litre Exceed petrol 4WD auto.