New face of Mitsubishi challenges the SUV establishment

The off roader-cum-hatchback cross-over shares the same aggressive grille design that was first seen on the Lancer saloon and has since been added to the diminutive Colt hatchback with questionable visual benefits.

Mitsubishi attests to the design virtues of the slightly truncated front end by referring to it as the jet fighter grille but I've never seen a plane with a prominent front-mounted radiator.

ASX adds aggression to usually tame SUVs

The square-set ASX's grille still sits on its face like a nose thats slightly too prominent, but it does sit much more favourably than it does on the compact Colt, adding a dose of aggression to a market sector dominated by the ever-more common and conservative-looking Nissan Qashqai.

With a choice of three specification levels priced at between £14,999 and £20,549 the ASX is also aggressively priced, undercutting its Japanese rival.

As the Qashqai did back in 2007, the ASX has been launched with the aim of uniting the economy of a hatchback with the appearance and space of more rugged off-roaders.

With this in mind Mitsubishi have worked hard drive down emissions and fuel consumption.

Green technology cuts running costs

Weight has been trimmed from every possible area to create a vehicle which weighs in a full 150kg less than its main rival while a fuel saving Stop&Go system, regenerative braking and low rolling resistance tyres all feature on the standard specification.

Two engines are available from launch, a 115bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine and the new 147bhp 1.8-litre DiD unit tested here.

Boasting the first passenger vehicle application of variable valve timing in a diesel engine, it returns class-leading average fuel consumption of 51.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 145g/km in the two-wheel-drive version of the car.

The front-wheel-drive ASX3 1.8 DiD tested here promises to be the ASX ranges big seller.

Part time four-wheel-drive is available as a £500 option but the economy gains to be had in this £18,549 mid-range offering should see it comfortably win the sales race.

Impressive standard spec

Range-wide, the standard ASX specification includes alloy wheels, air conditioning, Stop&Go, keyless entry, and tilt and telescopic steering column.

The ASX3 adds climate control, push-button starting, cruise control, heated seats, privacy glass, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth connection, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, automatic headlights and windscreen wipers, and chrome exterior detailing.

It's a comprehensive package on paper and, from the outside, the ASX looks like a suitably purposeful and premium offering.

Interiors aren't Mitsubishi's strongest suit but the ASX's offering is more tactile than some, with a soft-touch textured dashboard and intuitive controls.

It lacks a dose of style and innovation, however, preferring a functional approach that wont alienate Mitsubishi clientele who might have downsized from the more rugged and utilitarian Outlander or Shogun.

Rear legroom is on a par with the best mid-sized hatchbacks out there and comes with that lofty driving position and greater headroom that lend that sense of space and big car security that people look for in an SUV.

Limited load space but spacious 'feel'

Despite my test car being the two-wheel-drive offering, I was surprised to find that the 442-litre boot did seem fairly shallow. Further inspection revealed a false floor concealed some additional space in a less useful, cubby-like, location. Either way, it trumps the Qashqai and the average family hatchback for load space by a fair margin.

And the benefits of the ASX continue to go a long way towards extolling its virtues over a hatchback.

The driving experience comes closer to a lower, more compact vehicle than its fairly lofty dimensions might suggest.

Dynamic drive...but no hatchback

More agile and flatter through corners than the Qashqai, the ASX offers comfort and largely roll-free progress during all but the most spirited driving. Its light weight clearly helps to this end, ensuring the mid-sized Mitsubishi never feels big and lumbering.

Steering feel is never going to be up there with a Golf, Focus or Astra - it can't offer the dynamic returns of a good hatchback - but the ASX offers all the other virtues most people look for in a family car.

Pick of the Mitsubishi offerings

The ASX has immediately assumed the position of cream of the crop within the Mitsubishi range. Straight out of the box it has proved to be an accomplished cross-over, offering impressive economy, comfort and space.

Last week, a company insider from Mitsubishi revealed to me that demand was already outstripping supply, and thats a fantastic feat for a brand moving into new territory.

Nissan's Qashqai has seen off numerous pretenders to the throne of top dog over the past few years but the ASX is its sternest test to date.

Mitsubishi will just be hoping that their fighter jet snout doesn't divide opinion too much...