The Mitsubishi ASX is the Japanese manufacturer’s first attempt at beating the ever-popular Nissan Qashqai. It’s an SUV which takes up the same space as a Focus or Golf on the road, and leaves a similar sized dent in your wallet.

Standing for ‘Active Sports Crossover’, the ASX is the latest car in Mitsubishi’s push to attract more mainstream buyers, while still keeping its specialist off-road and high-performance customers.

Priced from £14,999 to £22,049 it’s competitively positioned, and being a Mitsubishi the level of equipment available is good, even with the entry-level ASX 2 trim level.

The Mitsubishi ASX is available with a 115bhp 1.6-litre petrol or 147bhp 1.8-litre DiD turbodiesel engine, the latter getting two- or four-wheel drive. Of the two, it’s the diesel engine which offers the best performance and most advanced technology.

Mitsubishi-developed diesel

It’s the world’s first diesel car fitted with variable valve timing, a technology pioneered in petrol engines. The result is a 1.8-litre motor with the power of a bigger engine. And it performs as well in the real world as it does on paper, with a quiet and smooth power delivery and willingness to rev.

In fourth gear in particular the 1.8-litre DiD ASX has a surprising turn of speed, making overtakes quick and safe. It reaches 62mph from a standstill in 9.7 seconds (10 for the 4×4) and has a top speed of 124mph.

It also manages 51.4mpg (49.6 for the four-wheel drive) and emits 145g/km of CO2 (or 150g/km). The petrol engine can achieve 47.1mpg while emitting 138g/km of CO2.

Mitsubishi has worked hard on improving economy and the ASX is fitted with stop and start technology, regenerative braking, low-consumption lights, low rolling-resistance tyres, electric power steering and uses low viscosity engine oil. And, while it might not look it, it’s also one of the most aerodynamic small SUVs on the market.

Mitsubishi Evolution X grille

Handling may not compare with the fun Skoda Yeti, but it compares closely with the Qashqai. There’s little body roll during cornering, and plenty of grip. If anything, its suspension is slightly too firm, resulting in a fidgety ride over challenging surfaces.

But the feel is definitely of an SUV which is easy and fun to drive, and this suits its jet fighter looks. The nose is by far the most radical part of its design, with a Mitsubishi Evolution-inspired grille dominating the car.

The sides and rear are more conventional, with big wheelarches giving it a squat stance. Mitsubishi claims the ASX has its best quality interior yet, and we agree this was an area the brand needed to improve. There are fewer shiny plastics than found in previous models; being replaced by soft-touch materials in the most visible parts of the cabin.

Mitsubishi ASX gallery:

Much improved interior

Only a few areas let the side down, including the difference in quality between the excellent colour information display between the instruments, and a dated orange centre console digital clock and radio display.

Overall it’s a nice place to spend time, and a fully adjustable steering wheel – a first for Mitsubishi – helps drivers’ get comfortable. Rear legroom is good and there’s a 442 litre boot, which expands to 1,193 litres with the seats folded down.

Unlike in some rivals, however, the rear bench simply splits and folds down, with fewer options for simple stowing and removing from the car altogether.

The standard Mitsubishi ASX 2 comes with an auxiliary jack, keyless entry, alloy wheels and air conditioning.

ASX 3 gets climate control, start button, cruise control, heated seats, tinted rear glass, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity, leather steering wheel, leather gear knob, auto lights, auto wipers and chrome exterior trim.

The range-topping ASX 4 adds leather upholstery and a Kenwood in-car entertainment system with iPod controls, sat-nav and a reversing camera.

Seven airbags as standard

Mitsubishi is expecting a five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating for the ASX, and its test is scheduled for the coming months. Seven airbags, ABS, ESP, traction control, hill start assist and anti-whiplash seats are fitted as standard.

The crossover market is getting busier with models including the Nissan Qashqai, Peugeot 3008, Skoda Yeti and Hyundai ix35. Perhaps spurred on by its rivals high standards, Mitsubishi has created a very good car in the ASX.

It’s not perfect, and we hope the next ASX has a more flexible interior and comfier ride. The star of the show has to be the quiet and powerful 1.8-litre DiD engine.

Key facts:

Model tested: Mitsubishi 1.8-litre DiD 2WD ASX3
On the road price: £18,549
Price range: £14,999 to £22,049
Date tested: June 2010
Road tester: Andy Goodwin