All in all, and even putting personal biases aside, the ASX compact crossover is one of the best things in Mitsubishi’s current Kiwi range. It’s also one of those vehicles that, you might think, would be better with a petrol engine, therefore explaining why we didn’t get a diesel version. But now a diesel has arrived and blows away the petrol-is-best theory. The 2.2 litre intercooled turbo has such good power delivery that it leaps to the head of the class. It’s a refined, relatively unobtrusive little soldier, too, and sips away on 5.8 litres per 100km overall. Driving through an INVECS-II Smart Logic six-speed automatic with Sport mode and having only 1550kg of curb weight to deal with, the diesel offers performance-car-imitating overtaking pickup on the open road so long as the run starts with revs in the 1500-2500rpm sweet zone. As icing the cake, the gearbox can be controlled by the shift lever or steering-column paddles. The powertrain can be left in automatic all-wheel-drive, locked in AWD for trickier terrain, or put in 2WD. After only a short time on sale, diesels were delivering about 30 per cent of ASX sales and Mitsubishi reckons it will climb to 50 per cent or more. That prediction is helped along by the fact that they quietly withdrew the AWD petrol! It continues in the popular 2WD format. The well equipped LS, $4000 cheaper, offers great value but the Sport adds such items as leather trim, driving lamps, upgraded headlamps, paddle shift and 17-inch alloy rims. As with all ASX models, it has generous interior space for its dimensions and good cargo carrying ability. It can tow 1400kg, braked.

Good features: A top all rounder, peppy, nicely equipped

Not so good: Too much boring plastic on dash

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