ANOTHER week... another new small crossover SUV arrives. This time it’s the turn of Mitsubishi which has unveiled a refresh of its popular ASX. Since it went on sale three years ago the ASX has won a loyal following. The mid-life refresh aims to keep the car relevant in the face of a forthcoming new Nissan Qashqai  and a revamped Skoda Yeti.
With a wheelbase to match the Outlander, passenger space is generous, with the flexible seating inside giving the ASX real versatility for customers looking for a practical, enjoyable family car. The addition of a stunning panoramic glass roof, complete with sophisticated mood lighting and electric seat controls on the ASX4, will enable front passengers to recline and gaze skywards.
So is it a hit or a miss?

IS THERE A DIESEL? The ASX has the choice of three Euro V compliant engines: A 1.6 petrol with 115bhp and a 1.8 Di-D low-CO2 turbo-diesel with 114bhp. A five-speed manual is fitted on the 1.6 and a six-speed manual comes with the 1.8 Di-D. An automatic version of ASX is also available – with the 2.2 4N14 16V DOHC engine found in new Outlander.
SO IT’S CHEAP TO RUN? Sort of. It’s a shame the 2.2 diesel engine isn’t a bit cleaner. A road tax bill of £175 is a bit steep these days. In fact, even the 1.6 petrol does better (£120). The frugal 1.6 petrol engine offers fuel economy of 47.1mpg,  55.4mpg for the 1.8 diesel engine and the 2.2 engine achieves 48.7mpg, based on the official combined cycle.
IS THERE ANYTHING NEW IN THE RANGE? Sick of changing gears yourself? Then you’ll be glad of the new automatic option available on the ASX 4 with the 2.2 diesel engine.
WHAT ABOUT THE EQUIPMENT TALLY? Every model has alloy wheels, air conditioning, electric windows and keyless entry. Other desirable features such as Bluetooth, leather upholstery, satellite navigation, seat heaters and a reversing camera are available. The ASX 3 moves the game on. It adds 17-inch alloys, climate control, push-start button, parking sensors, privacy glass, front fog lamps, cruise control and features six speakers. KOS (Keyless Operation System) features and the car also benefits from auto light and rain sensors. Heated front seats and a leather steering wheel add touches of luxury. Leather upholstery is an option too. The ASX 4 is the most accomplished ASX of the lot, packed with creature comforts and bristling with clever technology. On top of an already strong list of standard equipment, the ASX 4 adds a reversing camera, leather upholstery, Kenwood integrated Satellite Navigation and CD/radio with MP3 compatibility. It come with 4WD – and new for 2014, automatic transmission. A major new feature is the ASX 4’s panoramic glass roof. By day the glass roof creates a fresh, open-air feel throughout the interior; and by night, with its LED mood lighting, it sets the tone for endless evening drive possibilities.
Why’s it’s great:
Good-looking, practical family accommodation.

Why it ain’t:
New rivals are incoming and the 2.2 diesel’s a bit disappointing.

VERDICT:
The ASX is an impressive refresh that polishes the few rough edges off what was already a very accomplished small SUV. It’s also cheaper than the outgoing model.

SPEC:
Mitsubishi ASX 2:
1.8 TDI
Power:  114 bhp
Torque: 221 lb/ft
Top speed: 117 mph
0-62 mph: 10.2 seconds