I LIKE many have envied the higher and more commanding driving position of rugged 4x4s but have fought shy of running-up the monumental fuel and tax bills many of them incur.
But there is an answer and it is called the crossover vehicle and this market slot is expanding rapidly.
And the contenders seem to be getting more varied and interesting as the months roll by.
The ball was kicked off by the Nissan Qashqai which really made an impression with its mix of hatchback and 4x4 qualities and now Mitsubishi has replied with its new ASX which bridges that gap between its own all-wheel-drive vehicles and family cars.
And the good news is that with the ASX you have a high-driving position and bags of practicality with once big difference – the range is largely two-wheel drive and the 1.8 diesel I drove averaged an astonishing near 60mpg.
The ASX is based on the same platform as the Mitsubishi Outlander 4x4 and looks for all the world like a real mud-plugger, but it is as eco-friendly as a hatchback.
It is possible to order a diesel 4x4 version but the appeal of this vehicle is that it ticks the boxes for those who like the 4x4 shape without the bills.
This car was powered by a new 1.8-litre DiD engine features variable valve timing for the first time on a production diesel engine.
The result is the performance and output of a larger capacity engine, but with class-leading economy and emissions more in line with Mitsubishi’s green goals.
Helping the ASX achieve its impressive economy and emissions figures is the standard fitment across the entire ASX range of Auto Stop & Go. This engine-stopping technology combines with an on demand electric power steering system, low rolling resistance tyres, regenerative brakes and intelligent power management to allow the ASX to return its impressive consumption figures.
The ASX isn’t just environmentally aware, it’s a safe choice too. It incorporates Mitsubishi's latest safety technology as a well as ABS anti-lock braking, active stability control, traction control, electronic brake distribution, brake assist an emergency stop signal system and seven airbags as standard.
It looks good too with features like the bold jet fighter style grille to add a hint of the old Mitsubishi macho magic. On the road it packs a lot of punch which is just what you expect from this manufacturer.
At £18,729 the 1.8 diesel ASX is well positioned to carve a healthy slice of this new sector majoring on economy, driving satisfaction and a high specification.
Standard equipment includes air conditioning, reversing sensors, a CD/MP3 player with aux-in audio jack, electrically controlled and folding door mirrors and 16-inch alloy wheels.
The idea of providing a two-wheel-drive 4x4 lookalike has been tried before – Matra-Simca did it with the Rancho in the 1970s – but the time for such a design is now when economy and eco-friendliness have to play such a big part in our everyday driving.
FAST FACTS
Mitsubishi ASX3 1.8 diesel 2WD
Price: £18,729
Mechanical: 148bhp, 1,798cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving front wheels via 6-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 124mph
0-62mph: 9.7 seconds
Combined mpg: 51.4
Insurance group: 19
CO2 emissions: 145g/km
BIK rating: 21%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles