The Mitsubishi ASX Attivo.
ROADTEST FACT FILE
Car...Mitsubishi ASX
Model...Attivo Special Edition
Mpg (comb cycle)...47.9mpg
CO2...135g/km
Price...£15,499
Loaned by Westridge Mitsubishi
IT'S a family car but it’s also so much more…the Mitsubishi ASX is now a key competitor to Nissan’s successful Qashqai and looks like giving its Japanese cousin a real run for its money.
For a start, the ASX is excellent value for money and in these thrifty times that has got to be good news.
For instance, the 1.6 Attivo Special Edition, which I borrowed from Westridge Mitsubishi, comes in at £15,499 on the road, excluding £120 road fund licence.
And for a pretty sizeable compact cross-over, with room for five adults, you are getting pretty decent value for money.
But value counts for nothing unless you are happy with the vehicle and excellent performance, great fuel economy and good equipment levels mean it ticks all those boxes.
The Attivo features a 1.6 petrol engine (the only petrol unit available in the ASX range) that is ideally suited to Island driving. It accelerates strongly and has good torque for the fiddly round-town driving.
On out-of-town roads, it feels smooth and quiet and the official figures of a top speed of 113mph and 0-60 time of 11.4 seconds suggest it will not struggle on meatier mainland trips.
On any type of road, the car felt sure footed and the high-up driving position and excellent all-round visibility made for an enjoyable view of the beautiful spring IW countryside.
Fuel economy is a big selling point these days and the ASX stacks up very well in this department. 57.6mpg on a run will make your money go further and a round-town 37.7mpg is not to be sniffed at either.
Equipment includes Bluetooth on the Attivo model, as well as electric windows and mirrors, powerful CD/radio and remote central locking.
Safety features fitted as standard are anti-lock braking and Mitsubishi active stability and traction control.
The moulded, attractive look of the exterior is helped by the 16-inch alloy wheels, smart grille and swept sides.
There is plenty of room and the driving position is particularly comfortable. Boot room is excellent and the crossover styling gives good depth to accommodate luggage.
All in all, the ASX 1.6 Attivo is a great value, sporty family car, which will turn heads around the Island or wherever you go.