With over 250,000 units sold around the world since its launch in 2010, the ASX has proved a key figure in the Mitsubishi line up and the manufacturer’s UK best seller.

Our long termer, the ASX 4 1.8 diesel 4X4, will be with us for the next three months and so far I have been pleasantly surprised and pleased with the overall performance.

CO2 emissions at 136g/km and a combined mpg figure of 54.3mpg, although not class-leading, is where the ASX needs to be to be competitive in the market.

Fuel economy figures in particular seem to be more on par than other models in the market and I have achieved just over 55mpg on a couple of longer journeys without any real change to driving style. On shorter journeys around town the figures drop to 35-40mpg, but given the time of year I would expect this to have an impact.

For me, it is the overall driving experience in the ASX which has left a lasting impression.

For starters the engine is quieter in comparison to other cars I have driven in this category and it gives its driver a firm but smooth ride, enjoyable on long journeys.

The ASX hugs the road round corners and with 114bhp, provides more than enough power to climb to speeds quickly with 0-60 in just over ten seconds and a top speed of 115mph.

Leather interior and heated seats all add to the overall driver comfort, other features that have impressed me include the reverse parking camera and the Sat Nav.

Our long termer also has a 2WD and 4WD drive option, which I am looking forward to testing as the winter gets into full swing.

I have one initial grumble, I cannot believe how difficult it is to know the time – which doesn’t appear in the dashboard or on the centre console screen when the Sat Nav is on.  Seems a trivial complaint, but when you’re on a long journey on a way to a meeting, I think knowing the time is quite important and having to listen to the Radio 1 breakfast show just to find out is not something I particularly enjoy.

Although my time in the ASX will be brief, the good news is that in a few months’ time I will be swapping keys for the latest revised version of the ASX that had its European Premiere at this year’s Paris Motor Show.