A sophisticated crossover

SMALL SUVs and crossover vehicles are becoming big business these days and their appeal goes far deeper than purely aesthetics. They're safe, reliable and besides having 4x4 looks for around the same cost as a hatchback, they're perfectly suited to urban driving in Bahrain.

The Mitsubishi ASX is just such a car and is simply a pleasure to drive. It's compact, smooth and has just the right balance between handling and response.

On first glance the exterior looks remarkably similar the Outlander, but once you get inside, the subtle variations are abundantly clear. So, how does it look on the inside? Because the ASX is fairly high up, it offers a great view of the road ahead, making it slightly easier to avoid potholes, loose debris and any other obstructions that can be found on many of the kingdom's roads and tracks.

Although the interior finish is nothing worth bragging about, in all fairness, it's quite pleasant. The instruments are straightforward and you will definitely not be overwhelmed by an array of buttons and switches.

However, one thing that is worth bragging about is the option to switch from automatic to manual, which I'm sure will delight old school gear changing enthusiasts like me. The paddle gear shifters are located on either side of the steering wheel, making shifting easier than ever ... and for F1 fans, it gives you a preliminary understanding of what it's like to drive an F1 car - although you certainly won't break the speed of sound in this car!

Another feature I really enjoyed was the built-in communication hands-free kit, which enables the driver (or passengers) to link their Bluetooth compatible phone with the voice activated dialer to safely make a phone call while driving. In a scene vaguely reminiscent of the 1980s hit TV show Knight Rider, THE CAR asked me to say the name of my device so it could link up. I can't divulge the name I use for my phone (at the risk of shocking readers) but let's just say the salesman from the Mitsubishi showroom certainly got a laugh from hearing the car repeat it!

The ASX also boasts a fairly impressive, six-disc, nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system that is sure to keep you entertained during a drive. The speakers are fitted to the door panels, turning them into frequency-enhancing speaker cabinets. In addition, sound levels are automatically adjusted to suit the vehicle's speed, meaning the faster you go, the louder it gets.

When it comes to additional storage space, the ASX delivers again with Adjustable Seatback Return, which simply means that the rear seats can be completely lowered to create an expansive cargo space and returned upright with a single action, which will no doubt come in handy when it's time to help a friend move to their new apartment!

This vehicle has an impressive list of safety credentials including energy absorbing front bumpers, Active Stability Control, Active Traction Control, Hill Start Assist system, ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution, Brake Assist, Emergency Stop signal System, and seven airbags (dual front, front side, side curtain and driver knee-bag).

The two-litre engine is more than capable of dealing with the needs of a small family and would deal well with the dreaded morning school run and with 110kW at 6,000rpm and 197Nm at 4,200rpm, this is a crossover vehicle with a fair amount of punch to get you there.

Prices start from BD7,545. For more information on the ASX or other Mitsubishi vehicles contact Ziani Motors on 17703703.