Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi joins the compact crossover party currently dominated by the Nissan Qashqai in late June 2010 with its ASX model, in a move that will lessen the brand's traditional reliance on large 4x4s and pickup trucks and their associated weaker economy and emissions. Indeed, although the five-seater ASX will be offered in all-wheel drive, the majority of its sales are expected to be two-wheel drive - just like the Qashqai.

The exterior of the production model stays pretty faithful to the cX concept of 2007 with the now signature Mitsubishi deep gaping front grille pioneered on the Lancer Evo. The side profile also keeps the single pronounced feature line from the concept that starts from behind the front fender with a deep undercut before curving slightly upwards through both door handles and reducing in intensity. Only the back sees significant change - where the concept's deep and plunging smoked glass tailgate has been replaced with a more conventional shorter hatch with tapered taillights reminiscent of the Audi Q5.

The exciting and innovative interior of the cX - with its huge vertically oriented lozenge-shaped center infotainment screen and gear selector integrated into the front bench seats - is unfortunately nowhere to be seen. In its place on the ASX is a more conventional interior that will be familiar to drivers of existing Mitsubishi product. However, a Mitsubishi source says the quality of the materials used on the European models has been upped compared to the Japanese versions. The Geneva show models certainly feel a cut above regular Mitsubishis, from the slush-moulded IP surfacing and tactile feel hexagonal print wrapping on the interior door handles to the 'square-punched' patterned fabric on the seating.

In the metal, and especially in darker colors - unlike the first official pictures shown in light blue metallic - the car looks purposeful, distinct and a credible competitor to the Qashqai and Ford Kuga.