Is it an SUV? Is it a hatch? ... it's a Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi's strong-selling ASX has just revealed a sharp new look.

The addition of decals, some bright-red collars around the fog lights, and a black finish on the front spoiler, suddenly have the ASX looking almost like a new model.

Which is quite an achievement for a car that, in some ways, is among the least evolved on the Australian market.

The ASX is a tricky vehicle to categorise. The name gives a clue: Active Sport Crossover (ASX). But it's not sporty - and not all that active, either.

It's not quite an SUV, despite its elevated driving position and being fairly industrial in its styling. But it's not really a hatch, either.

It was initially launched way back in 2010 to give devoted Mitsubishi followers a choice between the larger Outlander and smaller models such as the Lancer. Then came a facelift a few years ago until a 2024 refresh gave the ASX its new identity. Roll out the decals.

It's fair to say the 'street' treatment has done its thing and will warm the hearts of those entry-level buyers who want freshness, some decent kit and, most of all - a strong safety package in a car that is eminently affordable.

Mitsubishi's CEO Shaun Westcott described the ASX is a role player for the brand, a Cinderella of sorts.

"The ASX continues to be a mainstay for Mitsubishi," Westcott said.

Of course, the racing stripes were not the only addition to have added a more modern, athletic silhouette for this practical, sensible little machine.

"Now with the ASX EX Street accessory pack, we can offer another distinctive ASX flavour to our customers," Westcott said.

The package includes: a large front spoiler finished in black, front and rear skid plates, tailgate protector, exterior door-handle covers in black, door scuff plates in stainless steel, aluminium gear shifter and the 'street' tailgate and side decal package.

So there it is, as striped up as any four-cylinder cross-over ever needs to be.

The car's familiar appearance looks like it's spent quite some time providing reliable, safe and practical family motoring, and that's no bad thing.

It seems to have found itself in the middle of the Mitsubishi line up - beneath the fancy machines like the impressive Outlander SUV, or the brawny new Triton.

Some of the features are time proven, but others just aren't all that new. The stainless gear shifter is a throwback from the 2000s. The rain-sensing wipers and auto headlights, as well as the old traditional-style handbrake, are hardly new tech. And the door handles have that decade-old appearance.

Tested here is the second-from-base model, the ES, which utilises the four-cylinder, two-litre engine, as well as a constantly variable transmission offering an uninspiring 110kw and 197Nm.

There's a modest touch-screen at the top of the centre stack. It shows speed, in a rudimentary sort of way. But no head-up display, nor even a digital readout of speed, is offered.

The ASX is offered in six trim levels, each more than a couple of thousand dollars apart, starting with the entry level GS manual (two-litre petrol engine, five-speed manual transmission). Prices start at a tasty $24,490 up to the flagship Exceed at $35,240. The naming conventions are one-size-fits-all across the SUV range.

Buyers are offered the choice of manual gears (only on the cheapest variant) or the smooth CVT transmission. Engines vary from the introductory two-litre, four-cylinder mill (110kW, 197Nm) and the heftier 2.4-litre, four-cylinder exclusive to the GSR and Exceed models, providing a more responsive 123kW and 222Nm. The larger engine is borrowed from the likes of the new Outlander. It's a lovely engine all round, a compliment for which the two-litre version falls just short.

With it's rather cautious four-cylinder engine, its smooth but patient progress, and now the decals on the doors, it's possible to pretend quick movement, even if that's not the case.

That's not to be overly critical of the little Mitsubishi which at $25,000 is one of the most affordable such models on the road.

It's somewhat surprising that the ASX continues to do so well, with the fancier, sleeker Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross joining the mid range a few years back.

But still, the ASX prevails.

Amazing, really, but that's what value mixed with generous warranty and servicing provisions can do.

MITSUBISHI ASX ES STREET EDITION

* HOW BIG: It's thoughtfully designed so the ASX can make the most of the available space. It's also sensibly penned to carry a decent load in that rear hatch.

* HOW FAST: Not very, but those who want more performance can choose the GSR model with 2.4-litres and 123kW beneath the bonnet.

* HOW THIRSTY? The cheaper models sip 7.6/100km, which isn't particularly great. The bigger 2.4L engine is slightly thirstier but also much superior to drive.

* HOW MUCH: The GS manual base model can be had for $24,490 which is pretty cheap for a new car, with stickers.