Out on A limb?

The car first appeared on sale in Japan badged as the Airtrek, but Mitsubishi admitted the machine was too bland for European tastes. So it was given a bold new grille with a large chrome diamond badge, a look which is set to become the new family face of the company.

Inside, the usually drab interior of Japanese models has been improved with silver dials and chrome, which blends in well with the dashboard's swathe of black lacquered trim. In the rear, passengers enjoy an adequate amount of legroom, while adjustable seatbacks mean you can easily swap between a reclined position for comfort or a vertical setting to give a squared luggage space. And - should the need arise - the 402-litre boot can be expanded to 1,049 litres with the seats folded nearly flat.

Disappointingly, the steering wheel only features rake adjustment, but the ability to alter the seat height means that most drivers should be able to get comfortable. The high-up driving position gives great visibility, too, unlike some low-riding rivals.

Our test model featured a 159bhp, 2.4-litre petrol engine - the only variant Mitsubishi currently plans to offer in the UK. It cruises quietly on the motorway with a relaxed 3,000rpm at 70mph, but when pushed harder the powerplant sounds coarse and unrefined. It would be tough going to match the claimed 0-60mph time of 9.9 seconds and the 127mph top speed.

The five-speed manual on our test car acquitted itself well, but we're told UK models will come with a four-speed sequential auto. A choppy ride marred the driving experience - something Mitsubishi promises will be rectified - but the permanent four-wheel-drive set-up gives suitable levels of grip.