MOST parents would not entertain the notion of ferrying their little ones around in an overtly high-performance car such as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo.

But how about taking away the Janspeed exhaust system, six-pot Alcon brakes and Recaro leather bucket seats from the fire-breather and swapping the Evo’s 440 horsepower engine for something a little more economical?

Because hidden beneath the sensible, versatile bodywork of the family-friendly ASX sits the Lancer Evolution platform. Small wonder then that the ASX – or Active Sports Crossover – has the balance, poise and dynamic road-holding to give rivals like the Kia Sportage, Skoda Yeti and Nissan Qashqai a proper run for their money.

The latest model comes with a choice of three Euro 6 emission-compliant engines, a choice of two or all-wheel drive and top-of-the-class safety features, including seven airbags, which have helped the car to a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating.

There are three trim levels and even the entry-level model is loaded with equipment such as alloy wheels, air conditioning, traction control and remote keyless entry.

The test model came in top-of-the-range ASX ZC-H trim and with that comes an integrated audio/satnav system with a seven-inch touchscreen display; DAB and FM/AM/LW radio; CD player; SD card compatibility and reversing camera, that will do everything bar make a cup of tea for you. Getting the most out of the system requires a detailed study of its own handbook, which alone runs to a hefty 230 pages.

Comfort is guaranteed with an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and twin-setting, heated front seats.

The list of equipment on the test model would fill a page but suffice to say everything from self-levelling xenon headlamps, tyre pressure monitoring system and parking sensors, to cruise control, headlamp washers, leather upholstery and panoramic glass sunroof is fitted.

Power on the test car came from a punchy, 148 horsepower, 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, linked to a six-speed automatic gearbox, which gave effortless motorway cruising ability and fuel consumption in the 40s.

Safety always features highly when buying a family car and the ASX has a wide range of systems to prevent crashes happening, from traction and stability control to anti-lock brakes and an emergency stop signalling system.

If the worst does happen, the seven airbags, reinforced safety shell and whiplash-reducing seating work to minimise injuries.

A double-bulge bonnet design with a crushable zone, plastic front wings and an energy-absorbing front bumper combine to reduce injuries to pedestrians as well.

So while it is safe and sensible, the ASX neatly combines the practicality of a family hatchback and versatility of a mid-sized 4x4 with a liberal dash of sheer driving pleasure.

AUTO FACTS

Model: Mitsubishi ASX ZC-H
Price: £25,134
Insurance group: 20 (1-50)
Fuel consumption (combined): 48.7mpg
Top speed: 118mph
Length: 429.5cm/169in
Width: 177cm/70in
Luggage capacity: 15.6 cu ft
Fuel tank capacity: 13.2 gallons/60 litres
CO2 emissions: 152g/km
Warranty: Five years/62,500 miles