I don't know what the weather's like where you are, but here in the depths of the Hampshire
countryside, it doesn't take much of this... to turn the roads into this...
It's enough to make you want to change your car for something a little more capable.
Perhaps one of these, the Mitsubishi ASX.
Based on the same platform as the Lancer Evolution, the ASX combines good road manners with increased
ground clearance and a proper 4WD system.
The ASX borrows a few of the Evo's styling cues, too, with nicely aggressive headlights,
a gaping front grille, and a modest roof spoiler.
The ASX range has been revised for 2014, with a few extra goodies, a new 2.2-litre diesel
engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, as on our test car, and a useful drop in price,
by as much as £2,400 on some models.
The interior continues the sporty theme with well-bolstered seats, cowled instruments and
a thick-rimmed steering wheel with a good range of adjustment.
The cabin is light and airy, particularly on top-spec models that boast a panoramic
glass roof with electric sunshade and LED ambient lighting.
The new transmission can be controlled either by moving the gear lever across and nudging
it back and forth, or by using the steering column-mounted paddles.
These work well, and with the lever in Drive, the system will return to automatic mode if
left to its own devices or if the right-hand paddle is held for two seconds.
The four-wheel-drive system is incredibly simple to operate, using just a single button
next to the gear lever to allow you to switch between 2WD mode for economy, 4WD Auto which
automatically directs torque as necessary, with up to 50% of it going to the rear, and
4WD Lock which provides greater traction on slippery surfaces.
Top-spec models also feature a Kenwood infotainment system that we're not especially fans of,
but it also includes a reversing camera that - unusually -can pipe images to the navigation
screen even when driving along.
It also provides full phone and iPod connectivity via Bluetooth or through a cable stored in
the central armrest.
Rear seat passengers haven't been forgotten, with three full seat-belts, a decent amount
of legroom, and perfectly adequate headroom despite the sloping roof-line.
In the boot, there's 442 litres of storage space, with a further 26 litres in a compartment
under the floor.
This can be increased to 1,193 litres by folding the rear seats, but to do so you'll first
need to unclip the rather fiddly seat belts.
The seat backs themselves drop with the press of a button that's accessible both from the
boot and from the side, and with the seats folded you're left with a largely flat load
floor complete with various tie-downs.
However, there's nowhere to store the parcel shelf once removed, so you'll either have
to leave it behind or balance it on top; a retractable load cover would work much better
here.
Three engines are available: a 1.6-litre petrol, a 1.8-litre diesel, and this the new 2.2-litre
diesel with 148bhp and 360Nm of torque.
On paper, it's capable of 0-62mph in 10.8 seconds, while returning 48.7mpg with CO2
emissions of 153 g/km.
On the road, it feels quicker than its figures suggest, the automatic gearbox responding
well to kick-down requests.
The paddles are effective, making it easy to execute a down-shift or two, perhaps in
preparation for an overtake.
The 'box does suffer from a little initial lethargy, though, and this can catch you out
if you're trying to take advantage of a gap in traffic.
Still, on the rare occasion that the roads are dry, the ASX is surprisingly nimble, with
only very progressive body-roll, despite its well-cushioned ride.
Much of this agility comes from Mitsubishi's efforts to reduce weight, and this has been
achieved by using thinner sheet metal - such as the for the bonnet, where it saves 2.5
kg - and the use of plastic for the front wings.
Of course, the incidental benefit of this weight-loss programme is increased efficiency,
and during our time with the 2.2-litre model, we averaged a figure around the 41 mpg mark
- and that's despite the less-than-fabulous weather conditions.
The Mitsubishi ASX offers an interesting take on the compact crossover.
It's good to drive, with easy-going road manners that will make those trading up from a regular
hatchback feel immediately at ease.
But it goes on to add a commanding driving position and, in the ASX4, a well-proven four-wheel-drive
system that makes the ASX a real all-weather proposition.
Given the Great British weather's habit for offering us all four seasons in just one day,
it might just be exactly what's needed.