MANILA, Philippines — In the past couple of years, there have been a number of surveys that asked consumers what device they can’t live without. Not surprisingly, the number one answer was the cellular phone. The modern phone, packed with a camera, calendar, calculator and internet browser can answer a variety of daily needs right within our palm.

Tablets, digital cameras and TV’s are going the same way. And within the next couple of years , we shouldn’t be surprised to see cars do a little bit of everything.

Or perhaps they’re already here.

If you can’t decide between a sedan, hatchback, MPV or SUV, a look at the Mitsubishi ASX might solve that dilemma. Standing for Active Sport Crossover, the ASX can do a little bit of everything in a size that’s perfect for a busy city.

At a glance, it bears a lot of similarity to the Lancer EX, bearing both the large trapezoid grille and the eagle eye headlamps. Tires ride on 17 inch wheels. A character line stretches through the body of the car. The cabin, stretches just a little bit beyond the last window before tapers sharply, ending the body in hatch.

Of course, those beginning to sense a pattern here needn’t worry. The ASX isn’t a Lancer derivative. It’s an entirely separate vehicle all on its own. Despite the street racer styling, the ASX is still designed to do some light off-roading as well. Propelling the vehicle is the same 2.0 liter 16 valve MIVEC engine found in the Lancer but it’s paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that can direct power to just the front wheels, or all of them. Independent suspension all around keeps the ASX high enough to clear rough roads but comfortable enough for a family.

Bringing it to a stop is a set of disc brakes on all tires. They’re governed of course by ABS with EBD and Brake Assist. There are three-point seatbelts for all five passengers and up to seven airbags all over the car.

Inside the ASX is a fuss-free interior layout, lots of interior space to stretch out on and good headroom. The instrument cluster uses two large and brightly colored dials with a multi-info display in the center. A sporty three-spoke wheel sits over that with built-in stereo controls and paddle shifters.

Over in the center, the in-car entertainment is all packaged into a 6-inch LCD touch screen. The unit plays CDs, DVDs, MP3 players and also has GPS Navigation. A shortcut button can also direct you to your nearest Mitsubishi dealership.

Lower on the stack is a fully automatic climate control system while multi-function cupholders are placed near the gated shifter.

Over in the second row, the rear bench can fold in a 40-20-40 split. An arm rest can fold down from the center with two cupholders hidden inside. For bulkier items, the seats can fold down to increase the cargo area.

With everything packed and ready, just a press of the engine start button with the key still in your pockets gets things going. The vehicle may look low, but the driver seat grants a high vantage point.

Around the city, the ASX is light and easy to drive, hardly any different from an average sedan like a Lancer. The suspension is comfortable and the cabin is quiet.

It’s a very stable vehicle and quickly coax those who are easily excited to pour on the power. The ASX will gladly oblige with sharp handling for a crossover.

More control can be had with the transmission too. While the CVT essentially means an infinite number of gears, switching the car to manual mode lets you choose between sixclose ratio preset gears. It changes just as quick as modern double clutch systems and will more than delight any sporty driver.

As for the all-wheel drive, the ASX is driven by the front wheels by default. Yet that can all be changed with a simple twist of the dial. There’s no stopping or waiting like a conventional 4x4. Just twisting it while it’s rolling already engages it. Of course, more care should be taken when engaging 4x4 Lock.

Some may complain about the ASX’s low clearance. Yet testing it out on a rocky trail hadn’t nicked or scratched any part of the undercarriage.

After a week running in and out of the city, whether for errands or just enjoying the drive, the ASX averaged 8-9 km/L in the city.

Being so many cars in one, the potential of the ASX is only limited by its driver’s imagination. It can drive like a sports car, has the utility of an SUV, but is also comfortable enough for a family.

It may seem like an odd niche now, but it’s very likely that sometime in the future, we’ll find it hard to imagine life without such an all-in-one vehicle.