MITSUBISHI SHOGUN range
Ask the average 4x4 buyer to list the qualities of a Mitsubishi Shogun and youd probably hear attributes such as solid, capable, respected and rugged. Youd also probably hear expensive. Mitsubishi have been assiduous of late to position their vehicles as high value choices in each of their respective segments and the latest Shogun model followed the lead set by cars like the Carisma and Space Star in offering a whole lot more for a big chunk less than you may expect.
Knocking a few hundred pounds off the list price may gain a few customers in the short term, but its hardly a tactic likely to endear customers looking for something new in this most image conscious of sectors. Therefore, the latest Shogun debuts Mitsubishis Active Stability and Traction Control (MASTC) across all models in the range. This system claims to deliver maximum control in all driving situations, beefing up the Shoguns credentials both on and off road. The Shogun has a tough task on its hands.
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As well as the MASTC system to keep you on the straight and narrow, the Warrior features a ten-CD autochanger and Trafficmaster Smartnav as standard. Smartnav is a very clever system that plots a route for you around traffic snarl ups, navigation data being downloaded to your vehicle and updated in real time. The Elegance models are priced identically to the Warrior but feature wood inserts on the fascia and a wood and leather steering wheel. Part of Mitsubishis success can be attributed to the way they divided the 4x4 market up into small, medium and large sectors.
No manufacturer can now hope to satisfy the budget-conscious, the family buyer and the luxury-led executive in one model range as this car did when it was originally introduced in first generation guise. These days, three very different approaches are required, hence Mitsubishi's provision of three very different 4x4 Shogun line-ups. While the Shogun Pinin appeals to the compact, affordable Land Rover Freelander-style market, the Shogun Sport aims to satisfy the family-sized Discovery/Landcruiser set. All of which at last leaves the real fully-sized Shogun range we feature here free to concentrate on the role its designers always intended for it: that of a rugged go-anywhere luxury express.
"The Shogun is fitted with many refinements even the new crop of pretenders keep on the options list"
Have the changes transformed the Shogun into a soft-riding M-class or X5? The answer is no which will come as a considerable relief to the loyal client base. However, the tweaks have made the Mitsubishi more likely to be considered by customers of such cars and even if it isnt, the fully deserved title of best of the real world big 4x4s is no disgrace. Just two engines are on offer to 'real' Shogun buyers - and both are quite impressive in terms of power, emissions and economy. Most customers will opt for the 3.2-litre DI-D (Direct Injection Diesel) producing 162bhp. Petrol people meanwhile, will prefer the auto-only 3.
5-litre direct injection GDI petrol V6 with its 200bhp output. If and when you get to go off road, you'll have to work hard to get stuck, thanks to the Super Select four-wheel drive system - though unlike many rivals, it won't give you permanent all-wheel drive. Instead, you've to use an electronically controlled transfer lever to switch from 2WD at speeds of up to 62mph. That takes you into high-range 4WD, a mode that varies power to the front and rear depending on grip. You deal with trickier situations by shifting down to low range and locking the viscous coupling unit. Thus set, you can tackle almost anything.
With a clever stability control system to confound all but the most dunderheaded manoeuvres, the latest Mitsubishi Shogun feels more rock solid than ever. With the range-topping versions offering a whole heap of standard equipment and the entry level cars augmenting Mitsubishis reputation for indestructible build quality, theres plenty of life left in this Shogun dynasty.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Mitsubishi Shogun range
PRICES: £21,544-£31,044 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 16
CO2 EMISSIONS: 251-339g/km
PERFORMANCE: [3.5] Max Speed 106mph / 0-60mph 13.8s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [3.5] (urban) 16.1mpg / (extra urban) 26.2mpg / (combined) 21.4mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightmm [5dr] 4975/1875/1885mm
