Mitsubishi Shogun Range
The third generation Mitsubishi Shogun, which arrived in May 2000, was a car that helped set trends. Engines and suspension were bolted directly to the monocoque body rather than installed in a separate chassis, contrary to the way that many family-style 4x4s had developed. In fact, it had more in common with car-like luxury 4x4 models such as BMWs X5. This hybrid between old school rugged appeal and modern underpinnings proved quite popular, and this fourth generation car builds on those solid foundations with a massive host of detail changes.
If youre after the last word in off road ability, the Mitsubishi Shogun, despite the 11 Paris-Dakar wins that it can boast, is not it. What the Shogun does offer is a very useable compromise between on-road refinement and off-road ability that will be more than adequate for most. If you want something thats a even more adept in the deep stuff, youll be looking at something like a Land Rover Discovery. Engineers from the Japanese brand will argue with this of course and, to be fair, the Shogun is a more than competent tool in the rough stuff.
| Build |  |
| Comfort | |
| Depreciation |  |
| Economy | |
| Equipment | |
| Handling | |
| Insurance | |
| Performance | |
| Styling |  |
| Value | |
1 seconds and hit a top speed of 110mph.
"Now that theyve done away with the hugely profligate petrol-powered engine, the Shogun range seems a more manageable proposition"
Although the shape looks instantly familiar, there are a number of key differences between this fourth generation car and its direct predecessor. Keen spotters will clock the contoured front lights blended with the blistered leading edge of the front wheelarch. Theres also a revised front grille with bolder chromed slats. The short overhangs and the upright windscreen serve to remind buyers that this is no bling smoothie, instead wearing its credentials on its sleeve.
Three door short or five-door long wheelbase models are offered. Chassis rigidity has been improved by increasing the number of key spot welds on the monocoque, additional structural adhesives and a greater use of high tensile steel, while there has also been an increase in the amount of anti-corrosive zinc plating. Its properly big too, at least in long wheel base guise. This is 4.
9m long, 1.9m wide and 1.9m high, so youll need a garage with a fair amount of headroom, especially if you fit a roof box for ski trips. Mitsubishis innovative HideandSeat system quickly converts the long wheelbase car from a five to a seven-seater with two seats that fold from a flat boot floor to create a third row complete with integrated head rests.
As well as the option of three or five doors, Shogun buyers have the choice of a four model line-up the familiar Equippe, Warrior and Elegance variants as well as a new luxury Diamond range-topper. As always, the Shogun comes packed with an array of standard safety and luxury equipment. All models come with ASTC active stability and traction control, alarm and keyless entry, climate control, twin front, side and curtain airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes backed up by EBD electronic brakeforce distribution and 17inch alloy wheels fitted as standard. The list of standard features may be much longer but pricing for the Shogun remains tight, emphasising Mitsubishi Motors value-for-money policy.
Prices range from £22,646 for the three-door Equippe model through to £34,696 for the five-door Diamond variant. This looks very good value when you pause to consider that some diesel Toyota RAV4s cost more than £27,000. Now that Mitsubishi have done away with the hugely profligate petrol-powered engine, the Shogun range seems a more manageable proposition in terms of costs. This is still a very big and heavy vehicle, however, so dont expect it to sip fuel, especially if youre running loaded or towing.
The kerb weight of a manual long wheelbase car is a hefty 2,265kg and this takes some energy to get moving. Overall, the Shogun occupies a small but vital niche in an ever-evolving 4x4 market. As sales of the more ostentatious cars wane in favour of more environmentally responsible transport, there will remain a core requirement for an all-weather, all-terrain vehicle that can tow, fulfil the family responsibilities and not be too precious about things in the process. The Shogun discharges these duties with a minimum of drama.
This fourth generation car brooks no great surprises but in many ways, familiarity has bred respect for Mitsubishis low-key approach. Solid engineering, a thoughtful compromise between off-road durability and on-road refinement and extremely aggressive pricing all combine to make sure that what some people may consider a throwback is, in fact, a vehicle of keen relevance. Id be prepared to bet that Shoguns will still be in British dealerships long after Porsche Cayennes and Range Rover Sports are distant memories.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: Mitsubishi Shogun range
PRICES: £22,646-£34,696 on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 16
CO2 EMISSIONS: 244- 278g/km
PERFORMANCE: [SWB] Max Speed 110mph / 0-60mph 12.2s
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [SWB} (combined) 26.9mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front airbags, ABS
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Heightm [5dr] 4.9/1.9/1.9m
