Mitsubsihi is one of the few 4x4 names that is known almost as much as the out-and-out winner in this respect, Land Rover. The Shogun has a well earned reputation for durability, off-road capability and practicality. Launched back in 1982 and subject to two major revisions over 2.5 million hae been sold worldwide. In its newly revised form, launched this year, the Shogun comes in both three and five door format with a sngle diesel engine and manual or automatic transmission. In five door form the Shogun is a big vehicle and in black paintwork, like my test vehicle, very imposing.
Prices for the new Shogun start at £22,646 for the three door model short wheelbase version and £26,146 for the five door long wheelbase. Standard fare on the long wheelbase versions includes seven seats with the third row of seats folding flat into the rear load floor, active stability and traction control, alarm & keyless entry, climate control, twin/side/curtain airbags, ABS & EBD, roof rails, 17" alloy wheels electric windows and door mirrors are standard on entry level models.
The Shogun has always been an imposing vehicle and in its latest guise really does look the part. My test car was the Diamond trim level with 3.2 litre 16-valve turbocharged diesel, surprisingly just four cylinders. Developing 168 bhp and 275 lb ft of torque at just 2,000 rpm it has a 110mph top speed with the benchmark 62mph passed in a whisker under 13 seconds. Pretty nifty when you consider just what a large vehicle the five door Shogun actually is. Mated to a five speed automatic transmission with tiptronic style manual shift it makes for an easy and pleasant drive. Expect around 26 mpg in mixed driving.
Mitsubishi say that the revised 3.2 litre diesel engine is substantially quieter and more refined. Well it certainly never becomes harsh but you are always aware that you are driving a diesel. Although to be fair the intial start-up clatter does subside to a much more acceptable level once on the move and cruising. As one might expect the height of the Shogun means that there is a degree of body roll but nothing untoward and the ride is comfortable with a commanding view from the interior.
Every conceivable feature comes as standard on the Diamond trim level including such items as cruise control, leather seating, heated seats, auto dipping rear view mirrors, downlighters on the door mirrors, climate control, an electric sunroof of convertible proportions and electric assistance with everything. The sound system, that incorporates a navigation system, is a high tech and high quality affair that is based around a music server. The twelve speaker affair is essentially an autmotive iPod. I suspect it would better the hi-fi in most homes.
Equippe, Warrior and Elegance models complement the flagship Diamond version with all possesing an enviable on road presence. With reassuringly solid feel and look the Diamond long wheelbase model costs £34,696 and with luxury car levels of standard equipment, immensely practical with its seven seats, offers good value for money in its sector. The interior has a modern feel with space aplenty and comfort levels that would see-off many a premium badged executive saloon.
