Review of the new 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 BMW's 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 you're 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 that's a even more adept in the deep stuff, you'll 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. It uses an AWC all-wheel control system, which works in tandem with Mitsubishi's Super Select 4 II transfer case. Using a centre differential lock to split available torque 33:67 front to rear, this system offers no fewer than four transmission modes; high range rear wheel drive, high-range full time four wheel drive, four-wheel drive with a locked centre differential for slippery conditions and low range four wheel drive with the locked differential for hauling yourself out of a mud bath.

On road owners will appreciate the added urge of the 3,200cc common-rail diesel that's now good for 168bhp in manual form - up 6bhp on the old engine. Where this engine really scores is in offering 381Nm of torque at 2,000rpm and it's quieter across the rev range as well. To give an idea of how quick off the mark this car is, a long wheelbase manual will accelerate to 60mph in 12.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 110mph.

"Now that they've 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. There's 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.

It's properly big too, at least in long wheel base guise. This is 4.9m long, 1.9m wide and 1.9m high, so you'll need a garage with a fair amount of headroom, especially if you fit a roof box for ski trips. Mitsubishi's innovative 'Hide&Seat' 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 £23,000 for the three-door Equippe model through to £35,000 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 don't expect it to sip fuel, especially if you're 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 Mitsubishi's 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. I'd be prepared to bet that Shoguns will still be in British dealerships long after Porsche Cayennes and Range Rover Sports are distant memories.

TOP 4 SHOGUN DEALS

The results below show the top SHOGUN deals on buyacar

Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 DI-DC Diamond 5dr Auto Diesel Sw
Price £36,843 Click for a Shogun Review	Save £866
Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 DI-DC Diamond 3dr Auto Diesel Sw
Price £32,343 Click for a Shogun Review	Save £866
Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 DI-DC Warrior 5dr Auto Diesel Sw
Price £33,593 Click for a Shogun Review	Save £866
Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 DI-DC Elegance 5dr Auto Diesel Sw
Price £34,843 Click for a Shogun Review	Save £866