Mitsubishi

Shogun

One mighty working vehicle with all the classy touches found in a modern day executive saloon. Boasting awesome strength and pulling power, along with class-leading off-road capabilities, the Shogun continues to make its mark on the world of 4×4 motoring.

Test Drive

Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 LWB DI-DC SG4

If ever a vehicle was built to cope with any eventuality or challenge Mother Nature has in store, it must be the Mitsubishi Shogun.

For this giant of a vehicle can take on the world and win!

But it’s not all brawn and muscle as the new generation Shogun has plenty of subtle touches and an abundance of creature comforts more readily associated with a family saloon.

Guaranteed to turn heads, the Shogun features a strong, beefy frame, massive 20-inch alloys and tinted windows that add a touch of mystery. The step-up plates are a guideline as to how high the Shogun stands.

But once inside, there is a softer side to this vehicle and plenty of on-board technology too. The leather seats can be heated to beat off the winter chill and there is a neat contrasting black and cream colour scheme throughout with brushed aluminium and wood trim.

Features include air con, sat nav, Bluetooth connectivity, an amazing 12-speaker audio system with 30GB hard drive, a colour touchscreen with rear view camera, a massive sunroof that lets light flood into the cabin, a leather multi-function steering wheel and the back seat passengers are treated to individual DVD screens.

All occupants, front and rear, benefit from an abundance of space, and storage will never be an issue as the Shogun boasts an incredibly generously-sized boot along with several other compartments throughout including a chilled cooler box in the central bin and document holders extending from the sun visors.

With its high seated position the driver benefits from excellent all-round visibility and the dustbin lid-sized wing mirrors mean nothing ever goes unnoticed.

Despite its size, the Shogun is relatively agile although plenty of space is needed to park even with the aid of those cameras and sensors.

Out on faster motorways and country lanes, the Shogun’s 3.2 diesel-powered engine certainly delivered enough oomph and the five-speed automatic transmission was both smooth and responsive.

If I had to find fault, it would be the cabin noise which can be quite loud as the vehicle gently ticks over at a set of lights.

There are different driving modes to deal with the conditions so you will never be caught out by a snow storm or off-roading demands.

Mitsubishi has fitted the vehicle with a very comprehensive list of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, numerous airbags and plenty more besides.

The top-of-the-range SG4 model replaces the outgoing Diamond spec, but make no mistake, this is still quite a gem.

Test Drive

Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 DI-DC Diamond 5dr

Okay, so it’s not the most environmentally friendly vehicle on our roads today, but in a world where we are constantly being told what’s best for us, sometimes it’s nice to rebel.

And when it comes to fun, thrills and awesome power the Mitsubishi Shogun delivers on every count.

Plus, it can certainly live up to any expectations off-road as a working vehicle with immense pulling power and impressive manoeuvrability on any surface.

Despite often being labelled as a gas-guzzler, it’s not really that bad.

In fact, I have driven many a luxury saloon with far worse fuel economy figures.

All-round visibility on the Shogun is superb thanks to the high-seated driving position and the solid design and muscular build offers an almost-invincible feel for the occupants.

And comfort levels are very high too. There is plenty of room for five adults along with all their luggage, although to be fair some passengers may need a helping hand to get into the vehicle via the side step, due to its height.

On the open road, the Shogun performs exceptionally well with deceptively fast acceleration and bringing such a beast to a sudden stop means safety spec has to be first class.

There are anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, a stability and traction control system, plus numerous airbags to name just a few features.

The Shogun also boasts many more subtle touches to make driving more pleasurable.

Features such as heated seats, electrically adjustable, foldable and heated door mirrors, a rear view camera and an electric sunroof are luxuries we can all welcome.

All in all, the Shogun is a big brute of a vehicle with awesome power combined with luxurious features throughout.