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Mitsubishi Shogun: First Drive

Date: 26 March 2007   |   Author: John Mahoney

Category: Large 4x4
Prices: £22,549-£34,599
Key Rival: Nissan Pathfinder

The Shogun has a loyal band of fans that depend on a 'proper' 4x4 to take them places lifestyle-4x4s would have an electronic aneurism trying.

But after seven years it's time for the trusty and reliable Shogun to have a quick aesthetic and mechanical tweak.


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'Tweak' may be a little unfair - despite barely looking any different, only a quarter of parts carry over. Out goes the most unconvincing faux wood ever to have seen the interior light of day and in comes brave, unlacquered wood that looks like, er, wood.

Under the bonnet there's a powerful, cleaner, quieter, more economical 170PS 3.2-litre diesel, mated to a five-speed automatic, that altogether feels less strained than the old 3.2 and averages 26.7mpg.

The suspension has also had a thorough rethink, which bodes well since the Shogun benefits from a car-like underpinnings. A stiffened bodyshell and greater use of sound deadening finish off the improvements.

So does the Shogun leap to the front of the car-like 4x4 pack?

No, but it's easy to feel the changes. The Shogun still rolls heavily, but everything feels more tied down, with the added benefit of standard skid control. Steering is well weighted, but feels lifeless, and despite the superior underpinnings the ride remains on the bouncy side.

Off road the big Mitsu was impossible to get stuck, finding grip and venturing places where a goat would throw in the fleece.

Standard specification is good with climate and six airbags as standard. We drove the fleet favourite Warrior that comes with leather interior and satnav as well as a healthy splattering of chrome. Top spec models bring extra gangsta spec such as 20-inch alloys and still more shiny metal.

Costs wise the 5+2-seat Shogun faces tough competition. In Warrior spec it's similar to an, albeit five-seat, Discovery, a car that far outclasses the cruder Shogun and makes it feel old. However, the honesty and the mechanical simplicity of the Mitsubishi meaning it will retain its a loyal band of fans for a little longer.



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