Mitsubishi Shogun
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Average. One of the last of the old-school off-roaders. Unstoppable in the wild but uncouth everywhere else.
Review
There's lots to like about the Shogun, and it certainly deserves to be high on the list for anyone seeking an uncomplaining old-fashioned mud-plugger. But don't whatever you do buy one thinking that it can hold a flame to the crop of modern "soft-roaders" in terms of driving manners or refinement.
The restyled front end won't be to everyone's taste, but in the cabin Mitsubishi has sharpened up the Shogun's case with an all-new dashboard and far higher-quality materials than the very plasticky previous generation version. Equipment levels are impressive too, especially towards the top of the range. Buyers can choose between long and (the slightly pointless) short wheelbase versions, with the long wheelbase offering lots of space for five occupants plus a cavernous boot.
Overseas markets still get the option of a petrol V6, but only the 3.2 litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is being offered in the UK. It's the area where the Shogun feels furthest from the pace set by smoother and more powerful rivals: the engine manages to be both loud and slow, especially when working with the five-speed automatic gearbox that most punters opt for. Add the suspension's tendency to crash over imperfections and the insipid dynamic experience and few Shogun drivers will ever choose to go quickly.
Where the Mitsubishi still really scores is in the wild, where low-range gears, advanced stability control and a battery of lockable differentials allow it to plough its way through the sort of terrain that would halt pretty much anything else. But for road use it feels old and out-evolved.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
Big and butch, although the redesigned front end won't appeal to everyone.
Handling
2 star
On road - don't bother. Mitsubishi claims to have sharpened up the dynamics, but from the driver's seat you'll struggle to notice any change.
Comfort
3 star
A good driving position and a commanding view makes the Shogun a fine place to spend time, but the suspension crashes and heaves over bumps and lots of engine noise gets into the cabin.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
Still as tough as ever - the Shogun is designed to operate in some of the most inhospitable places on earth - but now the interior has a welcome extra boost in quality feel, too.
Performance
2 star
The noisy 3.2 litre turbo diesel engine struggles to deliver adequate performance, especially when working in conjunction with the optional automatic gearbox. Overtaking becomes far more stressful than it should be.
Roominess
4 star
No arguments here - the Shogun offers loads of space for five occupants and their luggage.
Running Costs
2 star
With a pronounced thirst for diesel and what looks likely to be steepish depreciation, the Shogun demands deep pockets to run.
Value for money
4 star
Good standard equipment means the Shogun stacks up well against the Land Rover Discovery and Toyota Land Cruiser.
