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Mitsubishi Shogun SG4

Shogun off-roader gets cleaner engine and styling upgrades

Mitsubishi Shogun SG4 front tracking

Text: Luke Madden / Photos: Otis Clay

December 2011

  • Rating:
The Mitsubishi Shogun is known for being a no-nonsense, bulletproof off-roader, but these days even the most dedicated mud-pluggers have to conform to the latest emissions regulations, and the Shogun is no exception.

For 2012, Mitsubishi has tweaked the model’s 3.2-litre diesel engine, so it now passes strict Euro V standards. It still produces 197bhp, and in the automatic, five-door LWB we tested, it will return 33.2mpg and emit 224g/km of CO2.

Styling changes are subtle, too, and include a new chrome grille plus 12-spoke, 18-inch alloys.

Inside, Mitsubishi has tweaked the dials and improved some of the materials and upholstery.

There’s no change to how the Shogun drives, but that’s a mixed blessing. On the one hand, the engine is reasonably refined and provides enough power to launch the 2,300kg car from 0-62mph in only 11.1 seconds. The slick five-speed automatic does a great job of changing gears, too.

But we wish Mitsubishi’s engineers had made a few tweaks to the steering and ride. You expect a high-up off-roader like this to be able to soak up potholes, but hitting one tends to send a thud through the cabin.

Also, the steering is a little vague and slow to react. It all makes the Shogun feel more cumbersome and unwieldy than it really should.

While the on-road dynamics may not quite be up to scratch, there’s no doubting this car’s legendary off-road ability. With a locking rear-differential and high or low-ratio gearbox, there’s not much that could stop your progress, wherever you go.

We tested the range-topping SG4 model. It costs £40,999 but features full leather upholstery, heated seats, DVD screens in the headrests and a reversing camera. You won’t find that level of equipment at that price tag anywhere else, but it’s worth noting that you could buy an entry-level Land Rover Discovery 4 or a well equipped Toyota Land Cruiser for similar money. Both are better to drive on-road.

For an alternative review of the latest Mitsubishi Shogun visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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3 Comments

More Reliable then any Land Rover

The Shogun is more reliable then any Land/Range Rover. It might not have the Prestige as the Landy/Range but I know which one one I would have if stuck in the middle of nowhere.

By THREEPOINTEDSTAR on 7 December, 2011, 4:50pm

Ice age design

Mitsubishi have managed to update this so it's only now 10 years behind the times in both looks and technical ability. We won't be seeing many of these on the road, luckily.

By asmithdesign on 8 December, 2011, 7:23am

Good value

The words" you could buy an entry-level Land Rover Discovery 4 for similar money" says it all. I have the model before this one which, likewise, is fully loaded. The equivalent Disintegrator costs £10,000 more and is utterly unreliable. I have owned 4 Shoguns from new over the past 20 years, have done hundreds of thousands of miles and have experienced nothing but first class reliability. Can Land Rover claim the same? I think not.

By rogerslade on 10 December, 2011, 4:53pm

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Pictures

Mitsubishi Shogun SG4 front tracking
Mitsubishi Shogun SG4 rear three-quarters
Mitsubishi Shogun SG4 dash
Mitsubishi Shogun SG4 detail
Mitsubishi Shogun SG4 detail
Mitsubishi Shogun SG4 rear seats
Mitsubishi Shogun SG4 centre console
Mitsubishi Shogun SG4 detail

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FIRST OPINION

    The changes to the Shogun are subtle, but Mitsubishi’s bulletproof off-roader has always had a loyal following and these updates will keep sales going strong. But while many of its SUV rivals are becoming less and less compromised on the road, the Shogun still feels cumbersome and in need of more extensive changes. Thankfully, the car’s excellent go-anywhere ability remains, and buyers will be happy to know that you won’t find this level of equipment anywhere else in this price bracket. For that reason, you can forgive the revised Shogun a few of its shortcomings.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £40,999
    Engine: 3.2-litre 4cyl, 197bhp
    Transmission: Five-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
    0-62mph: 11.1 seconds
    Top speed: 111mph
    Economy: 33.2mpg
    CO2: 224g/km
    Equipment: Alloy wheels, sat-nav, leather upholstery, reversing camera, 12-speaker stereo, DVD screens, Bluetooth
    On sale: Now
     
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