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Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2 DI-D

Shogun gets a short sharp shock

Buyers don't like off-roaders too soft. Apparently, the market for full-size SUVs is reliant on rufty-tufty looks that intimidate other motorists and, according to Mitsubishi, the previous-generation Shogun was nothing but a big softie.

By Craig Cheetham

December 2002

Buyers don't like off-roaders too soft. Apparently, the market for full-size SUVs is reliant on rufty-tufty looks that intimidate other motorists and, according to Mitsubishi, the previous-generation Shogun was nothing but a big softie.

Like Arnold Schwarzenegger with flowers in his hair, the look couldn't convince people the car was a tough guy that could mix it with the likes of Land Rover's Discovery and the all-American brawn of Jeep's Grand Cherokee.

So the Japanese manufacturer enlisted the help of French design guru Olivier Boulay, whose previous credits include the Mercedes S-Class and Maybach 62, as well as the Peugeot 206. When it comes to giving luxurious and intimidating machines a distinctive appearance, Boulay is motoring's very own Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.

So it is a surprise to discover that the Shogun's make over isn't really very drastic. A more purposeful snout, larger headlamps, different rear light clusters and much smoother side panels are the only notable external differences. Rather than completely gutting the old Shogun and transforming it into something unrecognisable and new, Boulay has simply swapped the wall-paper for something a little bit less elaborate.

Mitsubishi also claims to have improved the interior, although changes are difficult to spot. The dash gets a new centre console and there are now side airbags in both front seats. Spec levels are increased across the board, while the range-topping 3.5-litre V6 petrol model has been reduced by ΂£2,500 to bring it in line with the diesel model's pricing. Inside, the new Shogun offers the comfort and luxury that big SUV buyers are accustomed to, with excellent legroom, supportive seats and - on five-door models - a cleverly concealed extra row of seats. Even with these up, there remains a reasonable amount of luggage space thanks to a flat load bay and cunningly hidden underfloor cubby box.

The Japanese company is aiming the latest Shogun at people who use their SUVs for work rather than for posing, which means the latest version sits 40mm higher than the old car. That gives it better suspension travel and ground clearance, meaning it's an excellent mud-plugger with reasonable road manners. That said, the Shogun does not like to be hurried. Attack a corner with any vigour and the tyres squeal, the body lurches unnervingly and the woolly steering offers little feedback - to anyone used to driving a Land Rover Discovery with Active Cornering Enhancement, it feels disturbingly dated.

But the Shogun does still have its good points, not least the engine. The 158bhp 3.2-litre DI-D powerplant is punchy and responsive. Performance figures of 0-60mph in 13.8 seconds and a top speed of 106mph might not sound that impressive, but the unit's torque and refinement mean it never feels underpowered. The engine is at its best when mated to the excellent five-speed automatic transmission, which comes as standard on the range-topping Elegance model driven here. In its manual mode, the gearbox offers quick changes and is simple to use, while in fully automatic guise it adapts to suit your driving style. Conventional manual versions are less refined, however, and the gearshift feels heavy and hesitant by comparison.

The new Shogun makes most sense at the two extremes of the line-up. In short-wheelbase, three-door Classic form, it's a genuinely useful workhorse with one of the best engines in the business, while in top-of-the-range Elegance trim, it's a viable alternative to a luxury saloon - providing you don't mind the bouncy ride and difficult handling. But despite the makeover, it still lacks the presence of its rivals.

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FIRST OPINION

    New Shogun has been redesigned to give a more aggressive appearance, but beneath the skin the hardware has changed little. It's safer, cheaper and better equipped than the outgoing car, and it's a brilliant workhorse, but there are better choices if it's luxury motoring you're after.
 

AT A GLANCE

    New Shogun range on sale 1 January, priced from £21,995
    Also available with 3.5-litre V6 GDI petrol engine offering 200bhp
     
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