Road test - Mitsubishi Shogun LWB Elegance 3.2 DI-DC
Author: Ian Strachan
One thing’s for sure about the long wheel base Mitsubishi Shogun. You’ll never lose it in a car park.
One thing's for sure about the long wheel base Mitsubishi
Shogun. You'll never lose it in a car park.
This muscle-bound monster sits like a sleeping Tyrannosaurus
Rex. You can spot it a mile off.
The Shogun has been around for more than 25 years and is a well
established and capable member of the 4x4 sector. The latest Shogun
is the fourth generation.
I test drove the well equipped Elegance long wheel base Shogun.
As well as a big and roomy car with good off road capability you
get a fair degree of luxury. Sumptuous leather seats, classy trim,
a contemporary dashboard and a leather steering wheel give this car
a feeling of class.
You also get good standard specification, with a CD
auto-changer, satellite navigation, 17" alloy wheels, cruise
control, rear view camera, powered heated front seats and a very
effective climate control.
The driving position is commanding with superb all road
visibility thanks to large windows. Big door mirrors - which have
indicator lights inset - help with rear visibility. Ride is
exceptionally comfortable, with very little roll, and suspension
which absorbs all but the biggest bumps.
As an off-roader, the Shogun is impressive, with three off-road
settings depending on terrain. I gave it a severe test on the snow,
ice and mud of the North Yorkshire fells and it didn't put a wheel
wrong. Other more vaunted off-road performers got well and truly
stuck.
My version of the Shogun was powered by Mitsubishi's 197 bhp 3.2
litre direct injection diesel. This turbo-charged unit delivers
power smoothly and relatively quietly - engine noise has been
reduced from earlier Shoguns, although it still isn't as refined as
some of its more modern competitors. Linked to an excellent
five-speed automatic gearbox, it has performance throughout the
range with an impressive kickdown. A manual version is also in the
range.
What's even better about this engine is its economy. At more
than 33 miles to the gallon it outperforms many of its rivals,
despite being a very big vehicle.
Driver and passengers have plenty of room, and there's a more
than a respectable amount of room for luggage and loads.
The Shogun is an impressive piece of kit - agile on the road,
with proven capability off. On the road price is £36,999.
Road test by Ian Strachan Communications
Ltd
Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR
consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949
202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserv