SHOGUN DYNASTY (some text hidden) --NONE--

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Introductionword count: 139

In their own quiet way, Mitsubishi ofte seem to spot innovation early. Porsche licensed copies of their contra rotating balancer shaft to make their engines as smooth as butter and the Gasoline Direct Injection technology fitted to the Carisma was rapidly imitated by many manufacturers. Whilst not hugely innovative, the Mitsubishi Shogun has been the beneficiary of another canny judgement as to which way the wind was blowing with its adoption of a car-like unitary chassis when all 'serious' 4x4s had crude ladder-framed underpinnings. History has proved Mitsubishi right, with Land Rover subsequently adopting the system for their mighty Range Rover. With a clever direct injection petrol engine and a mighty diesel on offer, the third generation Shogun has cemented its reputation as one of the nation's favourite 4x4s. Built to last, it also makes a great used buy.

Modelsword count: 16

Models Covered:May 2000 to date: 3.5 24v V6 & 3.2 turbo diesel three & five-door [GLS]

Historyword count: 194

The all-new third generation arrived in May 2000. Engines and suspension were now bolted directly to the 'monocoque' body rather than installed in a separate chassis and there was a complete restyle inside and out. Both the 3.5-litre 24-valve petrol V6 and the new four-cylinder, 16-valve, twin camshaft 3.2-litre turbo diesel featured direct fuel injection. Sold alongside the Shogun Pinin and the Shogun Sport junior models, the 'real deal' represents the paterfamilias of the Mitsubishi range. The engines were slightly revised in October 2001 to comply with Euro 3 emissions regulations. This dropped the 3.2-litre turbodiesel's peak output from 162bhp down to a still hale 158bhp. At the same time a few minor trim adjustments were made including electric folding door mirrors, the fitment of a multi-info display, a height adjustable driver's seat and front seatbelt pretensioners. Shortly afterwards the budget Classic and limited edition Animal models were also introduced. January 2003 saw the launch of a facelifted Shogun with a smoother front end, a corporate grille and improved safety and security features. That model in turn was boosted by increased specifications at the end of 2003. An all new Shogun arrived in 2006.

What You Getword count: 295

No manufacturer can now hope to satisfy the budget-conscious, the family buyer and the luxury-led executive in one model range as this car did when it was first introduced. Three very different approaches were required, hence Mitsubishi's provision of three very different 4x4 Shogun line-ups. While the Shogun Pinin appeals to the compact, affordable Land Rover Freelander-style market, the Shogun Sport (previously badged Challenger) aims to satisfy the family-sized Discovery/Isuzu Trooper set. All of which at last leaves the real fully-sized Shogun free to concentrate on the role its designers always intended for it: that of a go-anywhere luxury express - a true Range Rover rival. Unless you consider plusher versions of more family-orientated models like Land Rover's Discovery or Toyota's Land Cruiser Colorado (or somehow squeeze into the back of an M-class), you'll struggle to find anything on the market with seven seats - or, for those without families, a sportier three-door bodystyle option. Like its predecessors, the latest Shogun offers both - and manages to do so without resorting to bland, boxy looks. Instead, purposeful curves dominant at both front and rear, almost as if someone had taken a bicycle pump to the shape of the second-generation model. The long wheelbase five-door model's seven-seat layout works better too, with a forward-facing third row that folds completely away in an underfloor compartment or can be removed completely. Inside the well-equipped cabin, almost everything has been redesigned giving a much smarter, if still rather plasticky feel. There's a centre digital panel for most of the driving information you might need and a chunkier four-spoke steering wheel that feels good to hold. Whether the latest Shogun will feel good to own depends on your buying priorities. Those wanting a 'proper' 4x4 will want to try one.

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