Inside the ‘don’t mess with me attitude’ continues with the centre console comprising of three distinctive sections, the MICD Multi - Information Centre Display that shows the vehicle operating status information, and sits proudly on the top of the console with the audio control panel along with radio CD player with DVD player below and the climate control panel at the bottom. The door mirrors are electrically adjustable heated and foldable which is just as well with these ever diminishing car-parking bays, while the black leather electrically powered heated seats has driver electric lumber support well appreciated after some serious off roading was undertaken The multi functional steering wheel has remotes for the audio along with cruise controls, while the Elegance went on to have a powered sunroof, rear air conditioning, rear parking sensors just in case the rear view reversing camera went wrong.
Of course, the real surprise in the Shogun has to be Mitsubishi’s innovative ‘Hide&Seat’, which transforms the Shogun from a five to a seven-seater vehicle. It surprised me as you would not associate such a workhorse of an off roader to suddenly transform into a practical family seven seater, but it does very easily as they simply fold out from the boot floor to create a third row of seats complete with integrated headrests and inertia reel seatbelts. When fully stowed under the floor, no protrusion is left so that old fridge waiting to go to the dump for the last month can now actually go. The luggage space is pretty impressive even with the third seats in place and other storage solutions around the Shogun include two cup holders in the floor console, a lockable and illuminated glove box, deep door pockets, sunglasses holder and a floor console box with slide adjustable centre armrest.
So what is powering this workhorse? Well an extensively revised built in frame monocoque chassis, optimised All Wheel Control System, an overhauled front wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension and a significantly improved 3.2 litre turbo diesel engine designed to further improve the Shogun’s already impressive off-road credentials. Attaining a top speed of 110 mph, 0- 62 sedately in 12.9 seconds, fuel consumption is a modest 26.7-mpg on a combined cycle with CO2 emissions at 290. The Shogun falls into insurance group 14A and VED band G. The five speed automatic transmission takes all the stress out of driving and with the Sports Mode option, the Shogun does another transformation into a very sprightly ride. Just leave the children at home when in this mode. The power assisted steering has been set up for better feel and response while the more stiffer robust chassis and suspension results in a 20% reduction in cornering roll, improved steering, greater body control and more neutral stance during high speed cornering manourvers as I discovered when I beat the other car to the one remaining parking space.
To appreciate and remember which driving modes to be in, jot them down on a piece of paper until you get really familiar with the Shogun. 2H rear wheel drive is ideal for urban driving in clear weather, select 4H that is full time four wheel drive and better if the roads are wet, icy or packed snow. You can change from 2H to 4 H at speeds up to 60mph. But going off piste, choose 4HLc that locks the centre differential so that the drive is transmitted through all four wheels to deliver gritty performance when driving on soft snow, sand, dirt or other high resistance conditions. In the 4LLc the Shogun can effectively negotiate rocky terrain, swampy conditions or where extra tractions is required but must be stationary when changing between 4HLc and 4LLc. There, a quick 4X4 lesson for you.
But do not be alarmed if it all goes horribly wrong as the Shogun is targeted for a four star rating and comes with twin front side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, Active Stability and Traction Control, and Mitsubishi’s patented ‘Rise’ safety programme which will keep you and all your occupants very safe in the event of an accident. Securing the Shogun from jealous onlookers is an alarm, keyless entry, central locking including the tailgate, and an engine immobiliser.
The new fourth generation Shogun is a huge improvement over the predecessor and current owners will be very happy that Mitsubishi has listened to their request. The Shogun is a vehicle that once in a family will stay there for generations to come as it is aimed fair and square at drivers who demand and need a serious off roader with a high level of comfort and equipment, not for fancy Nancy boys.
Jackie Violet