Model tested: Mitsubishi Shogun LWB 3.2 DI-D Warrior Auto
Price: £31,044.00
Tested: October 2006
Road tester: Adrian Higgins

Overall rating: 76%
The Shogun first saw the light of day in 1981 – and first hit the UK's streets two years later. Available in long-wheelbase five-door or shorter three-door forms, the Shogun is worth a look for anyone considering a 4X4.

1. Looks
With a quarter of a century under its belt, the Shogun has iconic 4x4 looks. If your eye roves towards the biggest wheels in the car park, you'll love the Shogun.
8/10

2. Looks inside
The Shogun's chunky styling continues inside. The driving position is excellent, and the interior benefits from an uncluttered view, combining functionality with comfort in just the right ratio.
8/10

3. Practicality
The Shogun's flexibility is a key strength. The long-wheelbase version is intended as a five-seater with a reasonably generous boot. However, a third row can be flipped down to transform it into a seven-seater.
10/10

4. Ride and Handling
Work within its limits and the Shogun handles OK, but you won't want to be throwing it at corners too vigorously. Motorway cruising at speed is comfortable but noisy.
6/10

5. Performance
The Shogun needs 13.8 seconds to lumber its way to 62mph and can reach a top speed of 106mph. The Mitsubishi does however compensate with enormous pulling power.
8/10

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6. Running Costs
On average you can expect 26.7mpg according to Mitsubishi; drive it in town and this will dip even further. Service intervals are every 12 months or 9,000 miles while the Shogun loses the best part of a third of its value in the first year. A high insurance group adds another OUCH.
5/10

7. Reliability
This is a proper off-roader and its reliability reflects this. Owners also benefit from the fact Mitsubishi have had a quarter of a century to perfect the Shogun.
8/10

8. Safety
Driver and front passenger get front and side airbags and it's seatbelts for everyone else. The Shogun's body features "impact-absorbing crushable zones" for your protection too.
6/10

9. Equipment
Our high-spec car featured leather seats, air conditioning, cruise control, 10-CD autochanger, 18-inch alloys and a third row of foldaway seats.
8/10

10. X-Factor
It's certainly got the bling factor but more memorable than that is its 4x4 prowess. You don't win desert rallies for nothing and if you can actually get some off-road use out of your Shogun it'll make you feel a whole lot better about the vehicle's shortcomings on the tarmac.
9/10