This is the automotive equivalent of Arnold Schwarzenegger in a suit.

Look at the new Mitsubishi Shogun in so-called Elegance specification and you will no doubt come to the same conclusion as me, that it is anything but elegant.

There are mechanical muscles bulging under that boxy frame, a slight air of menace surrounding the black paintwork and a sense of purpose and authority in the square-jawed styling, short bonnet, tall upright windscreen, bold wheelarches and side-hinged tailgate with externally mounted spare wheel. But elegant, no.

Now in its fourth generation and having been about since 1982, the robust SUV has had plenty of time to subtly work its way into the motoring subconscious and remains a common sight in city streets and down country lanes.

As with other models from Mitsubishi, the Shogun has a strong fan base. Its availability in three and five-door versions is a large part of the appeal, and a trait not often seen in the SUV sector.

It is also a model that has proved adept at straddling the leisure SUV and rugged 4x4 segments, allowing it to find buyers among those requiring a spacious and comfortable family vehicle and those requiring a compact workhorse – and permutations of the two.

The latest generation is certainly an eye-catching vehicle. With the longer wheelbase of the seven-seater version, its sheer size is enough to garner attention. It measures nearly five metres in length, is taller than it is wide and weighs in excess of two tonnes.

Detailed changes to Mitsubishi’s advanced 3.2-litre, four-cylinder DiD common rail turbodiesel allow the three-door manual to return 35.3mpg and the five-door auto 33.2mpg – up from 30.7mpg and 26.7mpg respectively – on the official combined consumption cycle. Emissions drop too, from 246g/km to 212g/km on manuals and 280g/km to 224g/km for autos.

These impressive emissions and economy gains are made in spite of increased power and torque; both rising by 18 per cent – from 168bhp to 197bhp and 373Nm to 441Nm (325lb/ft).

The greater efficiency is more than a nod towards eco-awareness, but it doesn’t mean the Shogun has gone soft. In fact, towing capacity for the long wheelbase model is up 200kg to a massive 3,500kg, while the Shogun’s versatile transmission set-up remains in place.

For normal road use, drivers can opt for a simple rear-wheel drive set-up using the centre console mounted selector lever, maximising fuel economy. For slippery conditions and towing, the four-wheel drive option sends 33 per cent of engine torque to the front wheels.

Two more options remains for tougher conditions yet; four-wheel drive with a locked centre differential and low ratio four-wheel drive with a locked centre differential for ultimate go-anywhere ability.

The Shogun remains a vehicle capable of doing dirty work, but the cabin is well appointed. In Elegance trim level, you get the Rockford Fosgate 860-watt audio system – a personal favourite – complete with touch-screen satellite navigation and a 30GB hard drive.

The seating – full leather with electric front seats – is very comfortable, and the additional row of two seats that fold flush into the boot floor are simple to operate and offer a reasonable amount of room for occupants.

Beyond its versatility, space is the Shogun’s trump card. The interior feels simply enormous and the high- rise driving position is an effective reminder of why SUVs became so popular in the first place.

Judged on space, equipment and versatility, the Shogun could comfortably match more expensive large SUV offerings.

Refinement is where the more affordable purchase price is explained, however. The Shogun’s 3.2-litre diesel engine is a four-cylinder unit, making it a little grumbly at tickover, especially when cold. This settles down at motorway cruising pace, but on the move the big SUV can’t match the impressive combinations of ride and handling offered by some of its more expensive counterparts.

In a toss-up between the two, Mitsubishi has opted for ride comfort and superior off-road ability, making the model less precise around town and when cornering – although it remains manageable.

More economical and just as versatile as ever, the Shogun should attract a few more fans.


Fact file - Mitsubishi Shogun

Model: Shogun Elegance, £34,999. Prices from £26,499 for three-door manual.

Engine: 3.2-litre diesel unit developing 197hp and 325lb/ft of torque.

Transmission: Five-speed automatic with low ratio transfer box driving rear or all four wheels.

Performance: Maximum speed 111mph, 0-62mph 11.1 seconds.

Economy: 33.2mpg.

CO2 Rating: 224g/km