Mitsubishi Shogun Review
Published: 18th November 2004
Mitsubishi Shogun Warrior
How It Drove - Performance
The Shogun Warrior 3.2 DI-D automatic is powered by Mitsubishi's 3.2 litre direct injection turbo-diesel, 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine which develops 158 bhp at 3,800 rpm enabling the Shogun to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 13.8 seconds and continue to a top speed of 106 mph.
The quiet and refined 3.2 litre diesel engine was the first Mitsubishi
diesel in Europe to feature direct injection technology which improves
fuel economy and as a result of this the Shogun Warrior 3.2 DI-D
automatic returns an impressive 26.9 mpg on a combined cycle. The
DI-D system allows the engine to operate at a lower compression
ratio (17:1) which results in smoother and quieter running. Power
output is not compromised and 13.8 seconds is quoted for the 0-62mph
sprint but in practice it felt quicker.
Mitsubishi's superb INVECS-II learning 5-speed automatic transmission with 'sports mode' clutchless manual shift facility is standard on 'Elegance and Warrior' editions. This transmission is absolutely fantastic and is perfectly suited to the Shogun as it overcomes the dilemma of whether to opt for a manual or automatic by offering two systems in one. Once you have engaged 'sports mode' you simply change gear by nudging the gear lever backwards and forwards. When driven in 'automatic mode' the INVECS-II transmission has the ability to learn and adapt to the individual's driving style.
How It Drove - Ride/Handling
The Shogun's off-road credentials are undisputed having won the Dakar Rally a record breaking eight times. Our road test was just that - an on-road review with a few rough tracks and a green lane thrown in for good measure. During our time with the Shogun we only touched the surface of its off-road prowess.
Unlike some large four wheel drive's the Shogun's road manners are impeccable. It is very car-like to drive although, its dimensions require more thought when manoeuvring through gaps and parking. Considering its size and weight body-roll is minimal although, its wide tyres do tend to follow the natural course of the road and will grapple with imperfections in the road surface.
The Shogun's monocoque chassis gives it an advantage over four wheel drive vehicles with a traditional ladder frame chassis as it allows for a sharper response between driver and vehicle eliminating any delay of reaction between body and chassis. Body roll is well controlled whilst cornering and this is in part down to the single-unit construction of the chassis which results in a lower centre of gravity enabling the engine to sit low within the body shell without compromising ground clearance which is a respectable 225 mm for diesel models.
