Mitsubishi Shogun Review

Power-assisted steering is standard throughout the Shogun range and it has a relatively light turning circle when compared to the Land Rover Discovery. The steering is direct and accurate and becomes lighter when in two wheel drive and weights up when you require it for off-road use.

Mitsubishi's SS4-II Super Select four-wheel drive system features a constant mesh torque transfer unit and centre differential with planetary gears and a VCU (viscous coupling unit) for a smoother refined operation. It features four operating modes 2H - two wheel drive which provides a smooth and quiet drive for town or normal driving conditions. Also there is less road noise as you are not driving all the wheels.

4H - four wheel drive high range for driving in variable weather conditions, 4HLc - 4 wheel drive high range with locked VCU which provides traction on low-grip surfaces such as sand and snow.

4LLc - four wheel drive low range with locked VCU allows you to tackle extreme conditions such as snow, mud and sand covered slopes. The locked centre differential sends torque forward, bypassing the VCU via a high-low transfer, counter gear, differential lock hub and a linked plate chain.

An electronically controlled transfer lever makes shifting between two and four wheel drive exceptionally easy. You are able to switch from two wheel drive to four wheel drive high range by moving the lever at speeds of up to 62 mph and return to two wheel drive at any speed. Being able to drive the Shogun in two wheel drive mode is beneficial for fuel economy.

All 2004 model Shogun's feature MASTC (Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control) system as standard. This system offers maximum control in all driving conditions by monitoring the speed and attitude of the vehicle combined with levels of grip provided by the terrain being encountered. In high range two or four wheel drive traction control is activated if the on-board computer senses a driver is entering a corner too fast. By reducing the throttle setting and activating the brakes in a controlled sequence it helps the vehicle turn whilst maintaining maximum levels of grip and stability.

In low range and four wheel drive, the traction control system is activated if the transmission detects a wheel spinning. In response to this it applies the brakes to that wheel and diverts power to the others offering astonishing adhesion.