Mitsubishi Shogun Review (2009)

We find ourselves testing the Mitsubishi Shogun again, by accident - someone else's that is. Due to a slight problem with the Mitsubishi Outlander which should have been the subject of this report, we have the Mitsubishi Shogun in its place.

Not that I'm complaining, far from it. In fact after a good few city cars it makes a nice change to drive something large and hefty, although ecologists might not agree. However, with the introduction of the revised 3.2 DI-DC diesel engine throughout the Mitsubishi Shogun range, it was Mitsubishi's intent that the Shogun was to become faster and cleaner, while still retaining its excellent off-road capability.

Available in 3-door, Short Wheelbase and 5-door LWB versions, the Mitsubishi Shogun comes with a choice of trim levels: Equippe, Warrior, Elegance and Diamond and a price range of between £23,499 and £35,749.

We tested the LWB Mitsubishi Shogun Elegance and discovered some hidden talents; not least the Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System or MMCS. This package is standard on all but the Equippe and comprises a 7-inch touch screen for audio, navigation and the rear-view camera, amongst other things, along with an AM/FM radio and DVD player for CDs and DVD-videos. At the heart of the system is a 30GB hard disc drive with a music server and a CDDB or CD Database from GraceNote; which displays information about the music being played.

Whoever loaded the system with albums had, with one or two exceptions, good taste and it was quite pleasant, if somewhat eclectic, to put it on random and let it play. Secondary controls on the steering wheel allow tracks to be jumped and include volume controls. But it is not only music that is stored on the hard drive. The navigation system can fetch up three-dimensional city maps and even provide photographs of sight-seeing areas, as well as being super fast with its navigation, quick to tell you about traffic problems and ask if you would like a detour.

Music lovers couldn't fail to be impressed by the Rockford Fosgate Premium Sound System, which is standard on the Elegance and Diamond LWB models. Comprising an 860W amp pushing the sound through a 250mm subwoofer, four tweeters, three mid-range speakers and four mid-bass speakers, the result is impressive to say the least. As well as a choice of acoustic presets and sound types, the system also has Seat Position Select that tailors the sound according to the number and position of the passengers, as well as speed-related volume control, which also compensates for wind noise.