Mitsubishi is launching its fourth generation, four-wheel drive Shogun off-roader, which arrives on 1st March 2007.
Describing it as "a progressive evolution that combines authentic four-wheel-drive go-anywhere ability with bold and muscular new styling", the device comes in with Euro IV-compliant turbo diesel power and the choice of either a three-door short or five-door long-wheelbase chassis.
As well as option of three or five doors, Shogun buyers will have the choice of a four model line-up: the Equippe, Warrior and Elegance models as before, plus a new luxury Diamond range topper.
All models come with ASTC active stability and traction control, alarm and keyless entry, climate control, twin front, side and curtain airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes, EBD electronic brake force distribution and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Its monocoque chassis with built-in ladder frame combines off-road ability with on-road capability. It uses a high number of key spot-welds, additional structural adhesives and a greater use of high-tensile steel to significantly stiffen the chassis, while the level of anti-corrosive zinc plating is higher than before. The result is a quieter, safer and more dynamic basis for the double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, now fitted with uprated springs and dampers, said Mitsu.
The Shogun’s AWC all-wheel control system and Super Select 4 II transfer case use a centre differential lock that splits torque 33:67 front to rear. The system offers four driving modes – 2H rear-wheel drive, 4H full time four-wheel drive, 4HLc which locks up the centre differential, and 4LLC for extreme low ratio off-road work.
Beneath the Shogun’s bonnet sits a heavily revised version of Mitsubishi’s 3.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. Now featuring a high-pressure common rail fuel injection system, the 3.2-litre unit produces 168bhp at 3,800rpm and 275lb-ft of torque at 2,000rpm when hooked up to Mitsubishi Motors INVECS-II automatic gearbox with sequential ‘Sports Mode’. In models fitted with the Shogun’s revised five-speed manual transmission, outputs are 158bhp at 3,800rpm and 281lb-ft at 2,000rpm. More powerful and economical, the engine is also quieter, with noise levels reduced by an average of four decibels across the rev range, reckoned Mitsubishi.
The lighter short-wheelbase Shogun comes with 290mm front and 300mm rear disc brakes gripped by two-pot calipers, while the heavier long-wheelbase gets larger 332mm discs at the front and rear, with four-pot caliper up front and two-pot at the rear. This braking system is enhanced by ASTC active stability and traction control that uses variable torque distribution and individual wheel braking to enhance traction, stability and safety.
The all-new cabin architecture features a centre console that houses the now-ubiquitous screen display for the climate and audio controls. The company said that "particular attention has been paid to creating a robust feeling within the cabin, with an intuitive layout and easily understood graphics and instruments."
The short-wheelbase three-door Shogun is 4385mm long, 1875mm wide and 1880mm high, the long-wheelbase version is 4900mm long, 1875mm wide and 1990mm high. The latter uses Mitsu's system for converting the Shogun from a five to a seven-seater. When additional seating is required, two seats quickly and easily fold out from the boot floor to create a third row of seats, complete with integrated head rests.
Pricing remains unchanged, ranging from £22,949 for the three-door Equippe model through to £34,999 for the five-door Diamond model.
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