Mitsubishi Shogun review

Tyres modelled on balloons don't do much for the ride, which is better than before but still too bouncy and roly-poly, a common problem among hardcore off-roaders like this. At least the brakes are more reassuring than you'd think they would be, with discs all round. Its off-road technology (two levers to switch between high and low ratios or two-wheel drive and four-wheel-drive) may not be on par with the Land Rover Discovery's Terrain Response System, but it gets the job done for a lot less.

Mitsubishi's 3.2-litre four-cylinder diesel has been revised, with power up to 197bhp and torque rising to 325lb ft. Sadly any delusions of a silky BMW-spec diesel disappear into the throaty rumble of the engine. It'll haul the Shogun at a passable lick - 11 seconds to 62mph - but it won't do it with much enthusiasm. It will, however, enthusiastically pull large things out of bogs, as it's capable of hauling a mighty 3,500kgs. The more expensive Toyota Land Cruiser will tow a pitiful 2,800kgs.