11/10/2023 0 Comments Landrover discovery 200tdi engineThe engine range remained similar in its mix of big-capacity four-pots and V6s, with the top-end 3.5 producing 203bhp. The biggest change in the model’s lifespan came with the third generation introduced in 1999 which moved to a monocoque bodyshell with an integrated ‘chassis’ similar to the construction of the Discovery 3. For the Mk2 model, the diesel options expanded to include 2.5 and 2.8-litre units, while the petrol gained a new range-topping 3.5-litre V6. By then, the Shogun had already moved up in the world with plush interior trim and a 3-litre V6 engine having been introduced back in 1988. ![]() Suddenly large families didn’t need to stick the spare pair of kids into rear-facing jump-seats in the boot of a Montego and the idea of the seven-seater quickly gained ground, taking Shogun sales with it.Ī second generation arrived in 1991, with smoothed-over styling and the introduction of Mitsubishi’s Super Select transmission which allowed shifting between two and four-wheel drive on the move. When the long-wheelbase version arrived in 1983, it brought with it a coil-sprung rear end offering an improved ride and crucially, no less than seven seats. The Mitsubishi Shogun became a popular choice in the UK, offering a blend of comfort and capability which few others could match at the price. Automatic locking hubs on the front wheels mean the driver doesn’t need to get out of the car to switch from two to four-wheel drive, merely coming to a brief halt to move the selector lever. The transmission mirrored the layout found in earlier Land Rovers, being a part-time four-wheel drive system with separate low-range, which was designed to run in rear-wheel drive in everyday use, with four-wheel drive available in either high or low range. Its underpinnings also display similar innovative thinking, the Shogun employing independent front suspension by torsion bars and double wishbones, with a live rear axle suspended by leaf springs. The petrol engine was unusual in boasting a larger than normal capacity for a four-pot design, its operation smoothed out by the use of twin balancer shafts. Using a separate chassis, it was noticeably less crude than the Land Rover and featured some of the slightly quirky touches for which Mitsubishi has always been known.Īs launched in the UK in 1982, the Mitsubishi Shogun was initially powered by a choice of four-cylinder engines including the firm’s Astron II 2.6-litre petrol and later the 2.3-litre diesel. This was by no means the first 4×4 from Mitsubishi, the firm having made its first prototype off-roader, the PX33 as far back as 1934. Rather the Shogun was conceived more as a rival to the Toyota Land Cruiser, offered initially only in short-wheelbase three-door form and with the option of a canvas roof. Ironically, it was the Shogun which prompted the development of the Discovery by Land Rover in the first place and with this in mind, it seemed appropriate to bid the Mitsubishi Shogun farewell by sampling the first generation and comparing it to the original Discovery.Īlthough the Shogun (or the Pajero as it was known at home) would have the Solihull chaps on the run when it arrived in the UK, it’s unlikely that the development team at Mitsubishi’s Sakahogi plant had Land Rover in their sights at all. ![]() Daihatsu left these shores many years ago now, Suzuki has just announced the end of the Jimny in the UK and those wanting to tow 3.5 tonnes but not wanting to pay Range Rover or Discovery prices for the privilege will be mourning the loss of the Shogun. ![]() It does however illustrate perfectly the love of high-riding premium 4x4s among the buying public, from Audi’s Q range right up to the king of them all, the Range Rover.ĭespite the growing number of SUVs around though, it’s suddenly become all but impossible to buy a genuine multi-purpose all-wheel drive vehicle which offers both everyday family practicality and genuine off-road capability. As the Mitsubishi Shogun disappears and the firm’s future in Europe looks uncertain, we revisit the vehicle which had Land Rover on the run to find out which is best today.Īs I began typing this feature I received an email trumpeting the latest Alpina-tweaked version of BMW’s biggest 4×4, the X7 which is both monstrously polluting and embarrassingly thirsty in an automotive world frantically trying to electrify itself.
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