Along with a 'concept' version of its all-new
European-spec Outlander, Mitsubishi celebrated 70 years in the business of four-wheel drive utility vehicles at the
Paris Motor Show by ushering out a heavily facelifted Shogun, in the process reiterating that the Shogun will always be a true off-road vehicle, distinct from the more road-baased crossovers making inroads into the marketplace.
You can't blame Mitsubishi for evolving the Shogun slowly over time, especially given the 70% customer loyalty across Europe. So don't be surprised to find that the new car appears to be a mild facelift when you see it for the first time. The overall shape is retained, including an upright windscreen and nose. In fact, the current car's curving front wings are dispensed with to be replaced with squarer items, although the new headlights are more integrated with the rest of the front.
The rear of the new Shogun (Pajero in some markets) is reminiscent of the current Land Rover Discovery and surprisingly includes a full-size spare wheel mounted on the rear door, an item most manufacturers are doing away with. It hints at a rugged vehicle, which is exactly what Mitsubishi wants you to think.
Shane O' Donoghue - 6 Oct 2006