The Shogun Sport Commercial picks up the 4×4 LCV baton for Mitsubishi, says Dan Gilkes.
With the original Shogun Commercial no longer sold in the UK, there is a newcomer to the line-up, in the shape of Shogun Sport, which is now also being offered in a commercial version. Looking very much like an L200 pickup with a car back-end, the Shogun Sport SUV is available in two high-specification trim levels, called Sport 3 and Sport 4.
The majority of Shogun Commercials were built in top-line Barbarian trim, rather than the utilitarian 4Work specification, so it is unsurprising to find that the Shogun Sport Commercial will be based exclusively on the higher Sport 4 model.
The truck is powered by the same 2.4-litre diesel engine as the L200 pickup, offering a healthy 181hp and 430Nm of torque. However, while the L200 makes do with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, the Shogun Sport comes with an eight-speed auto only.
This helps the Sport to return a reasonable 32.8mpg, along with 227g/km of CO2.
Mitsubishi has equipped the back of the Shogun Sport with a flat load area to provide almost 1.5m3 of load volume. While it may not sound like much, the 605kg payload is par for the course in this sector, although the 3.1-tonne towing capacity does fall behind many pickups and, more importantly is less than the old Shogun that it replaces.
As mentioned, the Shogun Sport is no base level model, boasting heated leather seating, climate control,
18-inch alloys, Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning and Trailer Stability Assist. The audio system features a DAB radio with Bluetooth connectivity and, through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can use your own navigation apps on the
7-inch touchscreen. This screen also provides a monitor for the standard 360° camera system and the reversing camera, which comes in addition to front and rear parking sensors.
Most importantly, the truck has Mitsubishi’s Super Select SS4-II four-wheel drive system, which incorporates Hill Descent, an Off-Road Mode and a rear differential lock. Having attended the original launch in a quarry, we can confirm the Shogun’s top-level, go-anywhere credentials.
Which is, after all, the point. Some might find the on-road ride a little bouncy when unladen, even with coil spring rear suspension, though the truck is a very comfortable cruiser. At the flick of a rotary dial, it is equally at home away from paved roads.
As mentioned, the Shogun Sport has plenty of competition from high-trim level pickups these days, including Mitsubishi’s own L200. The company also sells Outlander Commercial for those looking for a greener driveline. Toyota’s Land Cruiser Commercial is the main SUV-based opposition, while we are still waiting for Land Rover to replace the Defender. You could have a Discovery Commercial too, but you’d require a considerably higher budget.
The Verdict:
It may not have quite the hauling ability of the departed Shogun, but the Sport Commercial is a far nicer drive, on or off road.
Rating: 4/5
