The Montero was always a quietly handsome and off-road-ready SUV, but was caught out by the global financial crisis combined with shifting buyer priorities.
Its final flared-fender style was a big leap above the too-narrow look of the first few generations, but the Montero always seemed in the Toyota Land Cruiser’s shadow as far as consumer awareness. A steep price meant it was Mitsubishi Motors’ flagship model in the US – and the trucks tended to hand around showrooms for a bit too long. This clogged balance sheets to the point where investment in a follow-up model with 2012-introduced safety and emission rules became unfeasible.
Our loss is the global market’s gain, however: the Mitsubishi Shogun is going strong in 50-plus markets, including the United Kingdom, where it is popular with a torque-y turbodiesel engine.
For this year, a new SWB Barbarian trim level joins the range. It looks outstanding!
For your next safari, call it whatever you want: Shogun, Pajaro or Montero — this Mitsubishi Barbarian will take you to the end of the Earth and back in reliable and stylish fashion.
The always-enjoyable altimeter and inclinometer gyroscope is now digital, and is joined by other instruments like a barometer for this latest Shogun.
MITSUBISHI MOTORS IN THE UK ANNOUNCE A NEW ADDITION TO SHOGUN LINE-UP
CIRENCESTER – Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is pleased to announce a new addition to the Shogun line-up, the Shogun SWB (short wheel base) Barbarian. It is a progressive evolution of Mitsubishi’s classic off-roading status symbol that combines authentic four-wheel drive go-anywhere ability with bold, muscular styling.
The Mitsubishi Shogun is immediately distinguished by its bold front grille – incorporating a short front overhang, upright windscreen, strong high flanks, flared wheel-arches and rear-mounted spare wheel – all key Shogun styling cues that underline its tough, authentic, off-road ability.
This new derivative sits above the Shogun Warrior and features the following additional specification:
-
20” gloss black / silver dual colour Le Mans alloy wheels
-
L200 Barbarian style leather interior with carbon inserts
-
DAB digital radio
-
Colour coded spare wheel cover
-
Alloy pedal kit
Pricing:
-
Shogun SWB Barbarian Manual = £31,999
-
Shogun SWB Barbarian Auto = £33,684
-
Shogun SWB Barbarian Commercial Manual = £33,449
-
Shogun SWB Barbarian Commercial Auto = £35,134
Colours:
-
Black Pearl (Pearlescent)
-
Frost White (Solid)
-
Eiger Grey (Metallic)
-
Cool Silver (Metallic)
Servicing, Insurance and Maintenance
The legendary Mitsubishi Shogun has a 3-year / unlimited mileage warranty together with a pan-European roadside assistance package. Service intervals for all Shogun variants are 12,500 miles /12 months (whichever comes first) and Mitsubishi’s extremely competitive service plan (MSP), covering the first three scheduled services can be purchased for just £975 (Inc VAT). The Shogun SWB Barbarian manual and auto is insurance group 33A.
Conclusion:
Away from the much commented luxury soft-roaders, Heavy-duty workhorses such as the Shogun have carved out a very unique niche in the market where ability and dependability matter first and foremost.
The Shogun Barbarian is an exciting addition to the SWB range and will help to continue the strong sales momentum. Sales are up 78% on the Shogun LWB variants and an impressive 150% for the Shogun SWB variants year-on-year.
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.