A NEW five-door version of the Shogun Pinin has strengthened Mitsubishi's presence in the compact 4x4 market. The car follows the introduction of the three-door with the fuel-efficient 1.8 GDI (gasoline direct injection), and the new 2.0-litre engine in the five-door Pinin uses the same technology.

However, the larger engine promises to mirror the performance of the 1.8 in the three-door because it is driving a heavier car with a longer wheelbase. The Shogun Pinin, introduced last year, is targeting a slice of the popular sport utility vehicle (SUV) market, and the five-door (new this year) offers a realistic rival to five-door versions of user-chooser favourites like the Land Rover Freelander and Toyota RAV4.

The trend has been to compromise off-road ability in favour of improved on-road performance, but offer drivers the improved traction of four-wheel drive, and a lofty driving position. But the Pinin promises more off-road ability than its main rivals, and is expecting to win friends through keen pricing. Our test car was the entry-level model in the five-door range - the 2.0 GDI Equippe.