MITSUBISHI has given its best-selling Shogun a mid-life facelift with the addition of a number of cosmetic updates inside and out. The trusty Shogun has established itself as both a genuine countryside workhorse for the small business user and a suburban status symbol for upwardly mobile user-choosers. But with the arrival of a rash of aggressively priced all-American contenders in the shape of the Ford Explorer and Chrysler Jeep ranges, plus the Monterey from Vauxhall, Mitsubishi has acted to protect its position.

Specification enhancements across the range include a driver's side SRS airbag, anti-trap electric windows, a high-mounted rear stoplamp, electronic immobiliser, double angle driver's door mirror and new headlamps.

The GLX tested here also gets electrically-adjustable heated door mirrors, while the higher spec GLS versions also get a passenger airbag, leather-trimmed steering wheel, wheel-arch extensions and side steps with integral mudflaps. The flagship 3.5-litre V6 comes with full leather upholstery, twin airbags, air conditioning, wood trim, electrically-adjustable driver's seat and a CD autochanger.

The 2.8 GLX is more modestly equipped however, and although standard equipment is on a par with a mainstream upper medium saloon, it carries an executive price tag and comes out second best against the extremely well specified Jeeps and Explorer. ABS braking is not even available as an option and the usual complement of aftermarket addenda such as alloy wheels and metallic paint, which is almost de rigeur on the Shogun, all cost extra.