The Van’s Headlights: Mitsubishi Shogun Barbarian

The Van’s Headlights

Our research data for the summer months normally shows a lull in used vehicle activity followed by a flood of activity and increased sales in September. However, the pandemic has seen demand and prices soar through the summer. Closure of manufacturing plants and the effects on the wider economy resulting in delayed fleet replacement cycles used stock shortages and uncertainty over future supply. This has led to a surge in demand for used light commercial vehicles (LCVs) and correspondingly huge increases in conversion rates and average selling prices over the last few months.

In this month’s edition of The Van’s Headlights, the team consider the merits of the Mitsubishi Shogun Barbarian 3.2DI-DC 187bhp Auto Euro 6 SWB Commercial (2015 – 2019).

The Mitsubishi Shogun

The roots of the Mitsubishi Shogun (also known as Pajero and Montero in other markets) can be traced back to 1934, when Mitsubishi’s first 4WD vehicle, the PX33 prototype was built. However, it wasn’t until November 1979 that the Shogun prototype was revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show.

The Mitsubishi Shogun launched as a multi-purpose vehicle in 1982. A completely new genre of 4WD combining off-road toughness and capability with the comfort, handling and specification of a saloon.  Short wheelbase (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) models were available with either 2.6-litre petrol or a 2.5-litre diesel turbo engine. 

Further generations of the Shogun passenger vehicles appeared in 1991 and 1999, but it wasn’t until 2004 that the first commercial variants of the Shogun were introduced in the UK.

Designed with the same reputation for reliability and build quality, the Shogun commercial was available as SWB and LWB vans with two trim levels, Equippe and Classic. With both manual and automatic transmissions available with both featuring the much revered Super Select four-wheel-drive system. The choice of four different driving modes; 2H (2WD high range), 4H (4WD high range), 4HLc (4WD high range with locked centre differential) and 4LLc (4WD low range with locked centre differential) made the Shogun Commercial an ideal choice for those needing to take to rougher terrain.

The 3.2DI-DC 158bhp double overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine was introduced in 2007 improving power, torque and driver comfort.

In 2010, Mitsubishi introduced a Euro 5 compliant 3.2DI-DC DOHC engine, again mated to either a manual or automatic transmission, but this time generating 197bhp with an increase in torque. It was at this time Mitsubishi introduced higher specification Warrior and Barbarian trim levels on the SWB 4×4 van.

A facelift in 2015 saw the introduction of an improved monocoque body with a revised grille for the Shogun Commercial, together with a Euro 6 3.2DI-DC automatic engine generating 187bhp with Mitsubishi discontinuing the manual gearbox in favour of an all-automatic line-up. At the same time, revised suspension improved ride and handling whilst LED lighting improved night time vision. A new spare wheel carrier on the tailgate also featured in this facelift.

The SG2 4Work replaced the Equippe as the entry model and was available as a SWB or LWB model, whilst the halo Warrior and Barbarian trims remained available in SWB formats only. SWB models could tow a maximum of 3.0 tonnes and the LWB SG2, 3.5 tonnes.

A capable all-rounder

Andy Picton, Glass’s Chief Commercial Vehicle Editor recommends the Mitsubishi Shogun Commercial as “an extremely capable and rugged off-road van with great towing capabilities. The Shogun is recognised as a credible alternative to the Land Rover Discovery and is a popular choice with the police and the Highways Agency, as well as in construction and agricultural markets”

Andy added, “Although no longer available new, the Shogun is supported by a strong Mitsubishi dealer network. It has a loyal following in the used market, with buyers attracted to its high specification levels, powerful and torquey 3.2DI-DC engine and its ability to tow up to 3.5 tonnes”.

Peugeot Bipper Professional 1.3HDi 80bhp Euro 6 van (2016 – 2017)

The Mitsubishi Shogun Commercial range

• Two body styles
• 5-speed automatic gearbox
• Three trim levels
• Euro 6 engine line up
• Up to 3.5-tonnes towing capability

There were three models in the 2015-2018 Shogun Commercial van range – SG2 4Work, Warrior and Barbarian. All models were powered by the same 3.2DI-DC 187bhp Euro 6 engine, with automatic transmission. A high level of standard specification taken from the car featured in the commercial variant and included, Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control (M-ASTC), ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), driver and passenger airbags, 18” alloy wheels, heated seats, heated and electric wing mirrors, Bluetooth with music streaming, auto lights and wipers, cruise control and a leather-covered steering wheel.

Additionally, the recommended 2018 Shogun Barbarian SWB Auto added as standard; climate control, black leather heated seats, 20” alloy wheels, Touchscreen DAB radio with MP3 player and USB port, satellite navigation system, reversing camera, steering wheel controls, front fog lights, tyre pressure monitoring system, tailgate privacy glass, alarm and exterior chrome detailing.

Shogun SWB Dimensions	Shogun SWB Load Space	Shogun SWB Miscellaneous
Length	4, 386mm	Length	840mm	Gross Vehicle Weight	2,665kg
Width	1,875mm	Max Width	1,395mm	Payload	480kg
Height	1,870mm	Width between arches	1,395mm	Warranty	5yrs/62,500m
Wheelbase	2,545mm	Height	1,105mm	Service Intervals	12,500m
		Volume	1.3m3

2016 Pros	2016 Cons
Powerful engine with plenty of torque	Thirsty engine
Great off-road capabilities	Disappointing payload
Good level of standard specification	Battery can fail due to insufficient charge
Responsive and smooth automatic gearbox	High running costs
Superb Super Select 4WD system	The single hinged rear door is heavy
Good all-round visibility	Opening the rear door can be an issue in tight spaces
No AdBlue Good level of standard safety features

Glass’s recommendation

Mitsubishi Shogun Barbarian 3.2DI-DC 187bhp Auto Euro 6 SWB Commercial

Registration Plate: 2018/18

Mileage: 30,000 miles

Glass’s Trade £20,500 Excl VAT

Glass’s Retail £22,800 Excl VAT