?clinical News
Page 14
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Another Jap 4x4
E MITSUBISHI Shogun marKI in Britain by Colt Cars is company's first four-wheel'e model to be imported from an, writes BILL BROCK. owever, the Shogun (Japee for military leader) is unly to reach its full potential in UK because it must be inled in Colt's import quota.
he two models, Steel Top or vas Top, will appeal to those ) hanker after off-road pernance at modest prices.
is powered by a four-cylin2.6-litre petrol engine and a top speed of 140km/h ii ph).
he driveline continues with a .)-speed overdrive gearbox I via a chain-drive transfer c to front and rear diffs.
,n unusual front suspension 3ngement employing torsion s instead of coil springs proes for independent movent and allows the differential be mounted on the chassis. large — 380mm (Thin) — eels contribute to the excel t 210mm (8.25in) ground arance. Vulnerable underiy components are protected steel plates.
ln the road with three pasigers, the Shogun cruised effortlessly at maximum motorway speeds with little wind, engine or transmission noise. At slower speeds, over the rougher road, the rear leaf springs, aided by hydraulic shock absorbers mounted in opposing directions on each side of the axle, gave a choppy ride.
The vehicles' short 2.35m (92.5in) wheelbase and high driving position causes suspension reaction, and this resulted in a pitching movement.
With a 76kW (56bhp) power output and torque of 192Nm (141 lbft) the engine pulled down well to around 1,000rpm in top. While the Shogun remained steady at speed on motorways, along tight and twisty lanes it showed a tendency to wag its tail.
The high-backed front seats provided adequate adjustment for comfort but lack the squab side support expected of a true bucket seat.
Rear seats fold forward to make way for a payload of 12 to 14cwt including the driver.
Visibility is generally good, but the B-posts are deep and restrict vision slightly on the offside rear.
The spare wheel mounted on the back door does not intrude upon the space of the interior or restrict rearward vision.
Using the lever beside the gear stick, four-wheel drive is selected with the vehicle stationary and front wheel locks are automatically engaged.
High and low ratio may be selected on the move. Off road in four-wheel-drive the Shogun showed a tendency to understeer, but driving hard over a loosely gravelled surface directional stability proved to be skittish.
The front wheel locks work both under drive and on the overrun. Both on and off road the servo-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes were light and positive in use.
Short front and rear overhang allow good approach and departure angles of 440 and 330.
Initially the Metal Top model will sell at £8,999 including vat and car tax, while the Canvas Top is £659 less.