THEY are far from being a one-model manufacturer, but to many UK drivers mention the name Mitsubishi and the next word on anyone's lips is Shogun.

Almost 30 years after the first three-door Shogun landed in UK fields and two years later its bigger five-door became the first big off-roader to have seven seats, Mitsubishi has introduced the latest incarnation of its icon.

It cannot have come at a better time as Mitsubishi UK sales are sliding and are currently half of what they were six years ago due to the recession, strong competition and a poor model replacement programme.

Now in its latest 2012 form with improved specification, a cleaner CO2 emissions 3.2-litre diesel engine and substantial towing weights, the Shogun remains the figurehead.

Prices range from £30,099 for the Shogun three-door up to £42,799 for the new five-door Black and in between there are SG2, SG3, SG4.

Apart from minor visual changes and an improved look to the interior the most significant change to the latest Shogun is the engine. The 3.2-litre, four-cylinder DI-DC common rail turbodiesel improves economy and cuts emissions, which are important for business users and private buyers alike.

The new engine is a good starter but its modest number of cylinders let you know how hard its working when you accelerate and the power is flowing to the big wheels and tyres.

It delivers good but not outstanding acceleration and the five-speed automatic gearbox feels bullet-proof but shields that performance potential as well.

Gear changes are usually smooth but really press on and the changes are noticeably jerkier. The transmission can be manually selected to run two or four wheels in low or normal range.

The steering is good at slow and modest speed but lacks precision at high speed and the turning circle is reasonable without being twitchy.

I liked the Shogun's big brake pedal and the effortless power it delivered to slow or stop the vehicle and the parking brake securely held it on a slope.

Secondary switches are well laid out over the big facia, console and around the column and wheel and instruments are large and clear, while the straightforward heating and ventilation system is very effective in the enormous cabin.

Oddments room is generous throughout, the loadbed wide and deep and the seats progressively fold away to lift capacity from a basic 215 litres to a maximum 1,790 litres. Access to the back is clearly unobstructed and the doors have big openings.

The seats are very generous in size and comfortable with excellent support and adjustment on the front pair.

Room is excellent inside and you can easily sit three abreast in the back without loss of leg or shoulder room, using the rear pair of seats needs some dexterity and short legs.

The specification and trim is high for all models and included are  electrically controlled windows and door mirrors, on board computer, compass, barometer and altimeter, multi-speaker Fosgate sound system, integrated Bluetooth, powered sunroof, automatic lights and wipers, keyless entry, air conditioning front and rear, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, seven seats in three rows with the rear row easily folded away into the load area floor when not in use and on the rear door is a proper spare wheel.

Visibility is good to the front and sides, slightly restricted to the rear, but over the shoulder it's good as well due to the upright roof styling and very slim pillars. Big wipers and bright lights keep you safe in poor conditions.

The good performance is matched by reasonable fuel consumption for such a large vehicle and its off-road abilities are unquestionably good so long as you know how to drive in such a situation.

Its styling and mechanical refinement may not be cutting edge but its abilities and pricing are sharp and its comfortable, roomy nature is highly desirable and probably more relevant today than nearly three decades ago.