The last hero

Shed a tear at the passing of one of Japan’s most legendary vehicles. One equally at home at international rallies, romping through the mud or towing way beyond what’s legally permitted. Think authentic, bombproof, civilised.

The Mitsubishi Shogun is down to remaining stock only in three- and five-door form. I recommend that if you’re in the market for a practical and robust 4x4 you locate one before its too late. I’ve no idea what the Highways Agency are going to do now they’ve lost what is arguably Britain’s hardest working 4x4?

I’m an enthusiastic owner of one powered by the largest production four-cylinder engine in a passenger car. Its outstanding ability to tow saved me from a deadly serious accident when the driver of a Mondeo left lane four of the A2 and came between me and my 1850kg caravan at 60mph.

For those in the know, the demise of the Shogun has been on the cards for a while due to emissions, so people have been rushing out to buy them. You’ll rarely see one in an auction and nearly-new ones are disposed of via ‘closed’ auctions at BCA. Not even I am allowed in.

My small local independent Mitsi dealer is hugely enthusiastic about them. He owns a mint MKI (above) which he’s not afraid to rally. In the showroom, alongside said rally warrior, is a glass trophy cabinet with an award given to him by Mitsubishi UK. You can imagine his despair when said award was stolen. Fortunately, the award was recovered, but what can never be replaced is such a tough, serviceable and talented 4x4 at a genuinely bargain price. What other 4x4 would be promoted by its chief engineer doing handbrake turns?