The Mitsubishi Shogun is a family-sized 4x4 that provides a terrific balance between luxury and rugged off-road capability.

On the one hand, it’s robust enough to go where others fear to tread. On the other, it offers the interior luxury of a classy, high-spec saloon.

During a camping trip to the south-west, it proved to be the ideal companion, making light work of the rutted farm track to and from the campsite, then easily swallowing a family-of-five and all our holiday belongings on the return journey to West Yorkshire. In that sense, the Shogun is a compromise between on-road refinement and off-road ability that will be more than adequate for most.

The Shogun is a ‘proper’ SUV in the traditional sense of the word and, understandably, has a loyal following.

It’s been around – in various guises – since 1982.

In many ways, it has remained true to its basic design blueprint for decades, evolving steadily but never undergoing radical change.

The latest model features exterior tweaks and a revised diesel engine - but the enhancements are subtle rather than breathtaking. The Shogun is available in either short-wheelbase (three-door) or long-wheelbase (five-door) guise. The larger model, tested here, is the more popular choice.

Behind the wheel, I certainly appreciated the extra oomph of the 3,200cc common-rail diesel that now returns a punchy 187bhp when you get up to 3,500rpm. It’s paired to an automatic gearbox that’s smooth enough to assist consistent acceleration. The vehicle performs the sprint from 0-62mph in a shade over 11 seconds - not bad for such a sizeable piece of metal.

The general ride quality is of a high standard, perhaps aided by the extra length of the five-door car, which further irons out poor surfaces. Despite its off-road capabilities, I found the Shogun to be a surprisingly easy vehicle to live with on the tarmac on an everyday basis. Handling is good considering its size and weight, although it’s clearly not the type of vehicle you want to be throwing round corners at higher speeds.

Noise levels at motorway cruising speeds are noticeable, but by no means unbearable.

Sitting beneath the Shogun’s square-jawed styling is a built-in frame, monocoque chassis, optimised All-Wheel Control system, and wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension which gives the Shogun its rugged ability.

In terms of looks, the Shogun has undergone a few recent alterations, but it’s still a distinctive and instantly recognisable machine.

The front end of this model has a deeper more integrated front grille and smart LED daytime running lights, which lend it a certain maturity.

Meanwhile, it retains its more traditional masculine features, including the upright windscreen, flared wheelarches and rear-mounted spare wheel. Such features underline its off-road ability. Mitsubishi says the styling changes represent a ‘progressive evolution’ of Mitsubishi’s tough and authentic off-roader.

You can carry seven people if you wish, but we simply used it as a five-seater which is the best way to make the most of its gigantic boot.

Equipment levels include an alarm and keyless entry, black roof rails, heated front seats, electric windows and mirrors, plus climate control and 20-inch alloy wheels.

There’s a colour screen with its wealth of driver information, including audio settings and a display from the fast and efficient satellite navigation set-up. Bluetooth with music streaming, along with DAB digital radio, are thrown into the mix for good measure. The steering wheel audio controls are also user-friendly, adding extra convenience.

In conclusion, the Mitsubishi Shogun offers solid engineering, a nice balance between off-road durability and on-road refinement, value pricing and bags of character.