THE only way to survive in the overcrowded 4x4 market is either to be the best all-rounder or to appeal within a niche sector.
Mitsubishi's Shogun has turned full circle since the arrival of a host of rivals, virtually all of which major on on-road superiority.
Whilst it was once an impressive all-rounder, its forte now lies with the rough stuff.
There's no denying that on tarmac it has been edged down the table by an array of newer pretenders, including the BMW X5, Lexus RX300, Volvo XC90, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen Touareg and the latest incarnation of the Range Rover.
Their mission is to be as car-like as possible, whilst the Shogun stays true to its roots, along with Land Rovers, Isuzus and the Toyota Land Cruiser.
As with virtually all vehicles in this sector, there is a choice of petrol and diesel engines, with the former being best suited to tarmac and the latter maximising the Shogun's impressive off-road capabilities.
Mirror-smooth tarmac only serves to emphasise the inherent clattering of an oil-burner, whose mighty torque comes into its own when ultimate pulling power is required off-piste.
On the other hand, the 3.5-litre V6 petrol unit feels smooth by comparison, with driving characteristics that make it ideal for either solo use or as a towing vehicle. It has a 0-60mph acceleration time of 12.5 seconds and a 115mph top speed..
When it comes to the interior layout and the choice of materials, the Shogun is acceptable but not class-leading. Redemption comes in the form of a fold-down rear seat offering further accommodation for two small people, which makes the vehicle an occasional seven-seater.
Revamped for 2004, the price of the long wheelbase Warrior as tested stays the same at £32,500. However, it now comes with an active stability and traction control system, which is added to all new Shoguns.
On the Warrior there is also a 10-CD autochanger and Smartnav, which is an advanced navigation system that guides around jams using live traffic data.
Prices range from £22,200 to £27,500 for the short wheelbase Warrior, which has a leather interior, CD/ stereo, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic transmission and heated power seats as standard, plus the traction control system.
In total there are now 13 Shogun variations, based on three-door short wheelbase and five-door long wheelbase body styles. There are five levels of specification with a choice of either 3.2-litre direct injection diesel, or the 3.5 litre GDi V6 petrol power plant.
It would be misleading to suggest that the Shogun is the best vehicle of its type for every day use, in the face of such intense competition.
The Volvo XC90, for example, is more refined and just as versatile, but then it does cost significantly more. The Range Rover can match the Shogun's prodigious off-road abilities, but again it costs much more.
The Shogun's survival plan is to transform itself from being a costly vehicle with very little kit, to a moderately priced one with loads of gear.
Ultimately it is a competent enough all-rounder that excels in the rough, but faces increasingly tough competition on all fronts.
FAST FACTS
Mitsubishi Shogun Warrior
Price: £32,499
Mechanical: 200bhp, 3,497cc V6 petrol engine driving all four wheels via 5-spd automatic transmission
Max speed: 115mph
0-62mph: 12.5 secs
Combined mpg: 19.9
Insurance group: 16
CO2 emissions: 339g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles; 6yrs anti-rust