IN the fast-changing automotive world there are plenty of reassuring constants and the Mitsubishi Shogun is one of them.

As SUVs have arguably got a little softer the Shogun has stayed ruggedly true to its roots and seems as quintessentially connected to outdoor living and country pursuits as ever.

I always think of the Shogun as one of those utilitarian workhorses favoured by the country set. It's the sort of SUV that will actually spend a significant amount of time off-road, unlike most.

It's a step up from your basic workhorse though, offering considerably more comfort than a Land Rover Defender as well as being significantly cheaper than a Range Rover. Though continuing the Land Rover comparisons the Shogun is for the most part competing against the Land Rover Discovery.

The latest version is very much an old school SUV when it comes to looks. It doesn't look all that different to the last generation model or any of its predecessors for that matter.

The box-like traditional styling means it is huge on the inside and you also sit very high up, giving a commanding view of the road.

For a large vehicle the Shogun is surprisingly easy to drive and remarkably manoeuvrable given its overall bulk, helped by excellent all-round visibility.

In the practicality stakes it comes up trumps. Whether you're utilising its generously sized large boot to transport bulky items or transporting large numbers of children with all seven seats in use it has plenty going for it.

One of my favourite features is the huge tailgate that swings open rather than upwards - even if it sometimes feel as if you need two hands to open it fully.

Its 3.2-litre diesel engine does a good job too, though it is starting to show its age. I have no doubt it would be more than adept at towing horseboxes up steep hills but it is noticeably noisy and lacks the refinement displayed by some of its competitors.

However, a combined economy figure of around 34mpg is decent enough for an engine of this size and I would imagine most prospective buyers would not be put off by the fact it doesn't feel all overtly car-like, even if the makers of many of its competitors have relentlessly pursued enhancing the road-going capabilities of their vehicles.