| Overall Rating |
 |
| Description |
| Pinin is the baby of the Shogun family and tries hard to uphold family standards. It's affordable, quite youthful, good off-road, reliable and fairly tough, but it's compromised by too many imperfections. |
| Handling |
 |
| Comfort |
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| Quality & Reliability |
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| Performance |
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| Roominess |
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| Running Costs |
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| Value for Money |
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| Stereo/Sat Nav |
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| NCAP |
| 3 |
| Best Models |
| 2.0 GDi 5-door |
| Worst Models |
| 1.8 MPi 3-door |
|
 |
| Road Test |
| Pinin sits between Grand Vitara and RAV-4; classier and costlier than the former, it's less stylish or sporty than the latter. Its attractions are its no-nonsense image, undeniable off-road abilities and excellent reliability. There's no diesel option, which will discourage some buyers, but the petrol engines - Mitsubishi's efficient GDI direct-injection units of 1.8 and 2.0 litres - are lively and fairly economical, returning 30mpg or more. On-road handling is acceptable, with accurate steering and not too much body roll, but refinement is poor. The ride is choppy and lurchy on both the short-wheelbase three-door car and the larger five-door, which should be smoother as a family-carrier. Noise is ever-present - from wind, engines and road. Pinin is smaller than RAV-4, so you can't expect huge interior space. The rear seats are cramped on the three-door, and there's less load space. Cabin trim is unimpressive but equipment on all but the cheapest versions is generous. |
| Positive Points |
- Agile mini-4x4 that's good value
- Well built, well equipped, with good reliability
- Easy to drive on
- or off-road
|
| Negative Points |
- Choppy ride on all but the smoothest roads
- Engine noise, wind noise and road noise
- Thirsty when laden and driven hard
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