Historically when thinking of Mitsubishi only two models really come to mind. The reliable workhorse that is the Shogun which although often seen on the school run is also the preferred choice for discerning country folk who want to avoid life on the hard shoulder with older Land Rover Discoveries for example.

Then who could fail to be unaware of the simply outrageous Lancer Evo series which have been tearing up the black stuff for a number of years now.

However the distinct lack of a fuller range of models in recent years has left Mitsubishi somewhat out in the cold in the UK and made it quite hard for dealers to position themselves and given them somewhat of an identity crisis. I mean apart from farmers and petrol heads just what is on offer for the average buyer.

Attempts were made to offer some alternatives but with interim models shipped in direct from Japan things tended to get worse before they got better.

Well I'm pleased to say that Mitsubishi have really got their act together in recent times and to use an old sales cliché now have something for everyone. The model range is now fully consolidated with offerings from the wacky new i range through to the rugged all new L200 tipper, part of the award winning L200 range.

This combined with 3 year service intervals on all new models and the build quality and reliability that are synonymous with the Mitsubishi name definitely requires a closer look.

Mitsubishi dealers now offer a full after sales package that is second to none. Service plans are available across all new models which effectively offers fixed price motoring. These plans are also transferable with ownership which is an added bonus.

Let's cut to the chase then and look at exactly what's on offer. The i supermini range is a five door hatch with a lightweight aluminium 3 cylinder 57 bhp 660cc turbocharged engine returning 54.6 average fuel consumption. It produces a CO2 emission of a mere 114g/km.

The Colt is a 3 & 5 door hatch available in 3 engine sizes including a diesel variant. Special additions are available including the eye catching CZC cabriolet.

The all new Lancer range replaces the outgoing model and is a 4 door saloon available in 2 engine sizes including a diesel and is topped out by the sublime new Evo X.

Grandis is a sleek and sporty MPV which can carry up to seven in style without looking like the usual box like MPV's available on the market. The Grandis comes with 2 or 2.4 litre petrol engines or a 2 litre diesel.

New Outlander is a quality 4x4 SUV that can seat seven and yet returns 40mpg plus on the combined cycle. Other features include switchable four wheel drive and Mitsubishis patented active stability and traction control.

We couldn't talk Mitsubishi without mentioning the ubiquitous Shogun. Now in it's fourth generation and claimed to be the best yet. Available in both short and long wheel base versions and comes only as a 3.2 litre common rail turbocharged direct injection diesel engine. This vehicle really is packed with features including auto- levelling Xenon head lights, a rear view camera and reversing sensors. A 30 gigabyte hard drive sat nav system with touch screen, 12 speaker 860w Rockford sound system. Safety features include Engine Brake Assist, Active Stability and Traction Control side, curtain and dual stage front SRS airbags that now satisfies the criteria for Euro NCAP four-star rating. The list goes on and makes this iconic marque a really tempting prospect.

Finally we come to the L200 which you may be surprised to know has been around for some eighteen years now. A formidable pick-up which was a winner in What Van? Awards 2007. A variety of body styles are available including single, double and club cab as well as a drop-side and tipper.

All this choice should definitely have you hot footing down to your nearest Mitsubishi dealer unless you're my Grandad who still refuses to buy a Japanese car but there you go!