It may be smaller than its older and bigger Shogun brother, but it is still worthy of the name and is indeed perfectly formed.

The five-door Pinin is the ideal sports utility vehicle for single people or a young family.

Shopping, the school run or with high and low ratio four wheel drive options, some reasonably serious off roading, this vehicle is truly versatile.

The 2.0 GDI is the top of the range Pinin and has a staggering equipment level that puts its competitors to shame.

Leather upholstery, navigation system, CD player, dual airbags and air conditioning all come as standard in this model.

At £18,495 on the road, it represents excellent value.

There are some great safety features included, particu-larly important to the family-orientated buyer.

Apart from dual airbags, the rear seats have three point ELR seatbelts, including the central passenger it is rarer than one would think.

Squared off lines give the car a very chunky and substantial look and the model has side steps which enhance the side profile.

The interior has a really luxurious feel to it with the leather upholstery.

Narrow styling means that the rear is a little cramped for adults but more than adequate for children. Split folding seats add versatility to a rear boot space that is already well proportioned.

And what about the performance? Well the Pinin lacks sufficient ground clearance for the serious off roader but does cope well with most terrain and boasts a great suspension that softens ruts and bumps.

Everyday driving is where the Pinin excels. This is a very nimble and fun drive. Steering is precise and responsive and the longer wheel base on the five-door makes it a far better balanced car than the three-door model.

The two-litre engine has plenty of go and comes into its own during mid range acceleration. According to the manufacturer, the Vivo achieves a top speed of 106 mph and 0-62 mph in 10.8 seconds. The GDi engine ensures economy 30.1 mpg in the combined cycle.

This is a car that is both practical and fun.

It really is hard to find fault with the car.

Great looks, a great drive and an extraordinarily high equipment level makes this a very attractive package.

I wouldn't object to one for Christmas!

Contact: Fish Brothers Mitsubishi, Paddington Drive, Swindon. Ring 01793 645600.