IT IS not easy to improve on an already comprehensive and competitive package as offered by the Shogun Pinin, but Mitsubishi have managed to do just that.

They have added the new special edition three-door Pinin Vivo II to its four-wheel drive stable. The Vivo II is available with manual or automatic transmission options.

Produced to meet the current trend by customers for added value, fully specified models, the Pinin Vivo 11 went on sale earlier this month.

Taking aside the Pinin Vivo lI's 1.8 ECI-MULTI engine, full-time four-wheel drive transmission and designer good looks for a moment, the latest addition to the Mitsubishi family can boast enough added extras to fill the back of one of Mitsubishi's award-winning L200 Pick-Ups. And all for £13,995 or £14,995 with the automatic gearbox.

An electric glass sunroof, electric front windows and electric heated door mirrors are touches of class and luxury that help to lift the Vivo II above its rivals, while the inclusion of a CD player and air conditioning show that little has been left out of the package worth £2,500.

ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution complements the full-time four-wheel drive, and the 16-valve 1.8 litre engine produces a maximum speed of 96mph while maintaining fuel consumption figures of 34mpg in extra urban mode.

Pininfarina styling is all about making a statement and the Pinin Vivo II does just that. The bodywork includes a roof spoiler and a smart spare wheel cover at the back, matched with fog lights at the front to enhance its sporty lines.

Four two-tone colour choices are available with Camival Red, Laputa Blue, Myrtle Green or Ebony Charcoal sitting above metallic Rhodium Silver.

As with all members of the Shogun Pinin family, practicality has not been forgotten.

The Pinin Vivo II uses a full-time 4WD system which eliminates the need to shift between two and four wheel drive delivering traction under all driving conditions.

The Shogun Pinin Vivo II becomes the third new addition to the range this year, following the three-door 2.0 GDI Mirage and 2.0 GDi Elegance models.