It is hard to believe that Mitsubishi’s Pajero celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Although the manufacturer imported the first batch of vehicles into South Africa only in 1985, the Pajero concept was shown in 1978 before the production-ready version was unveiled at the 1982 Tokyo Motor Show.
Motorsport fans will recognise the Pajero name for its impressive 12 victories in the Dakar Rally, the last being in 2007.
To celebrate its anniversary, Mitsubishi Motors SA has used market research from its customers to determine off-road gear Pajero buyers would want to add to their vehicle. The result is the well-equipped Pajero Legend. Based on the Pajero 3,2 Di-DC GLS 4×4, Mitsubishi has added kit worth around R120 000 to offer an almost go-anywhere vehicle.
This includes the following on the exterior:
Snorkel
LED Spotlights
Nudge bar
Under-protection plate
Rock slider
Goodyear all-terrain tyres
Roof rack with mounted table, one gas cylinder, 2 jerry cans
Tow bar
Lift jack
Spade
On the interior:
Heavy-duty seat covers
Tyre pressure and temperature monitor
Garmin GPS
Luna 50 litre fridge
Recovery kit
Two camping chairs
Engine bay:
Dual battery system
Air-compressor
As can be expected, all this equipment does add a fair bit of weight to the car, but once you head off-road, speed it the last thing on your priority list.
Off-road driving
Mitsubishi chose a relatively tricky bit of driving on day one of the launch. Although the route didn’t require locking the rear differential, we had to use four-wheel drive and low-range. The surface was mainly rocky inclines and declines, which the Pajero tackled easily if the correct lines were picked and the wheels placed in such a way that the vehicle was able to climb over the rocks.
The second day we headed into Die Hel, which included around three hours on gravel, one-way. Although you don’t need 4×4 to drive this road, selecting the 4×4 setting does help with traction and is safer. It was on this section where the Garmin GPS was especially handy.
Although the buyer of this vehicle will hopefully explore the roads less travelled, the absence of cruise control is rather unforgiving.
Summary
Priced at R619 900 – only R20 000 more than a standard GLS – it is almost a no-brainer to pick the Legend. The first 30 vehicles will be available only in white, followed by the usual range of colours thereafter. The Pajero has shown its reliability and durability over the years and the additional gear makes it a very inviting option. Buyers looking for the latest technology would probably want to search elsewhere since the Pajero is starting to show its age, but when you are heading off-road older but reliable technology is usually advisable.
Specifications
Model: Mitsubishi Pajero 3,2 Di-DC GLS AT Legend
Engine: 3,2-litre, four-cylinder, turbodiesel
Power: 140 kW at 3 800 r/min
Torque: 441 N.m at 2 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: 11,5 seconds (without added equipment)
Fuel consumption: 9,5 L/100 km
Fuel tank capacity: 88 litres
CO2: 253 g/km
Top speed: 185 km/h
Price: R619 900
Maintenance plan: 5 years/100 000 km
Service intervals: 10 000 km