When someone asks you to think of a tough Japanese SUV, the Pavlovian response is to think of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. We often forget that the Mitsubishi Pajero has been around for nearly 25 years, across 170 different countries to the tune of more than 2,5 million units produced.
Despite being around for almost a quarter of a century, the latest version (released this month) is only the forth incarnation of this traditionally hard-as-nails SUV, so it’s little wonder we often overlook this off-roading icon.
We first got a good look at the Pajero at last year’s Auto Africa Motor Show and the styling of the new car is more evolution than revolution. The Pajero retains its predecessor’s boxy profile, flared wheel arches and short rear overhang with just a couple of new bits here and there – like the angular headlamps.
There is a choice of two engines – a new 3,2-litre four-cylinder common-rail diesel (DI-DC) that delivers 121 kW at 3 500 r/min and 373 N.m of torque at 2 000 r/min, or a 3,8-litre V6 Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) petrol engine with 184 kW at 6 000 rpm and 329 N.m of torque at 2 750 r/min.
Both the 3,8-litre SWB derivative and the 3,2 DI-DC derivatives come standard with an with the automatic INVECS-II Sport mode five-speed automatic transmission.
The four-wheel-drive system comprises of Mitsubishi’s well-known Super Select 4WD-II transfer case with both Active Stability Traction Control and (on the GLX LWB) rear differential lock. On the road, Mitsubishi’s Active Stability and Traction Control (M-ASTC) regulates braking force to each wheel during cornering to ensure excellent stability and optimum traction in all conditions, on and off-road.
The new Pajero is still available in the popular Short Wheel Base (SWB) and Long Wheel Base (LWB) configurations. With its short overhangs and balanced compact packaging, the new SWB more biased towards the rough stuff, whereas the LWB offers greater space and passenger comfort.
The LWB model comes fitted with seven seats as standard, the third row of which can be folded flat into the floor a-lá Opel Zafira with the ‘Hide & Seat’ feature, to free up more luggage or passenger space.
The interior now sports a number of high-grade, soft touch materials, including more luxurious leather upholstery, to add a more luxurious ambience. The scattergun instrument layout of the previous model has been replaced with a more logical arrangement grouping the instruments by function, while the audio controls have migrated onto the steering wheel. The seats are more supportive and the third row is now more spacious. The LWB models feature an exclusive, 860w Rockford Fosgate sound system with 12 speakers. The one thing you will notice missing is the dash-mounted inclinometer/altimeter, almost a shame given the hardcore off-road credentials this model boasts.
In terms of safety, an even stronger body satisfies the criteria for Euro NCAP four-star rating and all models include side, curtain and dual stage front SRS airbags.
It may not shatter the mold, but the new Pajero will build upon the high quality and strong off-road ability of its predecessors – that alone should be enough for the likes of the Prado, Discovery III and Nissan Patrol to sit up and take note.
Prices are as follows (all prices include VAT):
Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2L GLX DiD LWB Auto R393 000
Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2L GLS DiD LWB Auto R487 800
Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2L GLS DiD SWB Auto R477 300
Mitsubishi Pajero 3.8L V6 GLS SWB Auto R379 100