The Mitsubishi Pajero returns....

After a long hiatus, the Mitsubishi Pajero has finally returned to our shores, with the fourth-generation model being officially unveiled by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) yesterday. Fully imported from Japan, the new Pajero is currently available with the sole option of a 3.8-litre petrol V6 powerplant, although MMM is not ruling out the possibility of expanding the model mix to suit market demands.

Despite its long absence from our market, Malaysians are no strangers to the Pajero nameplate, with the first two generations renowned for being exceptionally tough workhorses. Many old Pajeros continue to remain in service today, a fact noted with great satisfaction by MMM CEO Mr Tetsuya Oda. 

Oda-san further added, "The name 'Pajero' is one of the most famous in the motoring world, and in the 4X4 community. This latest generation model blends the Pajero's traditional qualities with high levels of comfort and luxury to make it a true go-anywhere vehicle - equally at ease on the highway or in the jungle."

Not to be confused with the Pajero Sport, which is based on the Triton pick-up's ladder frame underpinnings, the Pajero features a substantially more complex chassis design. It uses a monocoque chassis with a built-in ladder frame, allowing it to merge the benefits of both designs at the slight penalty of weight. The engine is mounted behind the front axle, and all-four wheels are independently sprung - double-wishbones front and multi-link rear.

Powering the Pajero is Mitsubishi's 3,828cc 6G75 V6 SOHC 24V engine which produces 247hp @ 6,000rpm. Maximum torque of 329Nm is produced at 2,750rpm, but charts provided by Mitsubishi shows only notable decline of torque past the 4,000rpm mark. Paired to the engine is a 5-speed automatic transmission with Mitsubishi's INVECS-II transmission control software. 

For its off-roading prowess, the Mitsubishi has armed the Pajero with the four-mode Super Select II 4WD system, which allows shift-on-the-fly at speeds up to 100kph between 2WD High Range (2H), 4WD High Range (4H) and 4WD High Range with Locked Centre Diff (4HLc). The remaining mode is 4WD Low Range with Locked Centre Diff (4LLc). 

To improve its on-road prowess as well, the Pajero comes with Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC), which manages engine torque and braking on each individual based on input from a network of sensors. If the onset of oversteer or understeer is detected, ASTC is then supposed to step in and cut power or apply individual braking of wheels where appropriate. 

Unlike its utilitarian predecessors, the new Pajero features quite a bit more luxuries to pamper its seven occupants. A Rockford Acoustic Design sound system is provided as in-car entertainment, along with sunroof, cruise control, HID headlamps, auto lights, and auto wipers.

For individual private buyers in Peninsula Malaysia, the Pajero goes for RM289,980 inclusive of insurance. After sales is covered by a 3-year / 100,000km warranty.

source: www.autoworld.com.my