Mitsubishi has just revived one of its most iconic nameplates- the Pajero! The fifth-generation Pajero made its global debut today (September 2). It is a seven-seater SUV based on the Triton pickup truck’s ladder-frame chassis. The company has plans to launch multiple models in the Pajero family. Initially, the SUV will launch in markets like Thailand, Japan and Australia, by March, next year. Before you wonder, no plans to launch this in India, as of now! Here is everything to know about the new Pajero.
Yes, the fifth-generation takes inspiration from earlier Pajeros. However, it is not a mere recreation or continuation of their respective designs. Mitsubishi has used a more modern design language seen on models like the Destinator and Xforce. Purists may not appreciate this move though! They may have appreciated a modern iteration of the iconic Pajero’s design more. But again, design is subjective, and you can’t make everyone equally happy with any given design!
The new Pajero has a much larger and more imposing front grille, sculpted bodywork, chunky wheel arches, flat roofline, large glasshouse, chunky mud flaps, side steps and 20-inch wheels with H/T tyres. The SUV has a substantial road presence. Generous underbody protection and a long travel suspension further adds to its rugged character.
There is an important change at the rear. The ‘fifth door’ seen on previous Pajero models has been replaced with a conventional tailgate, the spare wheel now sits underneath the vehicle. – another move that the purists may not appreciate much!
The biggest surprise is inside the new Pajero. Unlike the rugged exterior, the cabin feels modern, comfort-focussed, and tech-loaded. It is clearly more luxurious that what you would normally expect from a Mitsubishi.
The Pajero gets a three-row, seven-seat layout. The second row can slide and also comes with a tumble function. This makes access to the third-row easier. Due to the flat roofline, there is no compromise in headroom either.
The top-spec version makes generous use of leather and soft trims. There is a sense of refinement and sophistication inside. The vehicle also features double-glazed glass for all doors and an acoustic windshield.
There is a long list of features too. These include a 12-speaker Yamaha audio system, tri-zone automatic climate control, rear sunshades, cooled storage compartment in the centre armrest, two large 14.3-inch screens (lower variants get 12.3-inch displays), USB ports, and heated second-row seats. The company has (thankfully) not ditched physical controls. Essential functions like climate control still use these. A rotary controller can be used to switch between different four-wheel-drive settings.
Mitsubishi has also given the new Pajero the iconic multi-meter. This is a feature that we have seen (and loved) on multiple previous Pajero models. This time, however, it isn’t a physical unit. It has been integrated into the central display, and shows important off-road information such as the vehicle’s pitch and roll angles, altitude and compass heading. It can also display the distribution of torque between the left and right sides- quite useful while tackling tricky terrains.
Instead of using a unibody and diluting its genes, Mitsubishi has based the new Pajero on a proven ladder-frame platform, shared with the Triton pickup. It has reportedly been strengthened significantly for the SUV, and makes greater use of high-tensile steel.
The suspension setup has also been specifically engineered for the Pajero. It consists of a high-mounted double-wishbone setup at the front and a five-link rigid axle at the rear. The manufacturer says there is a fine balance between road manners and off-road capabilities. Comfortable and composed on highways and tough on terrains.
The SUV also gets Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. It controls how the drive and braking forces are distributed between the wheels. It integrates four-wheel-drive system with Active Yaw Control, Active Stability and Traction Control and ABS.
At launch, the new Pajero will only have a diesel engine- a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel- just like the Triton. It will make up to 204PS and 480Nm- 10Nm more than the truck. Mated to the engine is a ‘new-generation’ eight-speed automatic transmission.