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Story: Roderick Eime
Pajero Gets the Last Laugh
Test Vehicle: Mitsubishi Pajero NS GLX LWB five-door 4WD Engine: 6G75 V6 3800 SOHC 24-valve MIVEC (184kW) Power: NVECS-II Sport Mode 5-Speed Full Automatic $52,490 as tested – 5-year/130,000 km warranty
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enerable Japanese manufacturer, Mitsubishi, had an admirable plan when it launched its highspecification 4WD at the 1981 Tokyo Motor Show. The name ‘Pajero’ was applied to the new vehicle, drawn from a small South American feline (Leopardus pajeros) that darts spritely amongst the high pampas of the Andes. Attracted by the allure of the
svelte little predator, the marketing team unfortunately didn’t look at every popular use of the word and very soon the Spanishspeaking markets were rolling on the floor at the Japanese ineptitude. American and Spanish markets now refer to the Pajero as ‘Montero’ (mountain lion) and the UK market as ‘Shogun’. Now in its fourth generation, the new NS Series introduces enhancements that
maintain the vehicle’s market respect despite continued unkind references to that famous nomenclature faux pas 25 years ago. The new diesel Pajero was recently awarded ‘4X4 OF THE YEAR’ by 4x4 Australia, even when up against finalists Touareg, Prado, Mercedes-Benz and Jeep. With so many ‘almost’ 4WDs and SUVs on the market, it’s hard for buyers to OUTthere 59