Pajerio Gets the Last Laugh

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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

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tell when they’re getting a real off-road machine. For the press launch, Mitsubishi took the notoriously hard-nosed Australian journalists to the Flinders Ranges where they tore around in the ruts, potholes and bulldust of the true outback.

Our test vehicle came with the new 3.8-litre 24-valve V6 MIVEC (Mitsubishi’s variable valve timing) petrol engine, which produces 184kW at 6000rpm (a substantial 23.5 per cent increase on the previous engine), and maximum torque of 329Nm at a very low 2750rpm (up 6 per cent from 310Nm at 3250rpm on the superseded NP Pajero). Buyers should definitely test the new 3.2-litre commonrail diesel too.

The excellent 5-speed automatic with sequential shift will be the most popular

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option with buyers, but traditionalists can still opt for the fully synchronised 5-speed manual.

The Pajero’s 4WD system can be engaged and disengaged whilst driving at speeds of up to 100km/h. It includes 2WD high range, 4WD high range, 4WD low range, and 4WD high and low ranges with locked transfer. Safety systems include ABS with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), Active Stability Control, and six airbags – all of these options are available on the base model.

Also worthy of note here is Mitsubishi’s decision to reintroduce the once popular three-door, short wheelbase variant to the range.

In summary, the new NS Pajero is a totally creditable development of the

already respected Pajero model. Buy it for genuine off road-ability, as it presents one of the best-value packages on the market.

As for the elite SUV poseurs, you may just have to eat those words. n

We liked: • • • •

Excellent drivability on all surfaces Light, nimble road manners despite size Responsive engine with excellent power Very capable package for the money

If we had to be picky: • More engine noise than tarmac SUVs • Low-tech dash and display