Mitsubishi locks in December launch for new Pajero

Mitsubishi Australia has confirmed the Pajero nameplate will return to the Australian marketplace in December with a three-variant 4x4 wagon range priced from $68,490.

The news will be welcomed by fans of the Mitsubishi wagon which built a reputation for reliability and rugged off-road ability and impressive on-road dynamics over four generations between 1983 and 2021 when the fourth-generation model was discontinued.

The born-again Pajero is described as combining the core attributes of its predecessors but with a modern twist, with Mitsubishi Australia claiming to have already received over 3,000 pre-registrations ahead of the first showroom deliveries in December.

The new model will be available in five and seven-seat configurations with prices starting at $68,490 (MRLP) for the five-seat GLS grade, rising to $69,990 for the seven-seat GLS.

Next step on the grade walk is the seven-seat Pajero Exceed, priced from $79,990 (MRLP), followed by the range-topping GSR which costs $84,990 (MRLP).

All variants are powered by an enhanced version of the Triton ute’s 4N16 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine with a latest-generation variable-geometry turbocharger designed to improve mid-range torque and responsiveness.

The upgraded engine delivers the same 150kW of power as Triton but gains an additional 10Nm of torque to deliver a healthy 480Nm.

It’s claimed to be the first Mitsubishi engine to meet strict new Euro 6 emissions standards thanks to the inclusion of such features as a water-cooled intercooler, dual-loop EGR system and AdBlue exhaust additive, an electric cooling fan and auto stop-start engine system.

The upgraded engine drives through a new eight-speed automatic transmission which is described as being lightweight and featuring a wide ratio spread to support crisp response and reduce fuel use.

A low-range transfer case is standard, as is a rear diff lock on all grades, providing the new Pajero with the requisite off-road ability expected of the nameplate.

The 4x4 wagon is also equipped with Mitsubishi’s Super Select II 4WD system which allows the driver to easily switch between 2H rear-wheel drive and 4H all-wheel drive while on the move, along with 4HLc which locks the centre differential in high range for improved off-road performance at higher speeds, and 4LLc for low-speed heavy-duty off-roading.

There are also seven selectable drive modes for specific driving conditions including Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock.

Key off-road metrics such as ground clearance (230mm), approach angle (30.4 degrees), ramp over angle (22.6 degrees), and departure angle (25.8 degrees) are all competitive with key rivals.

Unlike its most recent predecessor which featured a monocoque chassis design the new Pajero is based on the same rugged ladder frame chassis that underpins the Triton and closely related Nissan Navara utes.

This helps ensure a competitive 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity for caravanning and other recreational activities, while a static roof-load capacity of 300kg and a dynamic capacity of 100kg mean the Pajero will be suitable for popular accessories such as roof-racks and roof-top tents.

However, where the Triton rides on load-oriented rear leaf springs, the Pajero gets a more sophisticated five-link torque arm design with lower trailing arms and coil-springs, with a revised version of the Triton’s double wishbone, coil spring independent front suspension.

Dynamically, Mitsubishi’s employment of its established Super-All Wheel Control with Active Yaw Control technology should help ensure the Pajero has above-average on-road dynamics, while standard fit Trailer Load Assist (TLA) promises to enhance stability while towing.

Elsewhere on the safety front, the new Pajero comes with a comprehensive suite of up to eight airbags including a front centre airbag, driver knee airbag, and curtain airbags for all three rows (where seven-seats are fitted).

Also standard on all grades is Mitsubishi Connect which provides a range of safety and convenience services, including Automatic Collision
Notification and Remote Climate Control.

Other standard active safety features include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
• Leading Car Departure Notification (LCDN)
• Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
• Intelligent Speed Limiter (ISL)
• Automatic Post-Collision Braking system (APCB)
• Emergency Call System (E-call)
• Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Predictive Forward Collision Mitigation (PFCM)
• Rear Autonomous Emergency Braking (R-AEB) and more.

Inside, Mitsubishi is promising a spacious, flexible and luxurious cabin layout featuring a commanding driving position, class-leading headroom, the option of five or seven seats, and a second-row that slides over a 150mm range for adjustable legroom.

Dimensionally, the new Pajero measures 4,920mm long, 1,925 mm wide and 1,910mm high, with front and rear tracks of 1,630mm and a wheelbase of 2,870 mm.

By way of comparison the superseded fourth-generation measured length of 4900mm long, 1875mm wide, and 1900mm high, with front and rear tracks of 1,570mm and a wheelbase of 2780m.

Cargo capacity of the new model is rated at 519 litres (VDA) with the third-row seats folded, with an underfloor cargo floor box offering an additional 10 litres of capacity.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard on the GLS, as is a Qi wireless phone charger and multiple USB and 12V ports, plus a 12.3-inch audio display with Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, DAB radio, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The upmarket Exceed and sporty GSR gain a larger 14.3-inch centre screen and 14.3-inch instrument cluster, along with an upgraded Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate audio system with 12-speakers including subwoofer.

Mitsubishi Pajero drivetrain

• Engine: 4N16, 2.4-litre turbo-diesel
• Outputs: 150kW/Torque: 480Nm
• Fuel tank capacity: 80L
• AdBlue tank capacity: 17L
• Engine Auto Stop and Go system
• Transmission: Eight-speed Automatic
• Super Select II 4WD system
• Rear differential lock
• Seven drive modes

Mitsubishi Pajero standard equipment

Mitsubishi Pajero GLS

• Price $68,490 (MRLP) 6-seat or $69,990 (MRLP) seven-seat
• 18x 8.0-inch dark-grey alloy wheels
• 255/65R18 (Mud and Snow) tyres
• Body colour door mirrors, door handles, and rear spoiler
• Side steps and roof rails
• LED headlamps, taillights, DRLs and fog lamps
• Five or seven seats
• Waterproof fabric seat trim with manual front seat adjustment
• Electric front seat lumbar support
• Carpets
• 12V sockets front and cargo, rear 220V AC power outlet
• Heated steering wheel
• Gearbox paddle shifters
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Auto dimming rear-view mirror
• Dusk-sensing headlamps and rain-sensing wipers
• Keyless Operation System (KOS) with push-start ignition button
• Electric tailgate
• Privacy glass
• Front dual-zone automatic air-conditioning
• 12.3” full digital meter cluster
• Wireless phone charger
• Four or six front, rear and third-row USB-C ports
• Mitsubishi Connect
• 12.3-inch audio display with Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, DAB radio, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Six speakers.

Mitsubishi Pajero Exceed (in addition to GLS)

• Price $79,990 (MRLP)
• 20x 8.0-inch machined alloy wheels
• 255/55R20 tyres
• Black leather seat trim with electric adjustment for driver and front passenger
• Front and rear seat heating
• 14.3-inch audio display
• Yamaha Ultimate sound system with 12-speakers including subwoofer.

Mitsubishi Pajero GSR (in addition to Exceed)

• Price $84,990 (MRLP)
• 20x 8.0-inch black alloy wheels
• Two-tone camel and black leather seat trim
• Ventilated front seats
• Memory function for steering wheel, door mirror and front seat adjustment
• Panoramic front sun visors with LED lamps
• Black headlining
• Illuminated front scuff plates
• Front grille LED lamp
• Front and rear lamp animation pattern
• Adaptive Driving Beam system (ADB)
• Digital rear-view mirror
• Air-conditioner with air purifier.