Mitsubishi Pajero’s tough-as-nails reputation has been earned on the back of performances in the Australian outback – probably the harshest automotive environment there is.
From road-train battered Northern Territory tracks baked hard in the summer sun, to Tasmania’s frozen winter mud and swollen creeks in the tropical Queensland wet season, Pajero has conquered them all.
What You Get
The big news for the 2009 model year NT model Pajero is the arrival of a new 3.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that delivers significantly more power and torque. There’s also enhanced comfort features and – significantly for buyers in this market segment – a boost in towing capacity to 3,000 kgs.
Under The Hood
Pajero’s new four cylinder turbo-diesel powerplant is a Common Rail design which injects fuel into the combustion chamber at very high pressure – this ensures excellent throttle response, enhanced fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions.
Code-named the 4M41, the engine delivers 147kW of power at 3,800 rpm and 441Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm – both figures are 18 per cent better than the superseded diesel.
Mitsubishi claims combined cycle fuel economy for the diesel as low as 8.4l/100 kms – the company says this is a 13 per cent improvement over the previous model.
Pajero’s 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine (184kW/329Nm) is carried over from the previous model.
Both engines comply with the rigorous Euro 4 emissions regulations.
The Interior
Car Showroom spent a week behind the wheel of a VRX model Pajero which comes standard with leather seats. Our test vehicle was fitted with the optional Multi Communication System with Rockford premium audio system, seven-inch colour touch screen with Bluetooth and iPod compatibility, satellite navigation and reversing camera.
It’s a very comprehensive equipment list.
We’ve long been fans of Mitsubishi’s simple, logical, easy-to-use controls for the audio system, sat-nav, air-con and cruise control - the latest Pajero continues that tradition.
The Car Showroom juniors had lots of space in the rear seat and there were plenty of storage spots for drink bottles and the rest of their paraphernalia. Installation of their child seat and booster seat was a snack.
We particularly like the driving position in the Pajero. Taking the time to tweak the seat and steering wheel adjustments properly pays off with the Pajero providing a more car-like posture than either Patrol or LandCruiser.
Exterior & Styling
NT model Pajeros feature some exterior changes including new front fenders, side steps and body-coloured trim.
Range-topping Exceed models gain new nine-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels which certainly provide a great look. Exceed models are also distinguished by a full chrome grille.
Overall Pajero presents a unique style with noticeably more curves that the Toyota LandCruiser or Nissan Patrol. We particularly like the front end which delivers a more sporty appearance.
On The Road
A weekend trip to the bush presented some genuine off-road testing for our Pajero which not surprisingly passed with flying colours – easily clambering up some rutted hill trails.
On-road the Pajero compares well with its rivals for suburban commuting and day-to-day operation. The five-speed automatic is a beauty.
Maneuverability in tight carparks is a bit more challenging than in a compact hatchback but again no more difficult than a Patrol or ‘Cruiser – assisted by the generous power assistance to the steering and compact 11.4 metre turning circle.
We would certainly advocate standard fitment of reversing cameras for all SUVs – not only do they increase safety when reversing, they make parking a snack.
For many prospective SUV buyers, the breakthrough news for the all-new NT Pajero is the increased towing capacity – up from 2,500 kgs to 3,000kgs. While Patrol and LandCruiser still have an edge with towing capacities up to 3,500kgs (varies according to models) the new Pajero is now a lot more competitive in this crucial aspect of SUV ownership.
The fact is, these full-size SUVs are perfect for towing large caravans, horsefloats and boat trailers.
Challenges
With 147kW of power and 441Nm of torque, Pajero’s 3.2-litre turbo diesel easily accounts for Nissan’s 3.0-litre equivalent which delivers 118kW and 380Nm. However the Mitsubishi engine is noticeably noisier at all speeds than the Nissan.
The dashboard in our test Pajero had some alarming rattles especially over bumps or when driving off-road. However wind noise around the windscreen was impressively low (this is a common issue with SUVs because of their upright dimensions).
Verdict
Toughness, an extensive list of standard features in the expanded model range and of course that new diesel are the key points of the upgraded Pajero range.
To that you can also add extensive safety features including Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC), driver and front passenger SRS airbags, ABS anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution and the Mitsubishi Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE system).
We like the Pajero’s looks, we admire its off-road ability and for those with families, the cavernous interior is certainly appreciated.
The Competition
Nissan’s equivalent Patrol model would be the Ti which is listed at $70,990. Toyota’s LandCruiser offers a V8 turbo-diesel which critics claim is superb – but it carries a hefty price tag that makes it inappropriate to compare with the Pajero and Patrol.
You should also look at the seven-seat Jeep Commander with its more powerful V6 turbo-diesel (around $62,000 and $70,000 depending on the model).
Thumbs-up:
Styling – it’s got curves!; value-for-money; off-road ability; boosted towing capacity
Thumbs-down:
Diesel is noisy; on-road ride/handling a little behind rival Patrol models
