Pajero is a name that needs no introduction among SUV fans. The SUV disappeared from the market after four generations, but Mitsubishi has now brought the name back with a completely new model. The fifth-generation Pajero has made its global debut with a 2.4-litre diesel engine, ladder-frame chassis, three rows of seats and a proper four-wheel-drive system. The new SUV will first go on sale in Thailand, followed by Japan and Australia, with sales planned across several other markets later.
The new Pajero also brings much more technology and comfort than the older models. Mitsubishi has kept the rugged mechanical parts but given the cabin a much more modern feel.
The new Pajero has a large body with a square and upright shape. Mitsubishi has used some old Pajero design details but given them a new look.
At the front, it gets T-shaped LED lights and a large grille. Customers can choose between a horizontal-bar grille and a honeycomb design. The side has wide fenders, chunky wheel arches and a flat roofline. At the rear, the hexagonal design is a nod to the spare wheel layout of older Pajero models.
The SUV also gets 30.4-degree approach, 22.6-degree ramp-over and 25.8-degree departure angles.
Mitsubishi has kept things quite traditional under the bonnet. The new Pajero gets a 2.4-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine.
The eight-speed automatic is new for the Pajero. Mitsubishi has not yet shared the official fuel economy figure.
This is one area where the new Pajero stays close to its old character. It uses a ladder-frame chassis based on the Triton platform, with changes made for the SUV.
The suspension setup includes a double-wishbone system at the front and a five-link rigid axle at the rear. High-tensile steel has also been used in the frame.
The Super Select 4WD-II system gets four main settings:
There are also seven drive modes: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock
Mitsubishi’s S-AWC system works with Active Yaw Control, stability control, traction control and ABS to manage the vehicle on different surfaces.
The cabin is a big step forward. The Pajero has three rows and can carry seven passengers. The second row slides by 150mm and can tumble forward to make access to the third row easier.
Third-row passengers also get air vents and USB-C ports. Heated second-row seats, ventilated front seats and three-zone climate control are available.
The cabin also gets extra insulation and acoustic glass for a quieter drive.
