With its roots set deeply in the world of rallying and having set the bar over several decades as one of the world’;s most formidable off-roaders, the Mitsubishi Pajero has received a number of updates based on customer feedback and market trends.
“We know we have a winning formula with Pajero,” comments Mitsubishi Motors South Africa COO, Wynand Pretorius. “Pajero remains the epitome of ultimate off-road ability meeting urban comfort and practicality, and with its latest updates we will appeal to more trend-conscious customers. The great news is that the retail price of the new 2015 model derivatives starts at R569 900, offering unbeatable value when compared to similar competitor vehicles retailing around the R750 000 mark.”
The iconic Pajero, which to this day still holds a record twelve wins (6 of them consecutive) at the infamous Dakar Rally, continues as a pukka 4×4 SUV with no compromise on off-road ability, passenger comfort and safety – famous for proven reliability, durability, longevity, performance and being the perfect partner for any adventure.
“Pajero remains superbly confident in town or in the bush, where customer feedback from people who drive Pajeros anywhere and everywhere has led to the latest model’;s updates,” adds Pretorius.
Specification upgrades
The 2015 model year Pajero range, which continues to include both short- and long-wheelbase derivatives all powered by Mitsubishi’;s proven 3.2-litre DI-D turbocharged diesel engine, now features a number of cosmetic enhancements.
A new grille and bumper design with bulky proportions emphasise Pajero’;s might off the beaten track, giving it a modern-day appearance without changing its distinctive iconic and hallmark looks, honed through the decades. Incorporated in the front bumper are switchable LED daytime running lights, while the bumper’;s design still allows for class-leading approach and departure angles.
New alloy wheels, different for each derivative, further emphasise the distinct side profile of the Pajero. A newly designed and sturdier new spare wheel cover on the LWB derivatives now covers the entire spare wheel whilst giving the vehicle a more modern look from the rear as well.
On the inside, the standard rear view camera now displays its picture on the infotainment system interface, and automatic headlight dimming is now available on all derivatives.
3-model range simplified and amplified
Comprising the SWB GLS, LWB GLS and the LWB GLS Exceed, the simplified new 3-model Pajero range embodies the ‘we race, you win’; mentality behind the Mitsubishi brand and the incomparable Dakar legacy which made the brand globally famous for its quality, performance and reliability.
“The Dakar environment is undoubtedly the most gruelling and intense off-road racing spectacle anywhere in the world, and one in which the Mitsubishi brand proved its off-road know-how and ability to build tough, reliable vehicles, year after year. These important attributes can be found in all our road-going vehicles, with the Pajero exhibiting the brand’;s off-road credentials most prominently,” continues Pretorius.
As such, all Pajero models offer fully-fledged 4-wheel drive systems, which include centre and rear differential locks (viscous couplings), and Mitsubishi’;s unique Super Select 4WD system. Super Select 4WD includes an easy-to-use manual shift lever which allows the driver to choose between 4 drive modes.
The 2H mode is most suitable for town driving, where only the rear wheels are driven, offering enhanced fuel economy and manoeuvrability. In 4H mode and with shift-on-the-fly available at speeds up to 100 km/h, all 4 wheels are engaged for greater control with 34% of the power distributed to the front wheels and 66% to the rear wheels, giving it a typical AWD vehicle experience. In 4HLc mode, changes are made to the traction control system and the centre diff lock is engaged for enhanced control in tougher circumstances, now distributing the power 50:50 to the front and rear wheels. The 4LLc mode engages low-range and deactivates the traction control system for ultimate control in even the stickiest of situations. The rear diff lock can be engaged manually by means of a switch, according to driver needs and environment demands.
The 3.2-litre DI-D common-rail direct injection turbocharged diesel engine produces 140 kW at 3 800 rpm and 441 Nm at 2 000 rpm with power transferred to the wheels via a silky-smooth 5-speed automatic gearbox with manual override functionality. Fuel requirements have also been designed to meet varying needs and as such all Pajero models are able to safely operate on 500 ppm diesel when necessary.
Emphasising on- and off-road comfort and bestowing Pajero with its impeccable on-road manners especially, rear suspension remains an independent setup, which not only ensures bumps and undulating surfaces are smoothed out, but improved off-road capabilities are also enabled where extended wheel travel plays an important role. Towing capacity is impressive at 3 300 kg (braked) and ground clearance remains a generous 235 mm. The extraordinary departure and approach angles of the SWB derivative (34.8° and 36.7° respectively) are class-leading and make the Pajero almost unstoppable. The LWB derivatives have an equally impressive 36.6° approach angle and a 25° departure angle to tackle any type of terrain.
Both the SWB and LWB GLS derivatives continue with high specifications, including the latest updates. Standard features include electric windows all-round with one-touch anti-trapping functionality for all windows, privacy glass, a sliding front arm rest with 2 storage levels, reclining rear seats and an extra 2 in the LWB (7 in total) which are stowed neatly in the boot floor.
Leather upholstery, electric and heated front seats, the rear view camera, rear parking sensors, variable intermittent windscreen wipers, front and rear fog lights, the LED daytime running lights, black roof rails, mud flaps, a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth, voice control, cruise control, automatic climate control, rear air conditioning control (LWB only), and a radio/CD/MP3 touch screen audio system with USB and aux support are also standard on all derivatives.
The range-topping LWB GLS Exceed model raises the bar with a 12-speaker Rockford Fosgate audio system, HID xenon headlights with washers, 18-inch alloy wheels, an electric sliding/tilting panoramic sunroof and a wood/leather combination steering wheel for an added touch of luxury.
Famously Mitsubishi, all models also continue to feature the Multi-Information Display, which includes 2 fuel economy metres, tank range, average speed, outside temperature, a barometer, a compass and an altimeter.
Safety equipment remains of high standards, all models featuring ABS with EBD and BAS, ASTC (Active Stability and Traction Control), 6 airbags, an immobiliser and alarm, and remote central locking. Mitsubishi’;s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) chassis and body construction is also employed, ensuring a rigid chassis and impact-absorbing body structure which saw the Pajero receive a 5-Star Euro NCAP safety rating.
All Pajero models are sold as standard with a 3-year/ 100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/ 100 000 km maintenance plan, with service intervals every 10 000 km.
| New Mitsubishi Pajero | Retail Price incl. VAT |
| Pajero 3.2 DI-D GLS SWB | R569 900 |
| Pajero 3.2 DI-D GLS LWB | R639 900 |
| Pajero 3.2 DI-D GLS LWB Exceed | R659 900 |
Updates to Mitsubishi Pajero keep icon at the top
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