2006 Mitsubishi Pajero: First Look

By Motoring Channel Staff - 4/Oct/2006

Paris, France — One of Mitsubishi's best-known products, the Pajero 4x4, has just been given a new lease on life with the launch of the fourth generation model. Officially launched at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, the vehicle will go sale in Europe before year's end, and will arrive in Australia for sale in November/December 2006.

It will be priced from $40,990 in Australia for the 3-door short-wheel base model, and $49,490 for the longer entry-level GLX 5-door model, while the range-topping Pajero Exceed will retain for $70,990.

Changes to the 2006 NS model Pajero include a new exterior style, updated 4WD systems, two new gearboxes, new interiors, more powerful engines and now the Pajero range sees the return of the short-wheel base model as well. For the first time since the NL Pajero was on sale back in 1999, the short-wheel base is being re-introduced to the market in two trim levels and with automatic transmissions.

The full-sized 5-door Pajero measures 4.9 metres in length and 1.875m in width, while the short-wheel base 3-door Pajero models also measure 1.875m in width, but are shorter at 4.385m long. Both models have 225mm of ground clearance and fording depth of 700mm, and the larger and longer 5-door models weigh less, with a 2045kg kerb mass compared to the shorter 3-door's 2175kg.

With the new Pajero full-sized models, the line up follows the strategy that was implemented from early in the year in Australia where VRX has become the sporty variant. Available across all models is a new feature called MATT, which is short hand for Mitsubishi All Terrain Technology. It is comprised of the following driving aids:

Active Stability Control (ASC)
Active Traction Control (ATC)
Engine Brake Assist Control (EBAC)
Super Select II
Multi-Mode Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Rear diff lock
Hill Hold Assist

In addition to the range of advanced electronic driving aids, the full-sized Pajero range totals three: GLX, VRX, Exceed. The short-wheel base range spans two, simply called the R and X models.

• GLX: This model is the rugged, capable off-road, entry level model. It's all about value. Many four-wheel drivers like the features of the GLX, and many true off-road adventurers say it is the most appealing model because of its more rugged appearance.

• VRX: The sports model. It has the rugged 4WD ability and technology of the entry model, but adds many desirable external and internal cosmetic features to give it a sporty, modern industrial look. Mitsubishi says it is more likely to be bought by urban buyers. The exterior styling package of the VRX features a full colour keyed exterior package, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, side steps, a rear spoiler, and privacy glass, while on the inside it gets a power driver's seat with sports trim, leather bound controls, and sporty interior accents.

• Exceed: Because it has all the standard MATT features, and therefore loses nothing in 4WD capability, the Exceed is certainly the vehicle for the person who wants to pamper themselves. Its luxurious interior, and distinctive exterior highlights communicate success and luxury, which is fitting considering the Pajero Exceed is the the flagship of the range. It adds High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps with washers, a Rockford Fosgate premium audio, rear seat entertainment, Bluetooth hands free phone operation, leather seat trim with power passenger seat (either black or beige depending on the exterior colour), and dual zone rear air conditioning.

The short-wheel base (SWB) models may be heavier and shorter than their larger relatives, but they have improved departure angles compared to the larger 5-door models that have longer rear overhangs. Mitsubishi calls the SWB Pajero a bush racer, a vehicle that adds sportiness to the Pajero brand, and is also the closest product that consumers can buy to the acclaimed Pajero Evo that races across the harshest terrain in Europe and Africa in the Dakar rally. The 3-door SWB range, like the entire Pajero product range, will offer two advanced technology engines delivering outstanding performance and efficiency and also gets the full MATT package for solid off-roading ability.

• R: The 'R' model will appeal to the rural buyer who wants a capable four wheel drive for serious recreational off-roading. It is designed tough (hence the increased weight), but has some of the comforts of a larger more expensive four wheel drive model.

• X: The 'X' model is more likely to be bought by the fashion conscious urban buyer says Mitsubishi. The sporty exterior styling package includes sports style vulcanised rubber wheel arch flares and 18-inch wheels that will have great appeal to these buyers. The 'X' will most likely appeal to consumers who have previously purchased 3-door sports coupes and are looking for something stylish and unique.

The new 2006 model Pajero gets an new look front end, which borrows one or two elements from the Land Rover Discovery, and Mitsubishi hopes the new model will entice previous buyers back to the Pajero. The Pajero's front and rear styling is significantly different from the preceding model explains Mitsubishi, while new body side mouldings lift the vehicle's profile somewhat. New styling features such as HID headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels and the sunroof combine to form a much more attractive exterior styling package, and the rear wheel carrier is now positioned centrally for better visibility.

In fact, only the door apertures and roof are the same as the previous model, which is a completely different beast to the previous NP model. Although the face of Pajero has evolved over the years it has not strayed from its original concept, which Mitsubishi says is based on that of a wild Patagonian mountain cat [Never knew that - Ed].

The new front end design is accentuated by the stylish headlamps, grille and front bumper designs that give the new 2006 Pajero a powerful, ground-hugging stance that projects a strong image. The squarer lines of the front quarter panels combine with the new grille and headlamps to give the vehicle a more modern and sophisticated look than its predecessor.

While the bold face of NS Pajero is inspired by the look of the Dakar rally Pajero, the rear design is more practically inclined. Mitsubishi says the rear wheel carrier adds a more sophisticated look at the rear of the car, which is now centrally located, and mounted in a lower position to provide greater visibility through the rear windscreen, as well as allow the rear combination lamps to be operational. Also, reverse parking assist is standard on Exceed and available on the VRX with an option pack.

Inside, the new 2006 model NS Pajero has been completely re-designed, with the new instrument panel giving a modern sporty feel. The all new wave-like instrument panel design is a huge improvement compared to the outgoing model's instruments and blue illumination provides a relaxing atmosphere when the sun sets, while the centre console layout is simple and understated, with ergonomic and user-friendly controls.

All the expected features - power steering, power windows, power exterior mirrors, cruise control, remote keyless entry with encrypted immobilisation and multiple storage compartments and cupholders - have been incorporated in to the NS Pajero, and Mitsubishi continues that all models feature a multi mode display screen, which lists trip computer functions, weather information, and a compass.

The new NS Pajero is still a 7-seater SUV, with a 2-3-2 layout, and it now offers heated seat warmers and a 8-way power driver's seat as standard on VRX as well as Exceed models. The second row is a 60:40 split and tumble arrangement that folds flat with the floor and the rear squabs are tilt adjustable and the headrests are height adjustable in all three positions, Mitsubishi says.

A number of other creature comforts have been added to NS that set it apart from its competitors. For example, automatic air conditioning is standard across the range, and rear air conditioning is now available on VRX as well as standard on Exceed. The new system features an easy to use control centre on the console that includes an electronic display providing air flow information.

The new 2006 Pajero sports an in-car entertainment system developed jointly with Rockford Fosgate, a leading car audio brand in the United States, specifically for the Pajero. Optimally matched to the interior's acoustical characteristics, the 860-watt amplifier, 12 speaker (including sub-woofer) DSP system blows away conventional factory-fitted systems with powerful, clear sound, and this system is standard on Exceed grade.

Steering wheel audio controls are standard on the R and X (3-door), VRX and Exceed (5-door) models and the audio antenna is now integrated into the rear windscreen glass. The rear seat entertainment system with roof-mounted LCD screen is now factory fitted and includes an auxiliary input jack. This feature is fitted on Pajero Exceed and is ideal for entertaining children on long and short trips, but cannot be combined with the sunroof option.

Power comes from tried-and-tested engines: the familiar 3.8-litre V6 petrol and the 3.2-litre turbo diesel. The 3.8-litre SOHC 24-valve petrol engine gets a number of improvements over the previous block and now produces 184kW of power @ 6000rpm, which is a considerable 23.5% increase on the previous engine at an increase of 1000 rpm. Maximum torque from the 3828cc engine has also risen from 310Nm to 329Nm @ 2750rpm, which is a good rise in torque and it hits very low in the rev range, which will give the vehicle a great mid-range boost. Mitsubishi also says the new petrol engine is LPG compatible.

The new 3.8-litre engine delivers a combined 13.7L/100km for the 5-speed manual variant and 13.5L/100km for the 5-speed automatic, which Mitsubishi says is an improvement of approximately 5% improvement from the NP Pajero, and is a direct result of the MIVEC (variable valve timing) introduction.

Even though the 3.2-litre diesel costs an extra $2,000 compared to petrol-engined NS Pajero models, Mitsubishi reckons 60% of sales will be for the diesel models, and 40% for the petrol. So what's the diesel engine like? It's a new engine that replaces the previous class-leading 3.2-litre direct injection diesel, and was first seen in Australia in the ML Triton when it was launched in July this year, and is quieter and delivers improved efficiency over the previous Di-D engine.

This 3.2-litre CDi DOHC 16-valve common rail intercooled turbo diesel engine is Euro 4 emission compliant and has two states of tune - one for the auto (more power) and one for the manual (more torque). The stats are as follows:

Diesel with auto transmission: 125kW @ 3800rpm + 358Nm @ 2000rpm
Diesel with manual transmission: 118kW @ 3800rpm + 381Nm @ 2000rpm

With the diesel engine's new variable vane turbo technology, complete with an intercooler and particulate filter, it compares well to its rivals: it now claims even better figures than the Toyota Prado (96kW/343Nm), while edging just ahead of the Nissan Patrol (118kW/380Nm) but not quite matching the Pathfinder (118kW/403Nm).

In terms of fuel economy, the new Di-D engine delivers improved efficiency by injecting more accurate measurements of fuel into the cylinder, and is also much quieter than the system it replaces. The new 3.2-litre diesel engine delivers a combined 9.2litres/100km for the manual variant, and at the time of writing Mitsubishi was still testing the automatic variant's economy figures.

Safety systems for the new Pajero include ABS with EBD, plus Active Stability Control, and six airbags are available across the complete model range, including the base model, which is a major advantage over its competitors. Driver and passenger air bags are fitted as standard on all models, and side and curtain air bags are available on all models (optional on GLX and VRX (5-door models), and R, and X (3-door models).

Mitsubishi insists that it was the Pajero 4x4 that popularised four-wheel driving in Australia when the first generation was launched in the early 1980s, and is the embodiment of the Mitsubishi brand being a tough, reliable, durable and technologically advanced company. And Mitsubishi would be insistent, as the company needs the new Pajero model now more than ever, particularly in Australia, where sales of its large car (the American Galant-based 380) have failed to truly take off. The new Pajero is a real winners vehicle though, and Mitsubishi says the 4th generation vehicle offers reliability forged in the crucible of grueling competition and use under the harshest conditions to be found on our planet, referring to its many Dakar Rally victories.

Mitsubishi reckons that buyers perceive this winning spirit through its use of innovative 4WD technology, bold attractive styling and a proud rally success-filled history that includes eleven outright victories in the gruelling Dakar rally, the last six in succession which is quite a feat. It has also achieved significant success in the Australian Off Road rally championship in the hands of Townsville dealer Geoff Pickering - winning its class for the last five years in succession.

No other similar vehicle has had this success; in fact many of the so-called more fancy 4WDs have not undertaken these torturous events. Pajero is the pinnacle of the Mitsubishi brand and drives significant aspirational appeal to the marque, and like the WRC Evolution Lancer models that compete in the World Rally Championships and prop up the road-going production Evolution models, the Pajero has its own sports champions racing in many of world's toughest rallies.

Mitsubishi explains that more than 2.5 million Pajeros have been produced over a quarter of a century since the first generation was launched in 1982. Today, the Pajero is sold in over 170 markets across the world. Mitsubishi expects that the new NS Pajero should be able to sell about 9,000 units in Australia in a full year, with only about 7% of sales going to the re-introduced 3-door model. Mitsubishi also says that the launch timing for NS Pajero is staggered due to production constraints, with the 3.8 V6 petrol manual and automatic transmission variants and 3.2 litre diesel manual being retailed in November/December. Diesel automatic variants will be available in showrooms along with the 3-door models from February 2007.

2006 Pajero Australian Pricing:

3-Door Models (auto only):

R 3.8 Petrol: $40,990
R 3.2 Diesel: $42,990
X 3.8 Petrol: $47,990
X 3.2 Diesel: $49,990

5-Door Models:

GLX
3.8 Petrol manual: $49,490
3.8 Petrol auto: $52,490
3.2 Diesel manual: $51,490
3.2 Diesel auto: $54,490

VRX
3.8 Petrol manual: $54,990
3.8 Petrol auto: $57,990
3.2 Diesel manual: $56,990
3.2 Diesel auto: $59,990

Exceed
3.8 Petrol auto: $68,990
3.8 Petrol auto: $70,990