Mitsubishi Pajero: What makes it a good buy?

It doesn’t matter if you were born in the 80s, 90s, or the 21st century, it is quite likely that if you are an automobile enthusiast, you must be aware of the Mitsubishi Pajero.

One of the reasons behind this is because it was back in 1982 when the first generation Pajero was launched. Today, it is in its fourth generation, still in production, and still selling and beating the competition. This itself tells a lot about the SUV. So, what exactly makes the Pajero a good buy? Let’s find out.

Massive engine

We are not starting by discussing the aesthetics or looks of this SUV not because it doesn’t look good but because its the powerful engine that takes all the attention first. Under the hood of the Pajero is a massive 3.2-litre inline 4-cylinder diesel engine. It is a DOHC setup with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) and an Intercooler.

It produces 192 PS of max power at 3,800 rpm and generates an enormous 441 Nm of peak torque that kicks in at as low as 2,000 rpm. This engine is mated to an INVECS-II 5-Speed automatic transmission with Sports Mode (V5AWF) and we also have a Super Select II 4WD (SS4-II). All this means that you can literally take the Pajero anywhere you want.

Exterior Design

Since the engine is covered, now we can talk about the design of the Pajero. Not much has changed in the overall silhouette of the SUV. The latest model still reminds us of the previous generation models. And even considering today’s standards, the Mitsubishi Pajero looks fabulous. We have HID headlamps with an auto-dimming feature, large front grille with chrome slats, and a large approach angle of 36.6 degrees. Mitsubishi has also added LED daytime running lights on each side of the front bumper.

Looking at the side, we have a set of 18-in alloy wheels that aren’t the sportiest one available in the market but somehow manage to pull it off. Perhaps, it has something to do with the boxy structure of the Pajero. We still get the large body cladding on the sides and large windows as well. And, of course, the added roof rails keep things sporty.

We find the rear end of the Pajero very attractive. It’s the design of the tailgate that takes centre stage here. It accommodates the extra wheel. The taillights are small and we like them that way. The departure angle here is also quite large (25 degrees) and there is protection underneath.

Interior features

You really don’t have to worry about the cabin space in the Mitsubishi Pajero. There is plenty of it available for all the occupants. Plus, genuine leather seats offer a tremendous amount of comfort and support. To give you an idea, the driver’s seat is 10-way power adjustable whereas the front passenger seat is 4-way power adjustable. The fit and finish are immaculate and the quality of materials used is top-notch. The instrument cluster behind the steering wheel features two dials - speedometer and tachometer - and a small MID (multi-information display) at the centre.

The entire setup looks nice and classy. Then there’s Mitsubishi’s multimedia entertainment system which features a large 6.9-in touch screen that supports navigation, DVD, USB, smartphones, and connectivity for other auxiliary devices. Apart from that, the screen also doubles up for the reverse camera, making manoeuvring in limited spaces a breeze. Other interesting features include automatic climate control with rear AC controls, power tilt and slide sunroof, etc.

Off-road capability

Mitsubishi Pajero specs are more than sufficient to make it SUV a very capable off-roader. Its 4WD system, powerful engine, and suspension setup allow you to take it almost anywhere. There is a solid reason why, even today, the Pajero is used in many desert safaris.

Safety features

In terms of safety onboard, the Pajero gets Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control (MASTC) which is a comprehensive network of intelligent sensors to monitor each wheel, engine speed, steering, and acceleration, and precisely manage engine output, power distribution, and braking force to deliver complete vehicle control and traction regardless of driving conditions. It also has 6 SRS airbags, Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) Body, and ABS with EBD.

Yes, the Pajero hasn’t received a major upgrade for the last many years but it still holds a special place in the SUV market. We don’t know when we would get to see an updated model or, in fact, whether there will be an updated model or not; whatever the case would be, the Pajero has already made its place the list of iconic vehicles in the world.

We hope that the aforementioned features are sufficient enough to make you realise why the Pajero is still a good buy. And if you are interested in getting one, it will cost you Php 3 million!

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