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.
Design And Size
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.
Dimensions:
| Detail | New Pajero |
|---|---|
| Length | 4,920mm |
| Width | 1,925mm |
| Height | 1,910mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,870mm |
| Ground clearance | 230mm |
| Seating | 7 |
The SUV also gets 30.4-degree approach, 22.6-degree ramp-over and 25.8-degree departure angles.
Diesel Engine And Gearbox
Mitsubishi has kept things quite traditional under the bonnet. The new Pajero gets a 2.4-litre four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine.
- Power: 204PS / 150kW
- Torque: 480Nm
- Gearbox: 8-speed automatic
- Drive: Four-wheel drive
The eight-speed automatic is new for the Pajero. Mitsubishi has not yet shared the official fuel economy figure.
Hardware
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:
- 2H: Rear-wheel drive
- 4H: Full-time four-wheel drive
- 4HLc: Locked centre differential
- 4LLc: Locked centre differential with low range
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.
A More Premium Cabin
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.
Main Interior high;ights –
- Seven-seat layout
- 150mm sliding second row
- Three-zone automatic climate control
- Heated second-row seats
- Ventilated front seats
- USB-C ports
- Rear sunshades
- Soft-touch trims
- Acoustic glass
- Electric steering column adjustment
Two Large Screens
The dashboard has two large screens placed together. Higher versions get two 14.3-inch displays, while lower versions use 12.3-inch screens. Mitsubishi has also brought back the famous Pajero multi-meter, but this time it is digital. It can show:
- Pitch and roll angles
- Altitude
- Compass direction
- Temperature
- Active Yaw Control information
There are also 16 background themes that can change according to the time of day.
Wireless smartphone connectivity is supported, along with Mitsubishi’s connected services.
Safety And Technology
Safety equipment has also seen a major upgrade. The new Pajero gets eight airbags, including a centre airbag between the front occupants. It also gets Mitsubishi’s MI-PILOT system with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance.
Other safety features include:
- Forward Collision Mitigation
- Pedestrian, cyclist and motorcycle detection
- Junction assistance
- Predictive Forward Collision Warning
- Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication
- Emergency Lane Assist
- Front Cross Traffic Alert
- 360-degree camera
The 3D Multi Around Monitor can also show the area around the SUV. There is even an under-floor camera view to help the driver see obstacles below the front of the vehicle during off-road driving.
12-Speaker Yamaha Audio
Mitsubishi has worked with Yamaha for the Pajero’s audio system. The SUV gets a 12-speaker Yamaha Ultimate setup with two amplifiers.
The system can also adjust its sound according to vehicle speed and road noise.
Mitsubishi Connect adds remote functions such as climate control, vehicle status checks and emergency SOS assistance.
Will The New Pajero Launch In India?
There is no official India launch confirmation for the new Pajero at present. Mitsubishi’s passenger vehicle business in India has been inactive for several years, so bringing the new SUV here would need a separate plan.
The Pajero name still has plenty of recognition among Indian SUV buyers, but for now, Mitsubishi has not announced India as one of its launch markets.