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The Mitsubishi Pajero, first introduced as a prototype at the Tokyo motor show in 1973 was Mitsubishi’s answer to the Land Cruiser and Patrol; creating an SUV that was capable both on and off road.
The first generation, released in January 1983 was initially a 3-door vehicle released in both metal and canvas top with three different engine configurations. It even had a jerry can on the back door in the luxury model. Due to higher demand for a family car, the Pajero was re-released in May 1984 with a long-wheel base 7 seater option.
This model Pajero was used until 1991, receiving various facelifts throughout its lifetime, finishing up with a top of the range 3.0 V6 option pumping out a hefty 104 kw.
The Pajero second generation was released in 1991, introducing a number of features and technology which have filtered through even into the latest Pajero, truly ahead of their time.
Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD was the first of its kind in any Japanese four-wheel drive vehicles, combining the advantages of both part time and full time four-wheel drive; with the ability to switch between driving formats at speeds up to 100km/h.
Other major updates included synchro front free wheel diff, multi mode ABS brakes, rear diff lock and adjustable shock absorbers; all of these features helping improve ride comfort.
Maintained until 1999 the second generation Pajero received 2 body styles and a number of engine configurations throughout its lifetime, including the introduction of the 3.5L V6 and 2.8L turbo diesel.
The third generation Pajero received a complete make-over before being released to the Australian market in May 2000. Being treated to a lower and wider stance, the lower center of gravity made the Pajero a more comfortable car on the road and longer suspension stroke and chassis rigidity improving the car off road.
Australia was an important market for the Pajero and local engineers were invited to be a part of the design team early in the process. So changes were made to the suspension, steering, ABS braking, cruise control and dust sealing meaning Pajeros sold worldwide benefitted from the Aussie design work.
This was the first Pajero to have a full monocoque body with integrated chassis. This new body made it stronger and lighter than the previous model. This also allowed it to have independent suspension which gave greater wheel travel, which when combined with the shorter bumpers improving approach and departure angles made for a great off-road vehicle.
As well as the body, the SS4 gearbox received a complete overhaul, featuring new gears and complete electronic control, allowing it to be adjusted when the car was not in gear. After all its upgrades this system was renamed to the Super Select 4WD II (SS4-II).
The third generation retained the 3.5L V6 though also saw the introduction of the 3.2L DiD turbo diesel engine, producing 120 kw and 352 nm of torque.
The fourth and current generation Pajero released in November 2006 received a complete remodelling both inside and out. Though retaining much of the same running gear from the previous generation, it was full of safety and technology developments, providing a safer and more enjoyable drive.
For the first time Pajero got Mitsubishi’s 3.8L MIVEC engine, generating 184 kW, almost 25 per cent more than the previous unit and Torque was up by six per cent, to 329 Nm at just 2750 rpm. The new Pajero diesel 3.2L was a common rail intercooled turbo unit, smoother and quieter than the previous diesel it had maximum power of 125 kW, and 358 Nm of torque at 2000 revs.
Receiving a number of minor facelifts since 2006, the latest model Pajero’s 3.2L common rail turbo diesel engine is now seeing 147 kw and 441 nm of torque, securing its place in the Mitsubishi stables as a capable off road vehicle.
Throughout its lifetime the Pajero has continued to challenge its competitors and deliver new and inspiring technology to its consumers. A capable four-wheel drive on and off the road since its release the Pajero has sold over 2.6 million vehicles worldwide.
The first generation, released in January 1983 was initially a 3-door vehicle released in both metal and canvas top with three different engine configurations. It even had a jerry can on the back door in the luxury model. Due to higher demand for a family car, the Pajero was re-released in May 1984 with a long-wheel base 7 seater option.
This model Pajero was used until 1991, receiving various facelifts throughout its lifetime, finishing up with a top of the range 3.0 V6 option pumping out a hefty 104 kw.
The Pajero second generation was released in 1991, introducing a number of features and technology which have filtered through even into the latest Pajero, truly ahead of their time.
Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD was the first of its kind in any Japanese four-wheel drive vehicles, combining the advantages of both part time and full time four-wheel drive; with the ability to switch between driving formats at speeds up to 100km/h.
Other major updates included synchro front free wheel diff, multi mode ABS brakes, rear diff lock and adjustable shock absorbers; all of these features helping improve ride comfort.
Maintained until 1999 the second generation Pajero received 2 body styles and a number of engine configurations throughout its lifetime, including the introduction of the 3.5L V6 and 2.8L turbo diesel.
The third generation Pajero received a complete make-over before being released to the Australian market in May 2000. Being treated to a lower and wider stance, the lower center of gravity made the Pajero a more comfortable car on the road and longer suspension stroke and chassis rigidity improving the car off road.
Australia was an important market for the Pajero and local engineers were invited to be a part of the design team early in the process. So changes were made to the suspension, steering, ABS braking, cruise control and dust sealing meaning Pajeros sold worldwide benefitted from the Aussie design work.
This was the first Pajero to have a full monocoque body with integrated chassis. This new body made it stronger and lighter than the previous model. This also allowed it to have independent suspension which gave greater wheel travel, which when combined with the shorter bumpers improving approach and departure angles made for a great off-road vehicle.
As well as the body, the SS4 gearbox received a complete overhaul, featuring new gears and complete electronic control, allowing it to be adjusted when the car was not in gear. After all its upgrades this system was renamed to the Super Select 4WD II (SS4-II).
The third generation retained the 3.5L V6 though also saw the introduction of the 3.2L DiD turbo diesel engine, producing 120 kw and 352 nm of torque.
The fourth and current generation Pajero released in November 2006 received a complete remodelling both inside and out. Though retaining much of the same running gear from the previous generation, it was full of safety and technology developments, providing a safer and more enjoyable drive.
For the first time Pajero got Mitsubishi’s 3.8L MIVEC engine, generating 184 kW, almost 25 per cent more than the previous unit and Torque was up by six per cent, to 329 Nm at just 2750 rpm. The new Pajero diesel 3.2L was a common rail intercooled turbo unit, smoother and quieter than the previous diesel it had maximum power of 125 kW, and 358 Nm of torque at 2000 revs.
Receiving a number of minor facelifts since 2006, the latest model Pajero’s 3.2L common rail turbo diesel engine is now seeing 147 kw and 441 nm of torque, securing its place in the Mitsubishi stables as a capable off road vehicle.
Throughout its lifetime the Pajero has continued to challenge its competitors and deliver new and inspiring technology to its consumers. A capable four-wheel drive on and off the road since its release the Pajero has sold over 2.6 million vehicles worldwide.
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