Why the NT Pajero!
The NT pajero was officially released on Boxing Day last year and although it was a low key affair the NT has quite a few significant changes over the previous NS model. To the casual observer you will be hard pressed to spot the difference cosmetically between the NT and the previous model. You might notice the extra strip of chrome on the grille of some models or the new 17” 7 spoke wheels but that’s pretty much it. Although it might have missed out on a few extra changes outside it has certainly made up for it under the bonnet. Mitsubishi really had to pull a rabbit out of it’s hat with it’s oil burner 3.2. Introduced in the NM model the 3.2 really is a good reliable diesel engine but it was being left behind by todays technology and the more so strict Euro 5 emission standards introduced this year. But obviously they have had a good look at this motor for the NT and have really done a make over on it for the new model. And believe me it’s got some serious get up and go for a deisel motor. No less than six changes including a larger turbo have given this motor a new lease of life. Figures that are quoted are 147kw @ 3800 rpm and 441nm @ 2000 rpm. And thats enough to put it in front of it’s rival the Prado in the power and torque stakes. But Mitsubishi didn’t stop there, they mated it to a new (Aisin) five speed auto with revised gear ratios. Throw in an all new flow through DPF for the autos and that basically completes the mechanical side of the NT. Other additions were really to address the diesel clatter that people have complained about over the years. It is significantly quieter but you still know it’s a deisel under the bonnet. The NT also has a revised towing capacity! They have upped the towing capacity for the NT to 3000 kg but reduced the hitch mass to 180kg. Up to 2500 kg you can still have 250 kg on the towball.
My test drive was a VRX and although it didn’t really drive any different to the NS you certainly did notice the difference in the power stakes. Put your boot into it and it all happens. The other vital change for those who go offroad is the VRX and the Exceed deisels have a diff lock as standard equipment.
So if you tow and thinking of upgrading, have a look at the NT deisel and take one for a drive. You might very well be pleasantly surprised at how well they go.
Dave Howard
Technical Officer
Pajero Club of Vic
The NT pajero was officially released on Boxing Day last year and although it was a low key affair the NT has quite a few significant changes over the previous NS model. To the casual observer you will be hard pressed to spot the difference cosmetically between the NT and the previous model. You might notice the extra strip of chrome on the grille of some models or the new 17” 7 spoke wheels but that’s pretty much it. Although it might have missed out on a few extra changes outside it has certainly made up for it under the bonnet. Mitsubishi really had to pull a rabbit out of it’s hat with it’s oil burner 3.2. Introduced in the NM model the 3.2 really is a good reliable diesel engine but it was being left behind by todays technology and the more so strict Euro 5 emission standards introduced this year. But obviously they have had a good look at this motor for the NT and have really done a make over on it for the new model. And believe me it’s got some serious get up and go for a deisel motor. No less than six changes including a larger turbo have given this motor a new lease of life. Figures that are quoted are 147kw @ 3800 rpm and 441nm @ 2000 rpm. And thats enough to put it in front of it’s rival the Prado in the power and torque stakes. But Mitsubishi didn’t stop there, they mated it to a new (Aisin) five speed auto with revised gear ratios. Throw in an all new flow through DPF for the autos and that basically completes the mechanical side of the NT. Other additions were really to address the diesel clatter that people have complained about over the years. It is significantly quieter but you still know it’s a deisel under the bonnet. The NT also has a revised towing capacity! They have upped the towing capacity for the NT to 3000 kg but reduced the hitch mass to 180kg. Up to 2500 kg you can still have 250 kg on the towball.
My test drive was a VRX and although it didn’t really drive any different to the NS you certainly did notice the difference in the power stakes. Put your boot into it and it all happens. The other vital change for those who go offroad is the VRX and the Exceed deisels have a diff lock as standard equipment.
So if you tow and thinking of upgrading, have a look at the NT deisel and take one for a drive. You might very well be pleasantly surprised at how well they go.
Dave Howard
Technical Officer
Pajero Club of Vic
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