New Car Reviews- Mitsubishi Pajero

To tap the huge potential of the SUV market in India, Mitsubishi, with its Indian partner Hindustan Motors (HM), imported the Pajero in March 2002. Initially, the Pajero was to be imported as completely-built-unit and sold in select dealerships in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi and Chandigarh. Now, HM produces the lower-end 2,800cc diesel version of the vehicle, importing complete knock-down units. The new Mitsubishi Pajero SFX has received a refreshing facelift. The vehicle is assembled at HM's Thiruvallur (Tamil Nadu) plant, where it produces Mitsubishi's mid-size car Lancer. This third-generation Pajero is available globally with 3.2L diesel engine but in India it is powered by 2.8L turbo-diesel engine. Adopting a 'One Country One Price' policy, Mitsubishi vehicles are priced the same throughout the length and breadth of the country. In India, the Pajero is available in one trim -- Pajero 2.8L (SFX).

The 2.8 litre, 8-valve, Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC), turbo-charged and intercooled diesel engine cranks out 117 bhp at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 29.8 kgm at 2,000 rpm. This heady engine generates stupendous power to take the Pajero to a maximum speed of 150 kmph. The SUV clocks 0-100 kmph in just 17 seconds and returns 8/11 kmpl (city/highway). The low-revving engine is mated with a 5-speed manual transmission to offer smooth shifts and also high as well as low gear ratios.

This off-road performer is constructed on a body-on-frame pattern that stands out in competition when it comes to tough roads. The front double wishbone setup with torsion plus stabilizer bar, and the rear 3-link coil spring and rigid axle with stabiliser bar arrangement is extremely efficient on off-road driving. The SUV is precisely tuned to no body roll at high speed and stability. The body is exceptionally strong for rugged terrain and doesn't give surprises on highways either.

The Pajero is a body on ladder design; it has a tall stance with good ground clearance. The SUV's bulky body and bumpers give it a masculine look. Its silver-coloured bumper runs across the body like cladding and garnishes the door. The chromed handle, side mirrors and six-spoke alloy wheels add some gloss to the SUV. With dual-coloured interiors and body-coloured headrests, the interiors of the Pajero are sporty and practical. Especially built for off-road driving, the leather seats are well bolstered.

The four-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel design is impressive unlike the instrument cluster which has straight lines all over. To add more comfort, the first and second row seats get a unique hand rests with cup holder, ash strays have been installed on the door sides. Air vents are installed individually for all rows to maintain uniform temperature all over. The driver's seat is height adjustable with lumbar adjusters, the second row seats recline and the second and the third row seats are fully foldable to make space for luggage.

The Pajero gets a standard music system with tuner and MP3 CD player. Some of the safety features on the Pajero include 3-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seatbelts, front and rear door impact bars, collapsible steering column, high-mount stop lamp and child-protection rear door locks.