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 a 3.2L diesel, engine but in India it is powered by a 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 SFX is available in one variant.



Powertrain & Performance

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 a peak torque of 292 Nm at 2,000 rpm. This heady engine generates stupendous power to take the Pajero to a maximum speed of 150 km/h. The SUV clocks 0-100 kmph in just 17 seconds and returns 8/11 km/l (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 during off-road driving. The SUV is precisely tuned to provide stability and no body roll even at high speed. Pajero's body is exceptionally strong for rugged terrain and is efficient on highways.


Build & Styling


The Pajero has 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 the second row seats get unique hand-rests with cup holders. Ash trays 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.