Mitsubishi of Mzansi has upgraded the Pajero range by introducing a couple of changes. Having dominated early SUV sales in the 1990s, the Pajero became synonymous with luxury 4x4s of back in the day. In fact, at some point the word “Pajero” substituted “SUV” in some townships.
For whatever, reason the company dropped the ball and didn’t follow up on this success. Competitors caught up and overtook the Pajero which became much more utilitarian and not so user-friendly. Can’t say I blame Mitsu though; the vehicle was almost born but bred in the grueling Dakar.
This time though Pajero is going back to being comfortable, attractive, and new-buyer attractive. We often hear automakers talk about trying to fill dealer floors with black buyers who are fast making inroads into the automotive market. Fact is, most car brands in South Africa today list black people as their biggest clientele. Unfortunately some don’t reflect this in their advertising spend. Mitsubishi obviously also wants a bigger piece of this growing pie and they are willing to spend. Up to a point of course.
“We are delighted with our Pajero customers who have remained loyal over the years, and we find that we have an extremely high retention rate,” says Suraiya Naidoo, the boss of Mitsubishi Motors SA. “Approximately 80% of our Pajero sales are existing customers. These customers are discerning buyers and find that the Pajero is a perfect fit for their lifestyle. Customers will now have the benefit of more engine power, improved and better performance off-road capabilities and better towing capacity.”
First they have to present an acceptable product. The previous Pajero drank like a pregnant Blue Whale, quite technical, very off-road in its mind. The new car is just as capable. Actually if I were caught stuck on the moon or in deep rural Rwanda I’d hope a Pajero would show up and rescue me.
Lookswise there aren’t any changes, so forgive me if I keep referring to the car as “new”. That’s the PR that Mitsu sold me. That’s what they are selling it as and that’s what I’m calling it.
Mechanically though a few things have changed for the better. A new 5-speed automatic gearbox performs the shifts. Under the bonnet a new engine can now be found. The turbocharged 3.2-litre diesel dispenses 140kW at 3800rpm and sweet creamy torque of 441Nm at a low 2000rpm. It uses a common rail layout with new injectors (not Piezo though), and is a Euro 3 engine, mainly because South Africa diesel is still very dirty by and large. Until the government starts putting some real pressure on fuel companies to provide the whole country with cleaner petrol and diesel, not much will change.
Plunked into the short-wheel-base (SWB) model the engine feels sprightly. Take off was good, not great, while overtaking felt strong. I took some twists in the Nelspruit area at higher-than-normal speed. The Pajero is not the best-handling SUV on the market at all. Suspension is set up for the rough stuff, not so much for the road still. However, under normal everyday driving it is very comfortable. The long-wheel-base (LWB) is about 33cm longer than its SWB brother, but looks much bulkier. It’s obviously not as sexy either but does play the role of family SUV very well.
Super Select 4WD-II with Active Stability Traction Control and a rear diff lock came into its own during a short stint on slippery gravel. At some point we had to evade a slow moving 18-wheel truck moving at snail’s pace. A bit of counter-steering ensured maximum grip and saw us through.
A grand innovation is the inclusion of the Mitsubishi Integrated Communication System or MICS, an infotainment system comprising of several key features. The main one is the navigation system whose mapping technology is sourced from GARMAP. Everything is touch-screen through a 16.5 cm TFT digital monitor. I was particularly impressed with its live fixed camera warnings that come in the form of a whistle. Handy when you’re in a hurry.
Other features include radio functionality, a CD player, iPod auxiliary inputs and Bluetooth connectivity. We had a bit of trouble trying to connect with the Bluetooth, only to find out much later that the car needs to be at a complete standstill and the handbrake must be engaged in order to pair up a cell phone. Nice thing though, is that once paired everything can be operated from the screen. You can even play the music stored in your cell phone through the Pajero’s thick-bassed Rockford Fosgate sound system and speakers. Word is, the upgraded MICS which should be introduced later this year will even feature easy Internet access for Pajero passengers.
“We are pleased that the franchise supplier, Planet Electronics, who developed this system together with Mitsubishi, has a nationwide footprint to maintain and service this latest satellite system. Mitsubishi owners are free-spirited and for them the journey is the destination,” says Naidoo.
An optional rear view camera to assist drivers with their reverse parking can be ordered at the dealership. With all these features Mitsubishi hopes to regain the glory days of Pajero sitting atop SUV sales charts.
2010 Mitsubishi Pajero Pricing
Pajero 3.2 GLX DI-D LWB (R533 900)
Pajero 3.2 GLS DI-D LWB (R624 200)
Pajero 3.2 GLS DI-D SWB (R523 200)
Pajero 3.8 GLS LWB (R605 900)
Pajero 3.8 GLS SWB (R481 900)
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