We drive: Updated, polished Pajero

Mitsubishi's ageing Pajero gets refreshed with a facelift and improved refinement. Picture: Denis Droppa

Mitsubishi's ageing Pajero gets refreshed with a facelift and improved refinement. Picture: Denis Droppa

Published Oct 31, 2014

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Misty Mountain, Mpumalanga - Mitsubishi has updated its iconic Pajero 4x4 with improved refinement and a mild facelift.

Implemented on both short- and long-wheelbase models, it will be the last upgrade on the current version before it’s replaced by the fifth-generation Pajero in abound two years time.

A minor frontal redesign sees a grille and bumper restyle along with headlamps that are now equipped with LED daytime running lights, while other cosmetic enhancements include an upgrade from 17” to 18” alloy rims, and a new spare-wheel cover.

The headlamps have also been given an auto-dimming function that switches from high- to low-beam by itself when encountering vehicles ahead.

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An improvement to the NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels sees the large SUV cruise along more quietly.

Comprising the SWB GLS, LWB GLS and the LWB GLS Exceed, all derivatives in the simplified three-model Pajero range are powered by the existing 3.2-litre turbodiesel engine which runs on 50ppm or 500ppm diesel.

Burly outputs of 140kW and 441Nm moved the big SUV along with easy-overtaking zest when I drove it at last weekend’s media launch held in Mpumalanga, and the five-speed automatic gearbox, while not having as many gears as some modern new contenders, shifts smoothly and has a manual override functionality.

It’s been a couple of years since I last drove a Pajero but a jaunt through Mpumalanga’s forest off-road tracks reminded me how much of a hardcore trail-tackler it is. With its generous 235mm ground clearance and selectable all-wheel drive, low range and a rear differential lock, it was able to scamper up steep and rutted hills with the ease of a mountain goat.

IMPRESSIVE COMFORT

The three-door short-wheelbase derivative is the bundu-basher’s first choice with its lofty approach and departure angles of 34.8 and 36.7 degrees respectively, but the five-door long-wheelbase’s 36.6 degree approach and 25 degree departure figures still give it plenty of off-roading ability along with a family-sized cabin.

The Super Select 4WD system also conveniently allows shifts from two to four-wheel drive at speeds of up to 100km/h.

Our test vehicle achieved reasonably economical consumption of 9.6 litres per 100km in mostly freeway driving, but my favourite feature of the long-wheelbase Pajero was the independent suspension’s bump-soaking ability, which whisked the vehicle over scarred and rocky dirt roads in impressive comfort. The eight-year-old vehicle’s age is showing somewhat in the fact that the steering column has height-adjustment only, not reach. Also showing metaphorical grey hairs is the old-fashioned calculator-style digital display of the onboard computer.

For the rest it’s a luxury-specced package and all Pajeros come with standard functions such as a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth, voice control, cruise control, automatic climate control, and a radio/CD/MP3 touchscreen audio system with USB and Aux support.

PRICES

Pajero 3.2 DI-D GLS SWB - R569 900

Pajero 3.2 DI-D GLS LWB - R639 900

Pajero 3.2 DI-D GLS LWB Exceed - R659 900

These Include a three-year or 100 000km warranty and a five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan, with service intervals every 10 000km. - Star Motoring

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