[toggle title_open=”Car specifications” title_closed=”Car specifications” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]Price: $87,590
Engine: 3.2 litre four-cylinder turbodiesel, 150kW/448Nm
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Fuel economy: 9.2 litres/100km
Emissions: 240gr/km (Euro 4)
Equipment: Bluetooth, heated leather front seats, 7 inch touch screen navigation,15-speaker sound
Safety: Five-star ANCAP crash rating (four stars prior to April 2013)
Factory warranty: Three year plus two year/130,000km
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Years ago, Mitsubishi’s Pajero played a major part in making the 4WD popular as a family wagon, rather than a farm and industry workhorse for carrying on over rough and slithery tracks. Early Pajeros were praised for good ride and handling; having a reasonably priced 4WD no longer had to be an agricultural experience. Today, the Pajero is still one of the best-handling and best-riding of the “proper” 4WDs – or SUVs as they’re now generally known. These are the ones with low-range gearing, providing the ability to competently tackle rough and unfriendly terrain. The wagon may not have much ground clearance, especially compared to some of those on air suspension that can be raised as required, but it’s still a competent performer in the right kind of off-road conditions, so there’s still very much a point to it having the extra gearing. Pajero was recently facelifted, probably for the last time before a new model appears. It included an upgraded bumper, grille and fog lamps; Mitsubishi’s new-ish brake override system; a reversing camera; an auto dimming view mirror with monitor for the camera; and red and white dash illumination, replacing the blue that is now so last year. The trouble with the Pajero is that it’s become a bit tired. That’s no fault of the vehicle itself; blame the march of technology. It’s falling a bit behind in such areas as NVH, ride and handling. The 3.2 litre 150kW and 448Nm engine is a bit too noisy, rough and power-strapped for today’s market. On the other hand, despite its current price, the Pajero offers good value in its segment.
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Good features
Capable all rounder
Not so good
Showing its age
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[box type=”tick” size=”large” style=”rounded”]Rating 7/10[/box]