Mitsubishi MY14 Pajero goes all-diesel

Mitsubishi has announced an all-diesel MY14 Pajero line-up in what’s likely to be the evergreen large SUV’s final upgrade before a redesigned model appears next year.

Biggest news is the Pajero range now comes with a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, following the addition of a front passenger seatbelt reminder and enhanced driver’s side leg protection.

From July, ISOFIX child restraints will also be standard in the Pajero, bringing it into line with the rest of the Mitsubishi range ahead of new Australian child seat restraint legislation later this year.

Pricing remains unchanged, although the manual VRX diesel and the sole remaining petrol variant, the Exceed V6, have both been discontinued, making the Pajero a diesel-only model for the first time.

Mitsubishi’s 147kW/441Nm 3.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, offering 9.0L/100km combined fuel consumption and a hefty three-tonne towing capacity, is therefore standard across the range.

The five-seat GLX base model continues to open the range at $50,990 plus on-road costs, while the GLX-R seven-seater remains $55,990 plus ORCs. They remain the only (five-speed) manual models in the range, with a five-speed automatic transmission adding a further $3000.

The seven-seat Pajero VRX diesel is now an auto-only model and remains at $63,990 plus ORCs, while the seven-seat Exceed flagship is now a diesel-only model priced at the same $73,990 as before.

All Pajero models continue to come with twin front, front-side and curtain airbags, a reversing camera, Mitsubishi’s RISE body protection and, now, front seatbelt reminders and ISOFIX restraints.

Entry-level GLX and GLX-R variants receive Mitsubishi’s hands-free LINK system including Bluetooth 2.0 with voice control, steering wheel controls and audio streaming., while VRX and Exceed variants add the Mitsubishi Multi Communications System (MMCS) incorporating 3D satellite-navigation, a high-resolution touch-screen and rear parking sensors.

VRX models continue to add 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, a chromed grille, rear spoiler, rear privacy glass, exterior door mirrors with turn signals and puddle lamps, automatic headlights with washers, rain-sensing wipers, partial leather seat trim, heated/powered front seats and leather-look floor, console and door trims.

In addition Exceed buys score chromed door mirrors, door handles, side strips and foglights, HID headlights, full leather trim, a woodgrain steering wheel and an 860-Watt, 12-speaker Rockford Acoustic Design audio system with nine-inch rear-seat DVD screen.

The 14MY Pajero line up will be available in White, Cool Silver, Graphite, Champagne, Ironbark, Warm White and pearlescent Pitch Black paint colours, with premium paint costing $495 extra.

As with all new Mitsubishis, the Pajero comes with a five-year/130,000km warranty, five-year roadside assist and capped-price servicing for the first four years or 60,000km of ownership.

“Now with peace-of-mind five-star ANCAP rating, Pajero provides a tough yet luxurious four-wheel drive that suits the family’s day-to-day needs as well as being completely equipped for the next adventure,” said Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited CEO Mutsuhiro Oshikiri.

“There’s a Pajero model to suit every lifestyle, with functionality, safety and power all wrapped up in an attractive package.”

MY14 Mitsubishi Pajero pricing (plus ORCs):
GLX diesel five-seat -- $50,990
GLX diesel five-seat (a) -- $53,990
GLX-R diesel seven-seat -- $55,990
GLX-R diesel seven-seat (a) -- $58,990
VRX diesel seven-seat (a) -- $63,990
Exceed diesel seven-seat (a) - $73,990

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