New Pajero doubles down on diesel

While much of the industry pivots to petrol-electric power, Mitsubishi is doubling down on diesel for the returning Pajero, fitting a new-generation 2.4-litre turbo-diesel and a hardcore 4x4 system to its reborn flagship 4WD large SUV.

The heart of the new Pajero is Mitsubishi’s ‘4N16’ 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, reworked here with a variable-geometry turbocharger, water-cooled intercooler and dual-loop EGR.

The result is 150kW and 480Nm – the latter up 10Nm on the Triton’s donk – and, thanks to AdBlue and an auto stop-start system, the first Mitsubishi engine to meet Euro 6d emissions standards.

It drives through an updated eight-speed automatic with a wider ratio spread and engine ‘blipping’ on downshifts for smoother shifts. Underpinning the hardware is the benchmark Super Select II 4x4 system, offering 2H, 4H, 4HLc and 4LLc modes, backed by Super-All Wheel Control and Active Yaw Control across seven drive modes: Eco, Normal, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.

A low-range transfer case and a rear differential lock are standard on every grade, and – tellingly – the GLS rolls on 18-inch alloys wrapped in 255/65R18 mud and snow tyres. This appears to be a serious off-road rig, not a soft-roader in hiking boots.

It’s engineered underneath, too. Mitsubishi says only the front section of the ladder frame and the front floor are shared with the Triton, with most other components renewed or modified specifically for Pajero.

Some buyers will lament the loss of the monocoque or unibody architecture of the last Pajero but Mitsubishi says the new platform is an improvement on the last Pajero.

Mitsubishi opted for a ladder frame over a monocoque because it says it offers greater strength and durability for customers using the vehicle in tough conditions and is better for towing.

Dimensionally, the new Pajero sits remarkably close to Toyota's Prado.

At 4920mm long, 1925mm wide, up to 1910mm tall and riding on a 2870mm wheelbase, the Mitsubishi is slightly shorter and narrower than the Prado (4990mm long, 1980mm wide, 1935mm tall, 2850mm wheelbase). However, it offers a marginally longer wheelbase.

The result is a full-sized seven-seat SUV with the road presence and interior packaging buyers expect from the segment, while remaining closely aligned with the class benchmark it is targeting.

The frame is significantly stiffer than the Pajero Sport’s and pairs a front double-wishbone set-up with a five-link rigid rear axle and long-travel suspension for off-road comfort.

For those who tow or tour, the Pajero is rated at 3.5 tonnes braked, with Trailer Load Assist to help stabilise the load, plus a 300kg static roof-load rating for rooftop tents and racks.

The diesel Pajero arrives in showrooms from December and local pricing is expected to be confirmed shortly. Mitsubishi told us it is studying hybrid and plug-in hybrid options for models like Pajero and Triton down the track.

That said, Mitsubishi insists that any electrified versions will need to deliver the same towing and off-road ability, so don’t expect to see a hybrid or EV Pajero or Triton any time soon – likely not until late in the decade.

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