Mitsubishi Pajero


The Mitsubishi Pajero is a mid-size sport utility vehicle manufactured and marketed globally by Mitsubishi.
Mitsubishi markets the SUV as the Montero in Spain and the Americas and as the Shogun in the United Kingdom. However, the Montero is no longer sold in North America as of late 2006. The Pajero nameplate derives from Leopardus pajeros, the Pampas cat.
The Pajero has earned a respected legacy in rally and are particularly noted for having won the Dakar Rally 12 times, having the highest number of Dakar Rally stage wins and seizing 80% of Dakar Rally podium finishes from 2001-2005. Records for which Mitsubishi earned a place in the Guinness World Records and are currently unbeaten.
Due to their success, the Pajero, Montero and Shogun names were also applied to other, mechanically unrelated models, such as the Pajero Mini kei car, the Pajero Junior and Pajero iO/Pinin mini SUVs, and the Pajero/Montero/Shogun Sport pickup truck-based mid-size SUVs. The Pajero is one of three models by Mitsubishi that share Mitsubishi's heavy-duty, off-road-orientated Super-Select four-wheel-drive system as opposed to their light-duty Mitsubishi S-AWC all-wheel-drive system.
The Pajero will be discontinued in 2021 due to company's cost-cutting reasons.

History

The roots of the Pajero can be traced back to 1934 with the Mitsubishi PX33 prototype commissioned for the Japanese Government. Mitsubishi presented the first Pajero prototype at the Tokyo Motor Show in November 1973 then Pajero II prototype followed in 1978, five years later.
In January 1983, the first Pajero debuted at the Paris Dakar Rally, taking first place in 1985 at only the third attempt. Other wins followed, at events such as the Australasian Safari and Northern Forest.

Dakar Rally Records

A Mitsubishi Pajero, driven by Andrew Cowan, finished the 1984 Paris–Alger–Dakar as the third ranked winner in overall class after covering more than 11,000 km. Mitsubishi dominated with multiple first, second and third place podium finishes until their final wins in 2007. From 2001-2005, with the introduction of their third generation Pajero with monocoque chassis and fully independent suspension, Mitsubishi had 5 consecutive first-place finishes and 12 of all 15 podium finishes in the same time period. Their overall record was 12 total overall wins in the "Cars Class" and 150 stage wins. Mitsubishi earned the title of ‘Most Dakar Rally Wins by A Manufacturer’ from the Guinness World Records.

First generation (L040; 1982–1991)

The first generation made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1981, and was launched in May 1982. Initially, it was a three-door, short-wheelbase model available with a metal or canvas top and three different engines options, although more were gradually added, ending with a 3.0-litre V6 on top of the range.
It included features unusual for a four-wheel-drive vehicle: a turbocharged diesel engine, a front double wishbone suspension with torsion bar springs, power steering and suspension seats.
In January 1983, only a year following its launch, mildly tuned production Pajeros entered the world of motor sport.
In February 1983, Mitsubishi introduced a long-wheelbase, five-door model, available with a choice of two different engines; a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol and a 2.3-litre turbocharged diesel. It also came in Standard, Semi-High Roof and High Roof body styles. Outside of Japan there was also the 2.6-liter petrol four, which produced in European trim.
The long-wheelbase model increased seating capacity to seven, with available third row seats, which could be folded to the sides for additional trunk space or combined with second row seats to form a bed.
In 1984, the Pajero received turbo diesel engines with higher power/torque ratings, whilst the long-wheelbase models received standard four-wheel disc brakes and four-way adjustable shock absorbers as standard equipment.
A flagship model was introduced in 1987 with two-tone paint, 15-inch light alloy wheels, front-seat heaters, wool seat covers, leather headrests, a three-spoke steering wheel and a sound system with radio/cassette. In 1987, a version of the Pajero/Montero was rebadged by Dodge as the Raider, which ran through 1989.
In 1988, a 3.0-litre SOHC V6 engine was made available, alongside a 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine, with the first 4x4 intercooler. The long-wheelbase models received a coil link suspension system for better ride comfort and off-road ability.
It was available with a 3-door body for a short wheelbase ' or a 5-door body for a long-wheelbase '. Engines included a 2.6 L I4 with, a 3.0 L V6 with EFI and and a turbocharged 2.5 L OHC diesel I4 with or an intercooled. Part-time four-wheel drive was standard on all models.
The first generation platform was later built under license by Hyundai Precision Products as the Hyundai Galloper from 1991 to 2003, and exported to Europe for a brief time. While it used first generation mechanicals, the Galloper's body was closer to the second generation Pajeros.

Australia

The NA series was released to Australia during January 1983 in short- and long-wheelbase three-door wagon formats, with the 2.6-litre petrol or 2.3-litre turbo diesel, both mated to a five-speed KM145 manual transmission. Brakes were ventilated front discs and rear drums. The five-door, high-roof LWB model was introduced in May 1984 with the same powertrain options. The five-door offered a luxury Superwagon trim and also had a shorter final drive than the SWB models, to make up for the increased weight.
The NB of November 1984 included a revised grille, deleted the LWB three-door body style and the diesel engine for the remaining SWB three-door. Mitsubishi Australia released the NC series in November 1985, introducing optional power steering, while the long-wheelbase five-door switched to a low-roofed design.
A KM148 automatic gearbox became optional on the petrol Superwagon for the October 1986 ND update, while the 2.5-litre turbo diesel replaced the old 2.3-litre unit. For the October 1987 NE series, the Japanese 2.6-litre petrol was replaced with the Australian-made Astron II version. Brake dimensions were also increased across the range.
The NE three-door Sports and five-door Superwagon added a limited slip differential, front bumper overriders, spare wheel cover, side pin striping, 16-inch chrome wheels, and optional two-tone paint over the base cars. The most expensive models also received an inclinometer, volt meter, oil pressure gauge, stereo cassette player, remote fuel filler release, suspension driver's seat, carpeting, and tweed and velour cloth trim.
September 1988's NF facelift saw the introduction of a 3.0-litre V6 engine in the top-line Superwagon, delivering and via a five-speed V5MT1 manual or four-speed KM148 automatic. Suspension became a three-link coil spring design at the rear. Rear disc brakes were fitted to the V6 only.
The final NG refresh from September 1989 to April 1991 was a minor trim and equipment readjustment. The KM148 automatic transmission was replaced by the V4AW2 with lockup. High-end NG models now received chrome, truck-style side mirrors. An intercooler was also added to the 2.5-litre turbo diesel models in 1990.

Camel Trophy

The Camel Trophy was a vehicle-oriented competition that was held annually between 1980 and 2000, and it was best known for its use of Land Rover vehicles over challenging terrain. The event took its name from its main sponsor, the Camel cigarette brand. The first event was originally intended as a one-off publicity stunt for Camel tobacco. This came about after six Germans had the idea of driving the notoriously tough Transamazonica Highway in Brazil; 1600 km of dusty, rutted, broken dirt road with several treacherous river crossings through the Amazon.
Though little information is available online, Mitsubishi entered several long wheelbase, first generation Pajeros in the Camel Trophy and even created a limited "Camel Trophy Edition" to commemorate the event and their participation. Interestingly the limited edition versions were short wheelbase whereas the actual competing vehicles were long wheelbase due to the need to carry large amounts of equipment. The competing and Camel Trophy Edition vehicles both featured 2.5L turbo diesel 4D56 engines with a 5 speed manual transmission.
Some of the special accessories these vehicles came with are the now iconic mustard yellow body and wheel paint, Camel Trophy logo on the driver and passenger doors, floor mats, seats and spare tyre cover, PTO winch, a recovery kit with shovel, black powder-coated roof rack and a special bush knife. Only 150 of this edition were ever made, though several enthusiasts have created replicas using their own SWB Pajeros from the time with spare parts that were still available from OEM part stockists. Currently many of these parts can still be found new including the highly desirable PTO winch.
Original Camel Trophy editions can be identified by a yellow and black plaque inside the vehicle and a special chassis code.

Second generation (V20- / NH, NJ, NL; 1991–1999)

Mitsubishi redesigned the Pajeros for a second generation, which debuted in January 1991, although exports did not commence until later in the year. Just about everything was now new and further enhanced. A new, larger body was available in four different versions; Metal Top, Canvas Top Convertible, Semi High Roof Wagon and High Roof Wagon. The short wheelbase models were stretched by and the long-wheelbase models by. The available engines included a 3.0-litre 12-valve SOHC V6 with ECI-Multi electronic fuel injection and a 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine with an intercooler.
The second generation also saw the introduction of Super Select 4WD , Multi-Mode ABS and electronic shock absorbers which were firsts on Japanese four-wheel drives. SS4 was ground-breaking in the sense that it combined the advantages of part-time and full-time four-wheel drive with four available options: 2H, 4H, 4HLc and 4LLc. Another advantage of this second generation system is that it gave the driver the ability to switch between two-wheel drive and full-time four-wheel drive at speeds up to 80 km/h, whereas the first generation Pajero which used a traditional 4WD system had to be stationary to switch from rear-wheel drive to four-wheel drive. In addition to the SS4, an pneumatic locking differential was included as a factory option. The transfer case is required to be in 4HLc or 4LLc to engage the rear locking differential. Multi-mode ABS, on the other hand, was equally innovative. This meant ABS would be fully functional in all modes of SS4, as braking with a locked centre differential requires completely different braking parameters. The new electronic shock absorber was also factory option with three settings: S, M, and H. This meant driver can change ride quality and handling depending on road conditions via a switch on centre console.
In July 1993, two new power plants were introduced; a 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC with ECI-Multi and a 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel with an intercooler. A new, larger transmission and transfer case was also part of the upgrade.
In 1996 the 3.0 V6 engine was revised, staying SOHC but changing to 24 valves. At the same time the ignition system was upgraded from the old distributor system to solid state coil packs. Power increased to. The 2.4 L engine was introduced as a smaller power plant; available only in the SWB with revised minor interior and exterior.
The Pajero Evolution was introduced in October 1997, which was developed in specifically in response to new entry requirements for the Paris – Dakar Rally's T3 Class, mandating a minimum volume of production vehicles to be produced on which the rally car would be based on. The Pajero Evolution was designed from the ground up as a dedicated rally vehicle. It came standard with a 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC V6 with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control. A new, dual plenum variable intake helped increase power and a new, long-travel independent rear suspension made the ride even smoother. This fully independent suspension design set the underpinnings for what would be implemented in the third generation Pajero.
In 1998, vehicles destined for General Export and the GCC received a facelift. Wider fenders, new headlights, grille, bumper, fog lights and sidesteps were all part of the redesign. The wide fenders are often called "blister flare fenders". Driver and front-passenger SRS airbags were made standard on models equipped with the 3.5-litre DOHC V6 engine, whilst still remaining optional on GLS models with the 3.0-litre SOHC V6. 1080 of these units were also assembled in Iran by Bahman Khodro Group before being taken off production. An upgraded interior wood trim was made available on 3.0-litre GLS and 3.5-litre models. A leather-wrapped or leather and wood trim steering wheel was also made available, alongside an upgraded suspension and steering system. The 3.0-litre 12-valve SOHC engine was now available with a 24-valve configuration. Models without wide fenders remained as base models, available with a 2.4-litre 16-valve DOHC engine, producing. The 3.0-litre 12-valve engine was optional on these GLX models, and remained the base engine on the GLS.
The second generation was introduced on 22 January 1991 and manufactured until 1999. It retained the two body styles, but design was rounder and more city-friendly than the previous bulky model. The 3.0 L V6 petrol engine was retained, now available with a 24-valve head, capable of, while the 2.5 turbodiesel's power was slightly increased to. In 1993, the Pajero was slightly restyled, and larger engines were introduced, a 3.5 L V6 with and a 2.8 L SOHC turbodiesel rated at. These versions introduced Mitsubishi's Super Select four-wheel-drive system, with an electronic transfer shift that could split power between both axles without the need to stop the car. It worked at speeds up to.
The first generation Pajero was also marketed as the Hyundai Galloper in Korea, Europe and GCC Countries, while the second generation was in production elsewhere.
This model Pajero remained in production in India till 2012 as the Pajero SFX; the latest generation is sold as the Montero. In the Philippines it is marketed as the Pajero "Field Master" 4x2 with the 2.8L TD engine, alongside the fourth generation Pajero. The 4X4 version was taken out of production in 1999. It is also produced in Colombia from Complete Knock Down parts till 2012, with a 2.4l 16 valve SOHC or 3.0l 12 valve V6, both engines are available as a three-door hard top, the five-door wagon only with the 3.0-litre V6.
In Venezuela, the second generation was manufactured from 1992 to 1995 under the name of Mitsubishi Montero, it was available in long and short wheel base. From 1996 to 2009 its name was changed to Mitsubishi Montero Dakar, it was only available in short wheel base with 6G72 engine and manual five-speed transmission.
In China, the second generation Pajero remains popular as it was involved in early joint ventures from the 1990s. Companies include Guangtong Motors, Jincheng Motors, Jinhui Motors, Sanjiu Motors, Sanxing Motors, Shanlu Motors and Wanli Motors.
Chinese car manufacturer Shanlu Motors made their version of the Pajero known as the CJY 6421D and was produced from 1997 to 2001 and came standard with the 4G64 engine. Beijing Automobile Works followed suit and produced their version known as the BJ2032 Tornado from 2002 to 2004. The BJ2032 came standard with a 2.2-litre engine sourced from General Motors paired to a 5 speed manual gearbox. The Tornado is 4880 millimetres long, 1830 millimetres wide, 1800 millimetres high and utilizes a 2750 millimetre wheelbase.
The most well known variants of the Pajero sold in China were built by GAC Changfeng since 1995. The first known model was produced from 2002 to 2014 and marketed under the name Liebao Heijinggang for the 2002 model year. The Heijinggang was available with four engines, the 2.2-litre 4RB3 based on the 2RZ-FE engine from Toyota, the popular 2.4-litre 4G64 engine and 6G72 V6 from both Mitsubishi and a 2.5-litre turbo diesel. All engines were paired to a 5 speed manual gearbox. The 4 speed automatic was only available on the 2002 Heijinggang with the V6 engine. Throughout its production run, pricing ranged between 109,800 and 302,800 yuan.
The sister model, known as the Qibing/6481, was produced from 2009 until 2014. The 2.2-litre 4RB3 was the only engine available paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. Two models were available priced at 99,800 and 124,800 yuan.
Both models were replaced by a face-lifted version called the Leopard Q6 that year and is still in production today. The Q6 used the 4G63 for 2015 and 2017 models paired to a 6 speed manual and automatic gearbox. The 2TZ-FE engine from Toyota was also available alongside it paired to a 5 speed manual gearbox. For 2019 onwards, the Q6 currently uses the 4G64 like its predecessors and uses a 5 speed manual gearbox. Two colours choices known as: Wild Green and Glacier White are available as standard.
The second generation Pajero was discontinued in 1999, and replaced by a new-generation Pajero. After ending production, the second generation Pajero gained unwanted attention in 2002 when TLC member Left Eye was killed in a car crash involving a second generation Mitsubishi Pajero, on a highway in La Ceiba, Honduras. She was the only fatality in the crash. A camera man was filming from the front passenger's seat, and his camera was destroyed on impact.

Third generation (V60- / NM, NP ; 1999–2006)

Designed in house, the third generation Pajero debuted in the Japanese domestic market in 1999, and in other markets in late 2000 as a 2001 model — and in the Philippines and other developing nations in 2003.
The third generation was redesigned with a lower, wider stance and unibody construction with integral ladder frame chassis for increased torsional rigidity and drastically improved cabin strength when compared to typical body-on-frame designs. This was in part due to Mitsubishi's RISE reinforcement system which resulted in a chassis and body combination that exhibited impressive structural integrity in rollover accidents and was completely unaffected by severe chassis loading as would typically experienced during off-road recoveries. The fuel tank was relocated between the front and rear axles to improve weight distribution and improve ground clearance. This generation featured a fold and tumble, reclining second row 60/40 split seat and a stowable / removable third row seat.
The Super Select 4 system was also further refined: bevel gears were replaced with planetary gears. This meant the front-to-rear torque setting ranged from 33 to 67, with the ability to adjust to 50/50 depending on surface conditions. The system was also made fully electronic, meaning the vehicle didn't have to be in gear to switch between drive modes. After all the upgrades, the system was renamed to Super Select 4WD II.
Alongside rack and pinion steering, the Pajero also offered a choice of three transmissions; a five speed manual, a four speed INVECS-II automatic and a five speed INVECS-II tiptronic.
An all-new 3.8 litre SOHC 24-valve V6 powerplant was also introduced on this generation. This engine utilized an Electronic Throttle Valve, to deliver a refined cruising power with power to spare for off-road ventures.
The third generation was introduced on 2 August 1999 and was scheduled to be replaced by the Autumn of 2006. It received a minor face lift in 2003. The 3.0 L engine's power was increased to, and the 3.5 L engine was given petrol direct injection, increasing power to in the Japanese market (export versions kept the standard EFI engine, now with. The 2.8 L Diesel was retained only for developing markets, and was replaced by a new 16-valve direct injection engine, with 3.2 L and.
In the North American market, the 3.5 L engine was replaced for 2003 by a more powerful 3.8 L unit, with. This engine was later made available to export markets such as South America, Australia and New Zealand, whilst it replaced the GDI V6 in the Japanese lineup in 2005. The short wheelbase model is not available in North America, where the Montero was the only SUV in Mitsubishi's lineup with standard four-wheel drive as opposed to all-wheel-drive. The Montero left the US market after the 2006 model year.

Fourth generation (V80- / NS, NT, NW, NX; 2006–2021)

The fourth generation debuted at the Paris Motor Show on 30 September 2006 with the series code "NS". Revised interior and exterior styling were accompanied by dual-stage SRS front airbags as well as new side-impact and curtain airbags. The chassis was a mildy improved monocoque with Mitsubishi's RISE technology as featured in the previous generation. The innovative Super-Select 4WD II system was retained, complemented by an improved Active Stability & Traction Control system and electronic brakeforce distribution with of ground clearance and a 700mm wading depth — as well as more extensive skid plating, a carbon-fibre-wrapped rear driveshaft and aluminium bonnet to reduce weight. The fourth generation retained the same fully-independent suspension as the previous generation, with improvements to the rear axle assembly for improved strength and reliability off road as well as 17" alloy wheels on GLS trim. Brakes too were upgraded to larger 332mm front rotors on LWB versions. SWB versions retained the 289mm rotors from the previous generation until later in production.
Engines were upgraded with the 3.2 L diesel gaining Common Rail technology, a DPF for cleaner emissions and producing. The 3.8 L V6 gained MIVEC variable valve timing to boost power to. Both engines met Euro IV emissions standards. The 3.0 L V6 is retained for the Japanese and GCC markets. In Indonesia, this model was only marketed in Super Exceed trim.
From 2009 a new series was introduced; "NT", the 3.0L V6 engine was dropped in the GCC markets, and was replaced by a 3.5L V6 engine, rated for and torque. Further revisions to the 3.2 L Turbo Diesel in the 2011 model year saw the power and torque increased to and respectively. Both engines met Euro V emissions standards. The 3.8 L petrol engine remained at and . There is also a panel van version available in markets where such a model can be registered at a lower tax rate. Vehicles also received a rear locking differential as standard
For the 2010 model year the Pajero gained a Rockford acoustic sound system and two interior color options, black and beige, in some markets.
For 2012, the Pajero model was minimally restyled and given an improved monocoque body and suspension with the series designation "NW".
For the 2015 model year the Pajero received an updated front fascia with a revised grille, LED daytime running lights and a new spare tire cover under the series "NX". This series is currently the most recent and still in production. The interior was revised to include metallic trim, piano black accents for the VR II, wood grain trim for the Exceed and Super Exceed and additional sound deadening material. The engines were carried over and include the 3.0 L 6G72 V6, the 3.5 L 6G74 V6, the 3.8 L 6G75 MIVEC V6, the 2.8 L four-cylinder turbo diesel 4M40, and the 3.2 L 4M41 common rail four-cylinder turbo diesel.
Notably, the Pajero features one of the most durable independent suspension designs for its class. This, coupled with the popular 3.2 L Di-D and 3.8 L MIVEC engines has contributed to a strong reputation for reliability in challenging environments such as Africa, Australia and the Middle East.
The Pajero was discontinued in Japan in August 2019 with the release of "Final Edition" model, which is limited to 700 units. However, is still sold in international markets where demand remains high such as Australia, the Middle East and South America, among others.

Safety

2006
Moderate overlap frontal offsetAcceptable
Head restraints and seatsPoor

2013 :
https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/mitsubishi/pajero/2aac99
Frontal Offset:
Each body region is scored out of 4 points.
Head / neck: 4.00,
Chest: 3.90,
Upper legs: 4.00,
Lower legs:1.51
The passenger compartment held its shape reasonably well in the
offset crash test. Airbag contact was stable.
Side impact:
Each body region is scored out of 4 points.
Head: 4.00,
Chest:4.00,
Abdomen:4.00,
Pelvis:4.00
Experience shows that large vehicles like the Pajero can be expected to perform well in this test.

Production and sales

Sources: Pajero 4WD 20 Year History