Story & photos by Patrick P. Tulfo
THE Pajero is probably the most recognizable model to have come out of Mitsubishi in the country. Its name was taken from a type of feline called Leopardus pajeros or Pampas cat, which is a native of the Patagonia plateau region of southern Argentina.
Unfortunately, the term pajero also means “wanker or loser” in Spanish, that’s why Mitsubishi gave different names in other markets like Montero, which means “mountain hunter”, in America (except in Brazil and Jamaica) and Shogun in the United Kingdom. It was also rebadged by Dodge as Raider and was Hyundai’s first sport-utility vehicle (SUV), which they named Galloper.
The first prototype was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1973, while the second one was aptly called Pajero II in 1978. It was conceptualized as a recreational vehicle and designed to do battle with the likes of Toyota’s Land Cruiser and Nissan’s Patrol SUV.
Although the first generation made its debut in 1982, it didn’t reach the country until after the Edsa Revolution and became a de facto choice for politicians and showbiz personalities alike—the popularity that it carried throughout the 1990s and early-2000s.
While the first and second generation carried the traditional body on frame construction, Mitsubishi decided to adopt unibody construction for the third generation. It was also completely redesigned inside and out by Mitsubishi’s in-house team. A bulbous styling was a far cry from the previous generation’s boxy appearance.
It has also grown tremendously from midsize to a full-size SUV and hosted new features, including a new 4WD system called Super Select, as well as new engine choices.
The fourth and current generation was introduced in 2006 and retained the overall look of the third generation, but styling was streamlined and it now sports a less pudgy look.
Last year the Pajero received some more tweaks via a refreshed exterior, the grille has been reworked and is now similar somewhat to its sibling, the Montero Sport; daytime running lights are now integrated with the fog lamps.
There is also a new two-tone color offering that was quite popular in the 1990s, a large sunroof and a new set of wheels that completes exterior tweaks.
I was able to test-drive recently the Paris-Dakar-honed 4WD system, which Mitsubishi dubbed as Super Select 4WD II. The 4WD shifter still uses a stick as opposed to knobs found on most SUVs nowadays. The 4WD can be activated even when the vehicle is moving at a speed of 100 kph and features a locking differential for the rough terrain.
The ride is, similar to its smaller sibling Montero Sport, able to absorb most road irregularities with aplomb. The body felt solid while doing some light off-roading somewhere in Bataan.
Safety-wise, it has six air bags, electronic brake distribution and anti-lock brake mechanism. Mitsubishi’ s proven Active Stability and Traction Control monitors each wheel and precisely manages engine output, power distribution and braking force to deliver improved traction and control under any driving conditions.
The Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body was designed to absorb all impacts while protecting all the vehicle’s occupants.
But its biggest setback is the third-row seat. The Pajero has been using the same seat setup for quite some time now. Although it folds flat on the floor when not in use, it is quite an uncomfortable seat to be in unless you are no more than 5 feet tall. Thankfully, there are separate aircon vents for its occupants and seatbelts for safety. But in my opinion, it is best kept in folded position and should only be used in short duration.
Inside, one is greeted with an airy interior—leather on all seats and door panels, plus the liberal use of soft plastic on the dash as well as the doors lends a premium feel. The 6.5-inch touchscreen multimedia entertainment system with GPS can be easily accessed without taking one’s eyes off the road. The multi-information display is located above it, it displays outside temperature, average fuel economy, drive range, average speed, elevation, barometer, time, date, compass and tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS). It replaces the old analogue setup above the dashboard of the Pajeros of old.
Meanwhile, the Pajero is equipped with the dual-zone climate control system both front and rear for passengers. The meaty leather-wrapped steering wheel houses most of the controls, including the cruise control. There is also a cooler box in the middle of the front seats that can cool drinks for the driver and passengers.
The Pajero is powered by a 3.2-liter (4M41) inline four direct injection engine with intercooler and Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT). It has been tweaked for that much-needed horsepower and torque boost. It now boasts of 190 horsepower and 441 N-m of torque, thus making it on a par with the horsepower ratings of the midsize SUV offerings from Toyota, Ford and Chevrolet. It also made the engine compliant to the upcoming Euro 4 emission standards that is set to be implemented next year. A unique feature of this engine is the cyclone type, pre-air cleaner that not only delivers clean air but increases it as well, while keeping water and dust out.
Power delivery is excellent all throughout the rpm range but it is particularly strong at the midrange, which makes overtaking slow-moving vehicles easy. The claimed 10-second 0-100 kilometers per hour acceleration is achievable all the way to the manufacturer’s claim of 185 kph top speed. Although, the steering somewhat becomes lighter as you go up the speed, making it necessary to divert all the attention on the road in doing so. Meanwhile, if driven sedately, you can get 10 kilometers per liter fuel consumption.
There are rumors going on that the Pajero’s fate may be discontinued soon, but Mitsubishi quelled the rumors by coming out with the latest version of this multiple Dakar rally victor. The 2017 Mitsubishi Pajero 4WD GLS-DID (diesel direct injection) is priced at P2.795 million.
Thumbs Up
- Sporty exterior
- Capable off-roader
- Excellent suspension that absorbs most bumps
- Good handling
- Fuel consumption
Thumbs Down
- Archaic third row seat
- Limited storage space
- Ground clearance a bit low compared to its sibling Montero Sport
Specifications
- Vehicle: 2017 Mitsubishi Pajero 4WD GLS-DID
- Type: Full size SUV
- Engine: (4M41) 3.2-liter inline four, 16-valves DOHC, Turbocharged and Intercooled VGT Direct-Injection Diesel (Euro 4-compliant)
- Maximum power: 192 hp at 3,800 rpm
- Maximum torque: 441 N-m at 2,000 rpm
- Transmission: INVECS-II five-speed A/T with sports mode and Super Select 4WD-II (SS4-II)
Dimensions
- Overall length: 4,900 mm
- Overall width: 1,875 mm
- Overall height: 1,870 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,780 mm
- Ground clearance: 150 mm
- Curb weight: 2,865 kg
- Tire size: 265/60 R18 110H
Price as tested
- P2.790 million
Image credits: Patrick P. Tulfo