Two new models soon join Mitsubishi's Pajero line up, taking to five its variants. Photo Gallery
Mitsubishi puts more spark into sagging Pajero sales.
An exodus of interest in 4WDs hasn't dented optimism by one of its biggest players.
Two new models soon join Mitsubishi's Pajero line up, taking to five its variants.
Adding the two — an entry-level GL and more upspec `family oriented' GLS — arms buyers with a broader financial brush to get into a new Pajero.
But more specifically, it aligns Mitsubishi's Pajero range exactly with that of its main competitor, the Totota Prado.
Now in its last rendering before the entirely new 2010 version, the refreshed Pajero predictably gets more features, more safety, more power, more fuel efficiency and more visual appeal.
It also gets more expensive and that pain may even continue next year if the currency exchange gap widens between the sagging Aussie dollar and the yen.
Adding more Pajero models follows the saturation philosophy of Lancer — there's now 11 versions to choose from — and Triton with 21.
Mitsubishi admits 4WDs aren't a growing market sector. If they were a vegetable, they'd probably be dug in to improve the soil for a new type.
Since 1997 when soft-roaders appeared, 4WDs have been treading water in a tempestuous ocean of booming sales as buyers turned away from their high fuel consumption and unfriendly city size.
But Mitsubishi isn't giving up.
It has resurrected the entry-level GL version for fleet and purpose-use private buyers. It's no stripped out wagon, with standard dual airbags, ABS, traction control and the excellent electronic stability control.
Models and pricing
A GL turbo-diesel auto costs $50,790.
Move up one notch to the GLX ($55,790) and, above that, the other new entry, the GLS ($59,790).
Mr Pitman expects the GLS to appeal to families thanks to a comprehensive feature and safety list including six airbags, rear airconditioner, side steps, alloy wheels and seven seats.
`This is the area where Prado sells 70 per cent of its range,” he said,” so this is the sector we are targeting.”
Further up the price and feature ladder is the existing VRX ($66,490) and Exceed ($74,790).
Mitsubishi has already raised prices by 3 per cent and hints at the possibility of another hike next year. Toyota prices rise 2.8 per cent from January.
Drivetrains
The biggest change to the new fleet is a upgraded 3.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine boasting 18 per cent more power and torque, faster acceleration, quieter running and better fuel economy.
A new cylinder head and a variable-geometry turbocharger combine with an Aisin five-speed auto option are responsible for the the improvements.
The turbo-diesel claims an 8.7 per cent rise in fuel efficiency compared with the previous Pajero, now averaging 9.2 litres/100km.
An optional manual transmission, potentially specced for the GL version, will bring that down to 8.4 litres/100km.
Mitsubishi's product manager Tomm Pitman said that wasn't far off the 2-litre Lancer sedan's 7.6 l/100km, pouring cold water on buyers fears of big fuel thirst in some family-sized 4WDs.
While making the Pajero more frugal and nimble — it will run 0-100km/h in a respectable 11.3 seconds — there has also been a rise in towing capacity.
It will pull 3000kg — up 500kg on the previous model — and a ball download weight of 180kg. With a weight-balanced hitch, that is sufficient for a big range of caravans and boats.
“Overall, it's a better, a more refined package,” said Mr Pitman.
”The VRX has been up-specced and the GLS will fill the gap.
“There was a big step up to Exceed so the VRX will shorten that difference. Hence the price alterations.”
Sales
Mitsubishi expects small volumes of its GL — which is diesel only — and bigger interest in diesels.
Mr Pitman said that diesel accounted for 45 per cent of sales three years ago. It's now 70 per cent.
Total sales are expected to be 5000 for calendar 2009 — the new Pajero is officially launched on Boxing Day — which will be down from this year's 6000 units. Blame it on the economy.
For those interested in petrols, the 3.8-litre V6 engine hasn't been forgotten though also hasn't been altered for the new model.
Mitsubishi made similar upgrades in features to its short wheelbase Pajeros, the R and X, which are only available with automatic transmissions. For full drive impressions, see News Limited papers in coming days.
Price: from $50,790
Engine: 3.2-litre, 4-cyl, turbocharger, intercooler
Power: 147kW @ 3800rpm
Torque: 441Nm @ 2000rpm
0-100km/h: 11.3 seconds
Economy (official): 8.4 litres/100km (manual); 9.2 l/100km (auto)
Transmission: 5-speed manual or 5-speed auto, sequential; 2-speed transfer case; part-time 4WD
