An admirable package: Mitsubishi's latest Pajero in VR-X wagon guise. Photo Gallery
Mitsubishi's 4WD wagon has earned respect for its off-road ability, on-road comfort and good, workable design.
With fuel prices at highway-robbery levels, perhaps it's not the time to be looking at an off-road family wagon, but there is — and always will be — a place for such vehicles in our market.
Many critics condemn vehicles like the Pajero as unnecessary urban taxis that ferry kids to school when smaller, more efficient models can do the job just as well.
But it's hard to ignore the Pajero if you genuinely need a seven-seater with all-wheel-drive traction.
I hadn't driven a Pajero for a couple of years, and it turned out to be a quite a surprise package — even when it came to fuel consumption.
Pajero prices stretch from $40,990 for the petrol three-door R all the way to $72,590 for the turbo-diesel Exceed.
The variant tested was the five-speed automatic VR-X diesel, priced at $59,890 plus on-road costs.
Automatic transmission commands a $3000 premium over the manual, which retails for $56,890.
The Pajero isn't as big and bulky as Toyota's LandCruiser or Nissan's Patrol. Nevertheless, design tricks to make it look less brick-like — such as the way the bonnet falls away above the wheel arches — can't hide the fact that this can be a cumbersome vehicle in city traffic.
Long-distance country runs are the Pajero's real forte, so it makes for an appealing rural vehicle.
The Pajero's lines have been honed over the years, so this latest shape is stylish and attractive.
In the long-wheelbase version, the spacious cabin layout, with its high-set driving position for great visibility, particularly appeals — and it comes with trendy blue dashboard lighting at night.
There's comfortable seating for seven, although the rear pews, which neatly fold under the floor when not needed (or can be removed to improve storage space), are, at best, for kids only.
It's not all good news, though. Mitsubishi has persisted with mounting the spare wheel on the rear door, which hinges outwards, so if someone parks too close to you you can't open it.
Although rearward vision has improved, the rear door remains heavy and you have to ensure it's locked in the open position when loading goods because it can swing back with a thump if you're parked on a slope — and I have the bruise to prove it.
These days, the Pajero's on- and off-road ability is outstanding, making it an ideal long-distance country cruiser with get-out-of-jail ability to extract itself from most situations such as soft sand and mud.
The automatic wagon now comes with Mitsubishi's feet-off-the-pedals Hill Hold assist system, which briefly holds the vehicle on a steep slope (but works only if you're in second gear).
A centre differential with viscous coupling is standard, but a rear diff lock is optional and well worth getting if you are serious about going bush.
The wagon's only real limitations are its tyres, with their compromise tread pattern for on-road use.
Ground clearance is an impressive 22.5cm, and the Pajero can tackle water crossings 70cm deep without its occupants getting their feet wet.
My only gripe with this vehicle is its smart adaptive automatic gearbox, which decides for itself which gear it wants when going downhill — third, say, when you would have used fourth.
It has far too much intervention for my liking, but that's a personal thing.
