Short wheelbase versions of heavyweight 4x4s were all the rage back in the day but they fell away and all but disappeared about a decade ago.
In its quest to wrest back a decent share of the new car market, Mitsubishi has reintroduced an SWB Pajero in two variants, VR and VX priced from $40,990.
It is essentially a long wheelbase Paj with the middle chopped out.
The five seater cabin is roomy and there is still a decent load space in the back. But it looks a whole lot sportier than the five door vehicle, especially with the larger alloy wheels, rear roof spoiler and macho-looking spare wheel cover with spare mounted to the rear door.
In many ways, the Pajero SWB is a throwback_ the wheel mounting location, part time 4WD with two speed transfer featuring low and high range, high ground clearance, high seating position and small rear side windows.
But conversely its as modern as the minute with electronically modulated four wheel drive and safety aids such as electronic stability program, multiple air bags, select on the fly 4WD, power assisted ancillaries, comprehensive trip computer that even gives weather information.
There's a 3.2-litre diesel four and a 3.8-litre V6 petrol, subject of our test drive.
The V6 has 184kW/329Nm of torque - sufficient to push the shorty along at a fair old clip. It is a fairly noisy and harsh engine with vibration and exhaust noise intruding at certain revs and road speeds. But fuel consumption can go as low as 12.0L/100km in cruising mode.
Power goes through a five speed automatic transmission to the wheels selected and there's a sequential manual mode available.
Acceleration is strong and the engine has good pulling power.
It is a low pollution unit complying with the stringent Euro4 regulations.
Mitsubishi equips both models to a high level including an excellent audio system and automatic aircon'.
The all coil suspension is supple but holds the Paj firmly on the road.
Off road, it is similarly impressive. SWB 4x4s are great off road because there aren't any overhang issues and the engines seem to give better performance not hauling around the extra weight.The SWB is a spin off off Mitsubishi's Dakar Rally winning vehicles and should appeal to a younger buyer.
The new styling is a huge improvement over the previous model that looked like it was a committee effort.
But it has a big blind spot caused by the wide B pillar.
The stubby Paj doesn't have any direct competitors but the new Jeep Wrangler due soon comes in SWB and is said to be a good thing. Then there is the old plugger Land Rover Defender 90 but you'd have to be a masochist to own and drive one of those.
