1998 Mitsubishi 3000 Reviews

Arguably the year’s most anticipated new model has finally broken cover, and initial reports are promising.After being poured over by the global press and driven briefly under strictly controlled conditions in Japan, the general consensus is that the latest-generation, NU-series Mitsubishi Pajero will be a formidable 4x4 wagon contender when sales commence in December.This is what it has going for it and what concerns still need to be addressed.Strong points include design presence, an unexpectedly refined interior, thoughtful packaging, a competent yet refined on- and off-road chassis tuned with Australian preferences in mind, and competitive pricing.Only the lack of a hybrid powertrain option could hold the new Pajero back, though company executives have indicated one is coming in time.Still, a conditional 10-year warranty, should give popular rival 4x4 wagons like the Toyota Prado, Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X something new to worry about.But it is the choice of an old name that Mitsubishi has resuscitated for its large SUV that might create confusion. Particularly when the advertising tag line screams: “All-New Pajero: The Legend is Returning.”That’s because the 2026 Pajero is not a modernisation of the previous, third/fourth-generation, NM-NX-series 4WD from 2000 to 2021 that the badge and promotion clearly imply.Instead, it is a successor to the smaller, cheaper and less-sophisticated Pajero Sport (now defunct), which was derived from generations of previous Triton utes. That started off as the Challenger initially, in the late 1990s, until the name changed in 2015.As such, expectations of the NU Pajero need to be tempered.Mitsubishi used to offer 4x4 wagon buyers real choice.Despite being smaller and less expensive, the previous Pajero was considered a strong alternative to the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol.This was so even as the latter two grew into the Upper Large SUV category four-wheel drive (4WD) as they changed.Meanwhile, it was the simpler Challenger and Pajero Sport’s job to chase the Prado, as well as the 2000s-era Nissan Pathfinder, Everest, MU-X and the Holden Colorado 7/Trailblazer.It’s true that, although based off the current Triton, the NU Pajero is considerably bigger than the Pajero Sport was, and larger even than the old Pajero.But people expecting an alternative to the full-sized LandCruiser 300-Series and Y63 Patrol giants, which are bigger again, will find the Mitsubishi is not in the same official size category.That point alone should have had the company thinking twice about using the Pajero nameplate.The previous Pajero was a revolution when the NM series debuted at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show.That’s because it was designed and engineered to be at the forefront of large off-road-capable SUV technologies, and did it with such aplomb that it cemented the Mitsubishi’s reputation along the way.Among many progressive features was an advanced monocoque body with an integrated ladder-frame chassis, eschewing the old-fashioned body-on-frame construction for a lighter, more-rigid and roomier solution.The upshot provided the old Pajero with far more car-like on-road dynamics, control and safety than the previous (1981 original and 1991 second-gen) iterations, while still being able to deliver exceptional off-road capability and robustness.This happened years before Land Rover, then under BMW ownership, managed something similar in the full-sized 4WD wagon space with the L322 Range Rover of 2002. Mitsubishi got there first, and it was a revelation LandCruiser and Patrol has never matched.Cash-strapped Mitsubishi reportedly didn’t have the funds to develop another monocoque, truly full-sized Pajero, so upsized and improved the body-on-frame Triton ute and its Pajero Sport SUV offshoot to fill that role.It makes economic sense, because the competition has long done something similar, but it is still a retrograde step from the old Pajero.Already comfortably better than the previous Pajero Sport, whether the NU Pajero will have the same elevated bandwidth of dynamic capabilities when we drive it in Australia remains to be seen.The final old Pajero used a 147kW/441Nm 3.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine dubbed DiD, giving it sufficient low-down torque capabilities as well as adequate on-road performance.On paper, the NU Pajero’s 150kW/480Nm 2.4L turbo-diesel’s outputs exceed the old version. Around 62kW per tonne versus 59.5kW per tonne in the power-to-weight ratio stakes.But how will that translate in actual Australian conditions, especially against the V6 turbo-diesel alternatives as found in the latest LandCruiser and Patrol?And that's not even taking in the electrified big 4x4s from China like the Denza B8 PHEV.With diesel prices still spiking this year, the electrification of the NU Pajero cannot come soon enough.Especially as the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) that limits carbon dioxide tailpipe emissions becomes stricter over time.Like we said, the 2026 Pajero falls into line with its popular rivals in being an affordable entry point into 4x4 wagon motoring without having to pay LandCruiser and Patrol prices in order to do so.In all likelihood, a ground-up monocoque-bodied Pajero replacement would have cost a lot more to buy, so Mitsubishi’s decision ultimately does make sense.

Aussie buyers have a new 4WD to think about.The Mitsubishi Pajero will launch in Australia with great anticipation in December 2026 when the revived 4WD hits showrooms. Mitsubishi has revealed pricing and specifications for its new model, but how does it stack up to key rivals in the segment?It will face the most fierce competition with the popular Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, so here is how it shapes up against those popular options. The Pajero squeezes under the $70,000 mark, starting from $68,490, which is cheaper than the Toyota Prado, but more expensive than both Ford Everest variants.It continues to undercut the Prado up the grades, with its Exceed starting from $79,990, while the GSR starts from $84,990.The Prado's $73,200 starting price is $4710 more than the base five-seater Pajero ($68,490), with Prado pricing extending to $100,620 on the top grade.The Pajero’s cheapest seven-seater variant is $69,990, more than $10,000 cheaper than the Prado's base seven-seater ($80,665). Both 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre Everest base variants are cheaper than the Pajero and the Prado. The Everest 2.0 starts from $58,990, with prices increasing up to $71,990, while the Everest 3.0 kicks off from $66,990, with the top-spec grade starting from $83,417.The Pajero’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine matches the Prado for power at 150kW, but its 480Nm, is just shy of the 500Nm total in its Toyota rival. The Pajero also has more performance than the 2.0-litre Everest, but the 3.0-litre Everest is the pick of the bunch for outright power with 184kW and 600Nm. All four competitors boast the industry standard 3500kg braked towing capacity. Mitsubishi hasn’t revealed the Pajero’s fuel efficiency, so we don’t know how it compares to its rivals. It will need to offer below 8.0L/100km to be competitive. The closely-related Triton offers as little as 7.5L/100km, so it could beat that figure. The Pajero comes with a rear differential lock and low-range transfer case on all grades as part of its permanent 4WD system.The Prado has a permanent 4WD system, but a locking rear differential is only found on a higher grade of the car.All 4x4 grades of the Ford Everest feature a rear differential lock and a permanent 4WD system.The Pajero's approach and departure angles are similar to the Everest's, along with a competitive ground clearance figure.The Prado's 17.0-degree departure angles is significantly less than the Pajero and Everest, as is its 210mm ground clearance.The Pajero has a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, while higher grades are equipped with dual 14.3-inch display.This beats the Everest’s standard 8.0-inch digital driver display and 12.0-inch touchscreen.All Prado grades match the Pajero’s 12.3-inch central unit, but it only has a 7.0-inch driver display as standard. The Pajero has waterproof black fabric seat trim to start, mirroring other standard fabrics in its rivals. Leather seat trim is available for all further up the range. The Pajero boasts a 10-year/200,000-kilometre conditional warranty, when services are completed on time at Mitsubishi dealers.If buyers opt not to service at Mitsubishi, warranty reverts to a five-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee. It is also available with a 10-year capped price servicing deal, but we don’t know how much it will cost yet.All new Ford Everests bought from 1 September 2026 are now covered by a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.Ford offers a capped price servicing deal on the Everest of $1596 for the first five years, working out at $319 per annual service. Toyota also offers capped price servicing, for either three or five years, with servicing every six months. The Prado is available with Toyota’s five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, which can be extended to seven years for engine and driveline when the car is serviced at dealers. 

A cheaper Pajero 4WD could be on the cards in the future, according to the company’s local boss.The new Mitsubishi Pajero range starts at $68,490 (before on-road costs) for the base five-seat GLS grade and rises to $84,990 for the range-topping seven-seat GSR.This means it is one of the most expensive Mitsubishis ever sold in Australia.It is almost $10,000 more expensive than the cheapest Ford Everest, but about $5000 cheaper than the base Toyota Prado.Isuzu’s base MU-X is about $13,000 more affordable.Mitsubishi Australia boss Shunichi Kihara defended the Pajero’s price point.Kihara said he understood Mitsubishi has been seen as a slightly cheaper alternative to Toyota and Ford in the past, but was confident it would sell well.“I think when we launched the current Outlander there was a price gap from the previous generation, but we were able to attract many new customers," said Kihara.“So I think we can do the same with the new Pajero considering the product competitiveness and the price position we have."The new Pajero is a more premium proposition with rugged good looks, quality off-road tech and a plush interior that does put it a step above the competition at face value."This does leave room for a more bare-bones version at the bottom of the range. Mitsubishi has also not yet used the GLX grade designation - its name used for base grades of its rugged vehicles.“We decided the current line-up thinking that this line-up can address all the necessary type of customer in that segment,” said Kihara.“Of course, going forward depending on market change, customer demand, we are open to consider making changes to the line-up.”Mitsubishi won’t be able to make a decision on that anytime soon, with the vehicle only going on sale this December. Kihara did rule out a two-wheel drive version of the Pajero and called it inappropriate.Mitsubishi has hinted at a GLX grade in government filings.The homologation documents, needed to approve a vehicle for sale in Australia, cited four Pajero variants: GLX, GLS, Exceed and GSR. The last three are part of the new line-up, with only GLX absent.Chinese carmakers such as BYD, Chery, GAC, GWM and Geely are all entering the 4WD space, but Kihara said the Pajero has something those do not.“Pajero has name, history, heritage and that it is the flagship of Mitsubishi,” he said.“It’s reliability, durability, Japanese design and technology — including the 4x4 technology — and also the strong heritage and history and of the adventurous spirit.”Mitsubishi Australia COO Rob Nazzari pointed to the company’s extensive dealer network, 10-year/200,000km conditional warranty and after-sales servicing as big reasons buyers would choose Mitsubishi over newer brands.

There has never been a better time to buy a four-wheel drive, with buyers spoiled for choice.The new Mitsubishi Pajero will land in dealerships this December, and go up against the old brigade led by the Toyota Prado, Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X.But the world has changed since the previous-generation Pajero ceased production in 2021. There is a new breed of rough-and-tumble 4WDs from China such as Denza’s B5, GWM’s Tank 300 and 500 and likely incoming Geely Galaxy 700, which pack hi-tech features, hybrid grunt and wear enticing price tags.This Pajero is more aligned with the old guard, but a new hope is dawning with the promise of hybrid and plug-in hybrid propulsion in the near future.For now it packs a 150kW/480Nm 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which is an evolution of the twin-turbo unit found in the Triton.Mitsubishi has also ditched the six-speed auto from the Triton in favour of an eight-speed automatic transmission, which will improve performance and help lower fuel use by giving the vehicle more control over the rev range.It shares its underpinnings with the current Triton ute, but Mitsubishi has done a lot of work to make the Pajero a more refined and accomplished daily driver.The chassis is stiffer with greater use of high-quality steel, which increases its stability during cornering but also improves its durability and reliability to better handle the rough stuff.The rear suspension from the Triton has been replaced with a sophisticated five-link set-up with coil springs to smooth out bumps and lumps.And the track has been widened to make it more stable.We headed to Mitsubishi’s proving ground in Okazaki, Japan, to be one of the first people to get behind the wheel of the new Pajero. The giant Okazaki facility holds the company’s research and development centre, one of its vehicle proving grounds and car factory.Our short loop takes in several of the company’s test routes.The dynamic test mimics a twisting country road, the suspension test pairs together multiple broken and rough road surfaces and the high speed loop is a mind-bending road that has the vehicle pitched at 18-degrees as you whip through the big curve. Off-road testing will have to wait.The test, while short, showed some of the car's strengths and weaknesses.Mitsubishi’s switch to an eight-speed auto is a masterstroke. The new engine transmission combo elevates the drive experience with it smoother and more refined than the Triton.The wide ratios keep the engine humming in its sweet spot, with it doing it easily at 140km/h in eighth gear at about 2000rpm.It could do with a bit more torque, the Pajero not having the responsiveness and initial shove of its rivals back home. It isn’t a performance car but for its category it felt a tad sluggish and heavy.It is remarkably quiet at high speed, with minimal wind noise or tyre roar. There is a slight grumble of the engine permeating through the cabin, but nothing that would get in the way of comfortable conversation.This is paired with well balanced steering that provides decent feedback giving drivers a great idea of what is happening underneath them.It is surprisingly nimble for a circa 2500kg 4WD, with it handling quick changes of direction admirably. It held its own through the quick corners, exerting solid body control with less lean through the bends than expected of a car this big.This is the result of the wider track, upgraded suspension and the rally-bred Active Yaw Control (AYC) that helps manage the torque delivery to left and right wheels to increase stability when cornering.The Pajero’s suspension treads a fine balance — not too soft, not too firm.On the broken road surfaces it soaked up the bumps and imperfections with ease, but it didn’t encounter anything to mimic the pockmarked roads we encounter at home.First impressions matter, and the Pajero has made a lasting one, but we’ll reserve judgement until we’ve had a proper drive on public roads in Australia.This is the plushest Mitsubishi interior to date.It is festooned with premium materials and high-tech features. The cascading leather covered dash is a design highlight and the dual screens paired with proper buttons and dial controls show it's a 4WD for the modern age.The seats a comfy and easily adjustable and the second row seats sit up higher giving a good view out the forward and side windows.The third row is accessed by a one touch tumbling seat that provides a big space to load passengers through. All rows get air conditioning vents and USB-C ports.The boot is mini with all seven seats in use. The last row seats easily fold down with just the pull of a cord, but they don't fold completely flat.Prices kick off at $68,490, before on-road costs, for the entry-level GLS with five seats, or $69,990 with seven seats.The mid-tier Exceed jumps up to $79,990 and the range-topping GSR starts at $84,990. Both variants are only available with seven seats.Mitsubishi will also back the Pajero with its conditional 10-year/200,000km warranty, which requires owners to complete all their scheduled workshop visits at a Mitsubishi dealership or it reverts to a five year/100,000km guarantee.Mitsubishi offers up to 10 years' of capped-price servicing with scheduled workshop visits required every 15,000km or 12 months.

Mitsubishi’s secret hybrid one-two punch has been exposed, with plans for a hybrid Pajero revealed.A senior Japanese executive told CarsGuide the company is advanced in developing two hybrid Pajero 4WDs.The company is working on a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version of the rugged new off-roader.This would give Mitsubishi some potent weapons in its arsenal to not only take on the mighty Toyota and Nissan off-roaders, but the new breed of Chinese 4WDs.Mitsubishi won’t be developing a diesel plug-in hybrid, similar to the one that will be fitted to the incoming Chery Stockman ute.Both will use a petrol engine, which will make the vehicle more attractive to the US and Middle Eastern markets, where diesel isn’t popular.The official also said there were concerns the displacement of the diesel engine in the Pajero would be insufficient, with big name rivals adding larger engines into their 4WDs.Mitsubishi’s new Pajero uses a turbocharged 2.4-litre diesel four-cylinder engine, which is an evolution of the motor found in the Triton ute, and makes 150kW and 480Nm.Adding hybrid or plug-in hybrid grunt would boost outputs and add more shove off the mark aiding acceleration and around town performance.Towing would likely be compromised due to the extra weight of the petrol-electric set-up, which would reduce the load-lugging capacity from the diesel version’s 3500kg limit.It is also expected this hybrid set-up would find its way into the Triton ute.This would give Mitsubishi a rival to new Chinese machines such as the BYD Shark 6 ute and Denza B5 4WD.This confirmation follows Mitsubishi Pajero Chief Product Specialist Itagaki Kunitoshi’s comments at a pre-briefing before the Pajero reveal.“Future electrification including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, we will consider in line with market conditions, customer needs, infrastructure and regulations of each country,” said Itagaki.“The all new Pajero is being launched with ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) only.“However, Mitsubishi Motors is actively conducting research and development in electrified ladder frame vehicles, including hybrid vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicle technologies for products such as Pajero and Triton in the future.”But it appears from the high-ranking official’s comments the dual hybrid assault plans are more advanced.Itagaki stated any electrified Pajero would be just as capable as customers have come to expect from the brand.“To meet Mitsubishi Motors standards future electrified models must not only deliver strong  on-road performance but also off-road capability, towing performance, durability or reliability expected of authentic Mitsubishi Motors vehicles."Ensuring the electrified models can maintain these characteristics while delivering the distinct Mitsubishi Motors driving experience requires further development," said Itagaki.Mitsubishi announced earlier this year it would spend almost half a billion dollars to upgrade its Thailand factory to build electrified vehicles.This is the same factory that produces the Triton and Pajero.The plan is to have the factory churning out electrified vehicles by the end of the decade, but expect a hybrid and plug-in hybrid Pajero sooner than that.

EVs are more than just cars in Australia.They can charge devices, power houses and even earn their owners money, as Australia's energy grid undergoes a once-in-a-generation transformation.Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) is the final step to fully unlock this potential for electric cars Down Under.V2G is a type of bi-directional charging, a technology that comprises vehicle-to-load (V2L), vehicle-to-home (V2H) and V2G.It allows an electric car to use its battery to send its power back into the energy grid, rather than just power external devices, or charge home batteries.V2G allows owners to charge up their EVs at cheaper times and sell it back to the electricity grid at more expensive times.Rooftop solar, of which Australia has some of the highest uptake in the world, can also be used to charge an EV effectively for free and transfer the stored electricity to the grid for pure profit, especially when an abundance of sunlight has home battery systems fully charged.V2G is not far away in Australia, but there remains roadblocks to its full-scale uptake. Many car manufacturer warranties do not support V2G use as they do not cover battery damage caused by third-party set-ups.Rapidly transferring energy on incompatible vehicles can cause substantial wear on the battery and cause other safety issues. There is also debate about which safety protocols V2G should abide by in Australia as the tech faces regulatory hurdles.The latest ISO 15118-20 protocol is deemed safer than the original ISO 15118-2 for example, but it will need longer to be fully implemented in Australia.Manufacturers are starting to alter their warranties and are undergoing extensive trials for the technology with electricity providers. We are likely to see a full-scale uptake of V2G in Australia within the next couple of years, as regulatory approvals and car warranties catch up, but there is still work to do to make them safer and more efficient. Hyundai and Kia are expected to prepare major announcements for the tech within the next few months.Some models already on sale with V2G capability may be able to use the technology via a software, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, but it is unclear exactly which models will be eligible.The federal government has shown a keen interest in V2G as part of its energy policy and has recently committed substantial investment towards establishing a network through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) which currently helps to fund other EV technologies like public DC fast chargers.

Mitsubishi means business with its new Pajero 4WD priced to thrill.Buyers will be able to choose from three grades when the Pajero arrives in Australian showrooms this December.Buyers have already been lining up to get their hands on the new rough-and-tumble machine, with Mitsubishi recording more than 3000 pre-orders from before the reveal yesterday.It’s a head-turner with butch, boxy and rugged looks and a plush interior to pamper.Prices kick off at $68,490 (before on-road costs) for the entry-level GLS with five seats, or $69,990 with seven seats.The mid-tier Exceed jumps up to $79,990 and the range-topping GSR starts at $84,990. Both variants are only available with seven seats.All come in substantially cheaper than the equivalent Toyota Prado, but just a little bit more than the Ford Everest powered by the V6 diesel.Mitsubishi’s deal is sweetened with a conditional 10-year/200,000km warranty, which requires owners to complete every logbook service at a Mitsubishi dealer or it reverts to a five year/100,000km guarantee.Mitsubishi offers up to 10 years of capped-price servicing with scheduled workshop visits required every 15,000km or 12 months.The new Pajero shares its underpinnings with the current Triton ute, which means it uses a rugged ladder-frame chassis that is found underneath serious off-roaders. This is a break from recent tradition with the past few Pajero generations using a car-like monocoque chassis. Mitsubishi has done some serious work to the Pajero to make it more refined and composed compared to the more workman-like Triton.The chassis is stiffer with greater use of high-quality steel, which increases its stability during cornering but also improves its durability and reliability to better handle the rough stuff.The rear suspension from the Triton has been replaced with a sophisticated five-link set-up to make it more composed on the road.The engine is a 2.4-litre diesel four-cylinder with a single variable geometry turbocharger, which is an evolution of the bi-turbo unit found in the Triton. Mitsubishi has been able to squeeze a little more torque to boost outputs to 150kW and 480Nm.Mitsubishi has ditched the six-speed automatic transmission and installed a new eight-speed unit, which will smooth out the drive experience and lower fuel consumption.It also uses AdBlue to help lower emissions and improve efficiency.The Pajero can play with the big boys with it rated to tow up to 3500kg.It comes with Trailer Load Assist that enhances stability while towing by detecting if the trailer is swaying and can adjust power and braking to each wheel to get the rig back under control.Owners can load up to 300kg of static load, or 100kg dynamic, on the roof, which further boosts its adventure credentials.It is ready to rumble off-road thanks to the company’s Super Select 4WD-II tech.It delivers part-time four-wheel drive for on-road driving, full-time four-wheel drive for all conditions and a rear differential lock and a low range transfer case for heading off the beaten track.There are seven selectable drive modes including Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.Rally-bred tech such as Active Yaw Control (AYC) is standard. AYC helps manage the torque delivery to left and right wheels to increase stability when cornering. It is paired with active stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes to help the Pajero manage slippery surfaces.Mitsubishi has put a lot of thought into the third row, with it designed for adults.The third row is able to slide up to 150mm and has a tumble mechanism for easy access to the last pew.Mitsubishi has thought about people actually using the last row, with what it claims is plenty of headroom and room for feet under the seats in front.With the third row folded down the boot can hold 519 litres, which is well below that found in the Prado and EverestThis is the most modern-looking Mitsubishi interior by far.Dual 14.3-inch screens - one for the multimedia and the other for the driver’s instruments - dominate the dash.The central screen also houses what the brand calls a Multi Meter, which is a modern, digital version of the old triple meters from previous generations.The new digital readouts will show altitude, compass heading, ambient temperature, vehicle pitch and roll angles and left and right torque distribution.GLS grade come with:18-inch dark grey alloy wheelsWaterproof black fabric seat trimManual driver and front passenger seat adjustment (slide, recline, height)Electric seat lumbar support adjustment (driver and front passenger)Dual 12.3-inch displaysSix-speaker stereoWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoSteering wheel heater and paddle shiftersTyre pressure monitoring systemAuto-dimming rear-view mirrorDusk-sensing headlamps and rain-sensing wipersKeyless entry and startElectric tailgatePrivacy glassFront dual-zone automatic air conditioningRear automatic air conditioning system12.3-inch full digital meter clusterPhone wireless chargerTwo USB-C ports in every row Exceed grade adds:20-inch alloy wheelsBlack leather seat trimElectric adjustment for driver and front passenger seatsFront and rear seat heating functionDual 14.3-inch screens12-speaker Yamaha stereoRefrigerated console boxGSR grade adds:20-inch black alloy wheelsTwo-tone camel and black leather seat trimFront-seat ventilation functionFront-seat adjustment memory functionSteering wheel and door mirrors adjustment memory functionPanoramic front sun visors with LED lampsBlack headliningIlluminated front scuff platesFront grille LED lightFront and rear light animation patternFront and rear dark bumpersDark grey side stepsBlack door mirrorsBlack wheel-arch mouldingsBlack panoramic roof with sunroofAdaptive Driving Beam systemDigital rear-view mirrorAir conditioner with nanoe X air purifier

Mitsubishi has put itself back in the game, with its new Pajero 4WD.The Japanese brand whipped off the covers of the new rugged off-roader before it heads to Australia later this year.The company has claimed this Pajero will be the most capable and comfortable Pajero to date.Mitsubishi has prioritised Australia which will be the third market to get the new SUV, following Thailand and Japan.After five years in the wilderness the Pajero returns, but it is a lot different from what some might remember.This version is built on a rugged ladder frame, which underpins most off-road focused 4WDs and utes, instead of the car-like monocoque platform of the most recent generations.It shares its underpinnings with the current Triton ute, but Mitsubishi has done a lot of work to make the Pajero a more refined and accomplished daily driver.The chassis is stiffer with greater use of high-quality steel, which increases its stability during cornering but also improves its durability and reliability to better handle the rough stuff.The rear suspension from the Triton has been replaced with a sophisticated five-link set-up to smooth out bumps and lumps.It uses an evolution of the engine found in the Triton, a 2.4-litre four-cylinder with a variable geometry single turbocharger diesel unit, instead of the bi-turbo set-up of the Triton, which makes 150kW and 480Nm, a jump of 10Nm compared to the Triton.Mitsubishi has also ditched the six-speed auto from the Triton for an eight-ratio gearbox. This will improve performance and help lower fuel use by giving the vehicle more control over the rev range.The new Pajero has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.It is ready to rumble off-road with the company’s Super Select 4WD-II tech, which delivers part time four-wheel drive for on-road driving, full-time four-wheel drive for all conditions and a rear differential lock and a low-range transfer case for heading off the beaten track.There are seven selectable drive modes including Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.Rally-bred tech such as Active Yaw Control (AYC) is standard. AYC helps manage the torque delivery to left and right wheels to increase stability when cornering. It is paired with active stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes to help the Pajero manage slippery surfaces.It has chunky proportions with square, muscular haunches and a blocky rear-end. T-shaped headlights linked by a light bar across the bonnet and similar shape tail-lights give it the look of a classic 4WD for the modern age.Mitsubishi has added a throwback to Pajeroes of old with the hexagonal rear design feature to pay homage to the externally rear-mounted spare tyre of previous models. The spare is located under the car now.The Pajero pampers just as much as it can handle punishment.This is the most modern looking Mitsubishi interior by far.Dual 14.3-inch screens - one for the multimedia and the other for the driver’s instruments - dominate the dash.The central screen also houses what the brand calls a Multi Meter, which is a modern, digital version of the old triple meters from previous generations.The new digital readouts will show altitude, compass heading, ambient temperature, vehicle pitch and roll angles and left and right torque distribution.But the dashboard in front of the driver is lathered in soft-touch materials and designed to give the feeling of space with its swept-back design. And the built-in grab handle is a throwback to the past.It is built to seat seven, with the third row able to slide up to 150mm and a tumble mechanism for easy access to the last pew.Mitsubishi has thought about people actually using the last row, with what it claims is plenty of headroom and room for feet under the seats in front.Refinement was top of mind during development with increased sound insulation and acoustic glass making it quieter than any Pajero.Other headlining features include three-zone air-conditioning, panoramic sunroof and a 12-speaker Yamaha stereo.Full Australian details and price will be revealed ahead of the cars arrival before the end of the year.

It’s been in place in various forms for over 25 years and what is now the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance has had many high-profile ups and downs over that quarter of a century.Now, overnight reports out of Japan are pointing to fundamental problems with the working relationship between two of those three alliance pillars - Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan Motor Company.As the 10th anniversary of Nissan’s big investment in Mitsubishi looms, Nikkei Asia has positioned the corporate association as “nearing a crossroads after a lackluster decade” pointing to a potential divestment by Nissan, which could leave room for Honda or Foxconn to swoop in.In October 2016, with a green light from then Chairman (and great automotive escape artist) Carlos Ghosn, Nissan invested around ¥240 billion (A$2.1 billion) for a 34 per cent stake in Mitsubishi Motors.The core aim was to collaborate on new model development to improve speed to market and gain cost efficiencies. But as the report points out, Mitsubishi Motors has shown limited synergy with Nissan in recent years.Early on, the jointly-developed Mitsubishi eK X and Nissan Sakura EV kei city cars were successful and the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail SUVs were underpinned by a shared platform.But in speaking with Tokai Tokyo Intelligence Laboratory Senior Analyst Seiji Sugiura, the report makes the point that Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan "haven’t made progress on shared parts and procurement"."The investment really seems to have been driven by Ghosn, and I have doubts about whether there was deep discussion in advance about cooperation," Sugiura-san said.Nissan’s relationship with Mitsubishi is believed to have contributed only about one per cent of the company’s pre-tax profit over the past decade.And Mitsubishi Motors' market capitalisation has fallen by around 40 per cent since October 2016, which is ironic given the Nissan investment served partly as a rescue package for Mitsubishi, which had at that point lost customer trust after a scandal related to fuel efficiency data.Mitsubishi is not alone in facing intense competition from Chinese challenger brands in Southeast Asia as well as the impact of US tariffs and conflict in the Middle East. Nissan remains in the midst of a major global financial crisis, recording massive consecutive annual losses, including a A$7 billion net loss for the fiscal year ending March 2025 and a A$4.7 billion net loss for the year ending March 2026.And with the end of the 10-year ‘lockup’ period for Nissan's stake in Mitsubishi (during which Nissan agreed not to sell its Mitsubishi shares) approaching, market analysts suggest Nissan might unload part of its stake and speculation about other possible capital partners is rife.According to SBI Securities Chief Executive Analyst Koji Endo, what cooperation existed between the two companies "wasn't enough to support their earnings.""Staying on its current track won't produce new technology or business models," Endo added.The report puts forward several post-lock-up investment scenarios, the first being buy-in from Honda despite the planned multi-billion dollar corporate merger between Honda and Nissan being officially canceled in February 2025.The report theorises that a three-way alliance might eventuate as Mitsubishi' strength in pick-up trucks might appeal to Honda and as Nissan focuses on restructuring, having Honda take the lead on cooperation could bring better results.At the same time Taiwanese giant Foxconn could be a player with Mitsubishi confirming this month that it would buy an EV developed by an arm of Foxconn, with sales to begin in Australia and New Zealand as early as this year.Watch this space as October approaches.

Buyers will get their first official look at the much-anticipated Pajero 4WD next week. Mitsubishi has confirmed it will reveal the Pajero on the 2nd of September 2026. It comes after Japanese magazine BestCar exposed the reveal date late last month via a dealer source.Mitsubishi is expected to release more details about the Pajero at the reveal, including potentially initial pricing for the car.  The returning Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser competitor is scheduled to arrive in Australia later this year. Next week’s announcement will give buyers more information about what to expect. The Pajero will be primarily based on Mitsubishi’s Triton ute, riding on a sturdy ladder frame chassis.It is thought to also employ a 2.4-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 150kW and 470Nm in the Triton.This could be matched with a six-speed automatic transmission and will be supported by a rugged 'S-AWC' four-wheel drive system. The off-road ready S-AWC system also found on the Outlander PHEV includes four-wheel braking and torque vectoring.The Pajero will be offered in the same four trim levels as the Triton, which are the GLX, GLS, Exceed and GSR. Mitsubishi has further revealed a digital revision of its iconic triple analogue instrument meters found on previous generations of the Pajero.CarsGuide spied the Pajero undergoing testing in December last year, with the prototype showing off a blocky exterior and horizontal front grille design. Mitsubishi has not locked in an official launch date for the Pajero in Australia, but next week’s reveal will provide more clues. The new Pajero was approved for sale in Australia earlier this year, and is expected to arrive Down Under by November. Buyers can expect firm launch information in the next few weeks.