The major differences to Challenger are in the colour palette, with three new colours or combinations. Medium Red Mica has been replaced by Red Metallic, Deep Blue becomes a solid colour, and one of the two-tone combinations becomes Deep Blue (solid) over Beige Metallic.

Challenger continues to be powered by a 3.0 litre 24-valve V6 petrol engine that develops 136kw of power at 5500 rpm and 265Nm of torque at 4500 rpm. Power is put to the ground through either a five-speed manual, or four-speed INVECS II ‘Smart Logic’ automatic transmission. The part-time 4WD system is Mitsubishi’s ‘Easy Select’ that allows drivers the convenience of switching between 2WD and 4WD without having to leave the vehicle. Challenger’s synchronised front free wheeling differential allows drivers to engage 4H ‘on the fly’ at speeds up to 100 kph.

The entry model is packed with a host of desirable features, including power steering, windows and exterior mirrors, cruise control, air conditioning, eight-spoke 16” X 7”, tube-style side-steps, security-coded AM/FM radio and single CD player with four speakers, titanium-look instrument panel and power window switch panel highlights. Driver and passenger air bags are standard, as is ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).

The LS model adds leather-wrapped four-spoke steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake lever, an AM/FM radio and in-dash 6-CD stacker and six speaker audio system, and charcoal woodgrain instrument and power window switch panel highlights. Interior trim is leather.

Externally the LS model is distinguished by its projector style fog lamps, privacy glass, rear spoiler with high-mounted stop lamp, a power tilt and slide sunroof, roof rails and chrome exterior mirrors and door handles.

Prices remain unchanged at:

Challenger (5-sp manual)	$39,990
Challenger (4-sp auto)	$41,990
Challenger LS (5-sp manual)	$48,990
Challenger LS (4-sp auto)	$49,490

Some previous Mitsubishi articles:

Mitsubishi 380 Engine Wins Major Award 11th August, 2005 The 3.8 litre V6 engine that will power the yet-to-be-released Mitsubishi 380 has won a major award at the prestigious Society of Engineers Australasia’s Automotive Excellence Awards ..... more

Mitsubishi Develops New 2.4 litre MIVEC Engine 8th August, 2005 Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has developed two MIVEC aluminium cylinder block engines to power two new models slated for introduction in the domestic Japanese market later this fiscal year ..... more

Mitsubishi 380 Arrives In October 4th July, 2005 Mitsubishi Motors today announced that its all-new locally manufactured large car would be known as the Mitsubishi "380" ..... more

Mitsubishi's New 3.8 litre V6 For Next Magna 10th June, 2005 Engineered for Australians, the new Mitsubishi 6G75 is a 3.8 litre SOHC 24-valve MPI V6 engine which will power the new generation Magna, due in October ..... more

Mitsubishi Grandis road test 5th May, 2005 Much better than a people mover ..... it's like a car! ..... more

Mitsubishi Magna VR-X AWD road test 17th November, 2004 A gripping drive? ...... You bet! ..... more