Pajero Celebrates Its 21st Birthday

Pajero - the name is derived from a wild cat that inhabits the Patagonia area of the South American highlands – is largely credited with opening up the vast Australian outback by popularising four-wheel driving to the average Australian.

It has always led its market sector with innovation, and the launch of the current generation in 2000 was no exception. It was the first time that a large 4WD wagon had utilised an integrated monocoque chassis and independent suspension, features that have now been adopted by many other large and medium 4WD wagons.

Based on a Pajero GLS the 21st anniversary special adds the following features:

Exterior

• powder coated alloys of the same design currently on Pajero Exceed,
• Black headlamp inserts,
• Body-coloured radiator grille,
• Silver metal-look front skid plate,
• Chrome door mirrors,
• Body coloured door handles,
• Rear roof spoiler,
• Body-coloured roof rails,
• Front foglamps,
• Illumination on integrated sidesteps,
• Unique ‘21st Anniversary’ badging on the tailgate.

Interior
 

• Titanium-look dash panel and air vent outlet surrounds,
• Titanium-look power window switch surrounds and inner door handles,
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel,
• Leather-wrapped gearshift knob with titanium accent,
• Leather-wrapped 4WD transfer shift knob with titanium accent,
• Leather-wrapped handbrake knob,
• Unique seat trim (grey suede look seat trim with black leather bolsters),
• 8-way power driver’s seat,
• Uniquely embroidered ’21 Anniversary’ floor mats with silver stitching around the border.

The 21st Anniversary Limited Edition is available with either the new 3.8 litre petrol V6 engine (developing 150kw @ 5000rpm and 314Nm @3250rpm), or the class-leading 3.2 litre Direct Injection Diesel engine (developing 121kW @ 3800rpm and a stump-pulling 373Nm @ 2000rpm), that is mated to the proven five-speed INVECS II ‘Smart Logic’ automatic with ‘Sports Mode’. This sequential automatic shifting option allows the driver to drive the car as a normal automatic, or as a manual when they choose, and was another Mitsubishi ‘first’ in mainstream cars and 4WDs.

The engine is mated to Mitsubishi’s sophisticated MATTâ - Mitsubishi All Terrain Technology – a combination of the acclaimed ‘Super Select II’ 4WD system, Multi-mode ABS, Active Stability Control (including Active Traction Control) and Engine Brake Assist Control.

Available in three monotone colours only – Cool Silver Metallic, White Pearl and Black Mica – the ‘21st Anniversary’ Pajero will be available at Mitsubishi dealerships from March, with production limited to 1000 units. They will cost $57,990 for the 3.8 litre petrol version and $58,990 for the 3.2 litre Direct Injection Diesel version.

This limited edition represents great value for people looking for car-like driving enjoyment in a large 4WD wagon that has a very flexible cargo area because of the third row seat that folds into the floor, another innovation in the segment.