|
|||||||||||
| New Pajero is more than tack-on
plastic
10/11/97
|
|||||||||||
| There was no doubt that Mitsubishi's
Pajero needed an update; in spite of its mechanical excellence, it was looking a bit like
yesterday's 4WD. It was obvious on first glance that the new NL-model Pajero looks better, though one nameless counterpart dismissed it with a sniff as "tacked-on plastic wheel arch flares". Yes, the new grille and rectangular multi-parabola headlamps are complemented by bold new flaring of the wheel arches. But closer examination clearly revealed just how substantial this `facelift' really was. Those blister wheel-arches are not just plastic add-ons but completely new steel body panels, including the doors. That gave Pajero a look that is very `90s' while retaining the original basic bodyshell. Think about that - new steel architecture does not come cheap. As well as the facelift, and a reduction in the number of model variants, all Pajero models got the bigger 3.5 litre V6 engine as standard equipment (in addition to the 2.8 litre intercooled turbodiesel), plus new trim fabrics and improved sound insulation. Major styling changes occurred to the GLS short and long wheelbase models. As well as the new grille and headlamps, they also receive a newly styled front bumper, and front turn signal lamps which blend into the smooth front fender blister over the front wheel arch. GLS buyers can also specify an optional "Luxury Pack" with leather trim, woodgrain dash panelling and all the expected fruit.Dual SRS airbags are optional across the range, as are anti-lock brakes on all petrol engine models, which have an engine immobiliser. |
 Pajero's new curves are steel, not plastic
|
||||||||||
| The most substantial change, though, is that bigger V6,
which has four valves per cylinder to endow it with a flatter torque curve than the
previous 3.5 litre engine. Achieved with a Single OverHead Camshaft instead of going the
quad-cam route, it offers ample grunt at the lower end of the rev scale, smoother delivery
of power and improved fuel economy (by up to 10 per cent, according to Mitsubishi's
whitecoats). The auto transmission has three modes of power, normal and hold, making it more adaptable to a wider variety of situations. And with its "Super Select" viscous coupled 4WD system, Pajero remains a more than adequate offroad performer, with the new engine's added grunt giving it even greater capability than before. Interesting to note that Pajero is available with its 3.5 litre engine feeding through a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto, yet the Magna Sports V6 released around the same time uses the 3.0 litre engine "as the bigger engine could not be mated to the Sports Mode auto or the manual", according to Mitsubishi. Bet the whitecoats are working on that one... Small points noted in the interior include the power window switches on the driver's door being partly obscured by the door-pull handle, to the extent that they are hard to find. There is no delay on the interior light, and a lack of drink holders, but I was impressed by the new sun visors, which have sliding extensions to block glare through the side windows. Noise levels in Pajero have always been fairly low, and in the NL-model they have been significantly lowered further by a new insulation package that noticeably reduces road rumble and wind noise. In fact, the big side mirrors seem to be about the only cause of a minor wind rustle at highway speeds. Fuel consumption on test varied from 15.2 L/100km (18.5mpg) while offroading, to a more acceptable 12.0 L/100km (23mpg) on the highway. Mitsubishi Pajero got the facelift it needed without simply tacking on some plastic panels - and without an increase in price.
|
|||||||||||
Nuts-N-Bolts - Mitsubishi
LN Pajero GLS