Mitsubishi Motors all-new Pajero Cross Country SUV arrives for the next generation of adventurers

Mitsubishi Motors have lifted the covers off the fully redesigned, all-new Pajero, cross country SUV at its world premiere in Tokyo.

The Pajero was discontinued globally in 2021 and now the Pajero is ready to reclaim its position as the brands flagship while embodying the next chapter for the Mitsubishi brand.

The Pajero will be built in the Mitsubishi Motors production facility in Thailand and is destined for over 100 countries globally, including South Africa.

First introduced in 1982, the Pajero was developed as a cross-country, four-wheel drive vehicle that combined authentic off-road performance and dependability with passenger car like comfort. The Pajero quickly became a favourite with outdoor enthusiasts and enjoyed great success in the South African market. With total production across the previous four generations exceeding 3.29 million units, the Pajero has earned its right as one of Mitsubishi Motors’ most iconic models.

The legend of Pajero was cemented into automotive folklore when it began competing in the Dakar Rally, the world’s most demanding off road motorsport event in 1983. In the Dakar Rally, the Pajero went on to secure a total of 12 victories, which included seven consecutive wins.

This performance saw the Pajero earn a reputation for unparalleled off-road performance, handling stability and proven durability as a cross-country SUV, and helped it earn the trust of customers around the world.

“The Mitsubishi Pajero was always well loved by both the South African public and media for the way that it combined modern luxuries and tried-and-trusted mechanics. It is the perfect vehicle for adventurers looking to explore our beautiful continent,” says Lerato Nonyane, General Manager: Product & Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).

The all-new Pajero evolves the nameplates long-standing product philosophy that has always defined the model as it combines the confidence of its proven-off-road capability and reliability with the comfort reflected in the passenger compartment and ease of handling across harsh terrain or city streets. Building on this foundation, the all-new Pajero introduces a defining new dimension of prestige, that is expressed through the premium quality expected of a flagship model. In combination, these qualities represent a significant evolution across every aspect of the vehicle.

Bold, commanding proportions characterised by strong horizontal lines are complimented by a functional, advanced and finely crafted interior. Inside and out, signature motifs from previous Pajero generations are woven throughout the vehicle, creating a design worthy of the new-generation flagship.

“The all-new Pajero is equipped with Mitsubishi Motors’ Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC), which integrates the control of acceleration, cornering and braking to deliver precise and intuitive vehicle behaviour, while Super Select 4WD-II balances outstanding off-road performance with ease of use in everyday situations. Combined with a highly rigid, durable ladder frame and a carefully tuned suspension, these technologies will encourage drivers to enjoy travel with confidence on any road and be able to take the next step towards new adventures with peace of mind,” says Nonyane.

A flagship worthy exterior design

Guided by the “Grand Charisma” design concept, every detail has been meticulously crafted to achieve a powerful presence and premium feel, giving the model a stature worthy of Mitsubishi Motors’ new generation flagship.

Building on the bold, upright proportions and horizontal design theme inherited from the first-generation model, the all-new Pajero evolves the design further with powerful fenders that express its performance capabilities and sculpted body surfaces that enhance its commanding presence.

The frontal design conveys a sense of inner strength inspired by Kendo, a traditional Japanese martial art that emphasises discipline and composure. Two distinctive grille designs are available: a horizontal-bar grille that reflects the precision of Japanese craftmanship and a honeycomb grille that evokes streamlined beauty and strength. The headlights adopt a distinctive T-shaped design, resulting in a modern and advanced appearance.

Signature Pajero design elements appear throughout the exterior and include the C-pillar inspired by the roll bar of the first-generation model and a hexagonal rear motif that interprets the rear-mounted spare tyre of earlier generations. Together, these elements blend Pajero heritage with innovation, creating an exterior design that befits Mitsubishi Motors’ new-generation flagship.

A modern interior that honours its predecessors

The interior adopts a horizontally oriented instrument panel, inspired by that of the first-generation Pajero and combines functionality with a refined cabin. The monolithic display integrates two highly visible 14.3-inch screens that are home to graphics inspired by the Pajero’s heritage, including the Multi Meter display that brings the iconic triple-meter cluster into the modern era. Driving information such as altitude, compass heading, temperature, vehicle pitch and roll angles and AYC control status allows drivers to assess driving conditions at a glance. The Smartphone-link Display Audio system supports wireless smartphone connective, providing intuitive access to mapping, music and other compatible smartphone apps.

An advanced infotainment system brings new value to time spent on the road with visual effects for each drive mode, the meter display and 16 background themes that change in accordance with the time of day.

Soft-touch materials incorporating a stitching technique inspired by Kimekomi, a traditional Japanese craft, have been applied to the instrument panel and door trims, creating a sense of depth and premium quality worthy of a flagship model.

The all-new Pajero features comprehensive sound-insulation enhancements designed to allow all occupants to converse naturally, even at highway speeds and in other high-noise conditions.

Optimised interior packaging and seating arrangements ensure a spacious, comfortable cabin for occupants in every row.

Jointly developed with Yamaha Corporation with an uncompromising focus on sound quality, the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate audio system features a total of 12 speakers and dual amplifiers, delivering an exceptional music experience across a wide range of driving conditions.

A robust ladder frame and high-performance suspension

Mitsubishi’s renowned Super-Select 4WD-II, which has been refined in some of the worlds harshest environments to allow unrivalled off-road capability will be bolstered by Super-All Wheel Control to deliver the high levels of all-round capability expected of a flagship Pajero.

“The all-new Pajero will feature a clean diesel engine, a highly rigid ladder frame and specially developed suspension along with the brands renowned off-road systems to ensure that the latest iteration seamlessly builds on the reputation of its predecessors,” says Nonyane.

The all-new Pajero will be powered by a specially developed 2.4-litre engine that is equipped with a wide-range single variable geometry turbocharger that delivers 480Nm, ensuring strong and responsive acceleration from standstill through to high-speed driving. The engine is paired to a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission (8AT) with sport mode, offering smooth and seamless gear changes. From on-road driving to off-road terrain, the powertrain combines acceleration that responds faithfully to the driver’s intentions with improved quietness, delivering a refined driving experience.

Forged through decades of rally experience and development in demanding environments, the highly rigid ladder frame serves as the foundation of the all-new Pajero. The expanded use of high-tensile steel contributes to weight reduction, while measures such as increasing the frame cross-sectional area significantly enhance torsional and bending rigidity, achieving a high level of both handling stability and ride comfort, together with enhanced durability and reliability.

The suspension features an independent double-wishbone front setup and a newly developed five-link rigid rear axle. By helping the tyres maintain contact with the road while supporting strong off-road capability, it also delivers a natural steering feel and a flat, composed ride.

Beyond simply delivering exceptional off-road capability, the all-new Pajero was developed with occupant comfort during long journeys and on rough surfaces as a key goal. To achieve this, “off-road comfort” was established as a key development benchmark, with the aim of balancing off-road performance and on-road refinement at a high level. Strengthened body mounts suppress unwanted vibrations on rough roads while contributing to improved handling and ride comfort, further enhancing overall driving refinement.

Renowned off-road ability bolstered by technology

The all-new Pajero features S-AWC, Mitsubishi Motors’ integrated vehicle dynamics control system, delivering natural, responsive handling and outstanding vehicle stability. The SS4-II system allows drivers to select from four 4WD drive modes according to driving conditions: 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (full-time 4WD), 4HLc (locked centre differential), and 4LLc (locked centre differential with low- range gears). SS4-II combines high off-road capability with excellent handling stability on paved roads.

Alongside SS4-II, S-AWC integrates control of Active Yaw Control (AYC), which controls torque distribution between the left and right wheels through the front brakes, Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC), which optimally distributes driving force to enhance stability on slippery surfaces and the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which helps prevent wheel lock and skidding during braking. By optimising driving and braking forces at all four wheels according to driver inputs and road conditions, S-AWC enables safe, reassuring, and comfortable driving across a wide range of weather and road conditions.

Seven selectable drive modes are available, each optimised for specific driving conditions: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock. These modes allow drivers of all experience levels to enjoy driving with confidence across a wide range of road surfaces. In addition, large 18-inch brake rotors and an electric brake booster provide a reassuring brake feel. Off-road credentials include a ground clearance of 230mm, an approach angle of 30.4 degrees, a ramp breakover angle of 22.6 degrees and a departure angle of 25.8 degrees.

Advanced safety and driver assistance

The all-new Pajero features advanced preventative safety and driver assistance technologies designed to support the driver according to driving conditions.

Preventative safety technologies include the Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM) with pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist detection and junction assist, Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), and Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication (EAPM). The all-new Pajero also features Emergency Lane Assist (ELA) for the first time, which uses a forward-facing camera and radar to recognise lane markings and surrounding vehicles and provides warnings and steering assistance when it detects a risk of lane departure. The model is also equipped with Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), which detects vehicles approaching from either side at intersections and alerts the driver, helping reduce the risk of crossing-path collisions.

For driver assistance, the all-new Pajero is equipped with MI-PILOT, Mitsubishi Motors’ highway single-lane driving assistance system.Through the integrated control of Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA), MI-PILOT helps drivers maintain an appropriate following distance and keep the vehicle centred in its lane on highways, helping to ease driver fatigue on long-distance journeys. In addition, the all-new Pajero is equipped with eight airbags, including Mitsubishi Motors’ first SRS centre airbag.

Together, these advanced preventive safety technologies and comprehensive safety features enhance driver confidence and peace of mind.

The 3D Multi Around Monitor combines images from four vehicle-mounted cameras with a 3D model of the vehicle, providing a comprehensive view of its surroundings. Processing approximately 30 frames per second, the system displays the surrounding environment in real time, helping drivers park and manoeuvre in tight spaces during everyday driving, while also providing greater awareness of the terrain during off-road driving.

“The Pajero is a core model for the Mitsubishi brand and Mitsubishi Motors South Africa look forward to giving a new generation of families the opportunity to create new memories in a vehicle that is renowned for dependability, comfort and unrivalled off-road ability,” concludes Nonyane.