The 2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Is Stylish And Strong
The 2018 Mitsubishi Pajero (SWB) SUV is reliable, durable, luxurious and with uncompromising performance. Any true motorhead will know how impressive the brand has been, winning the Dakar Rally 12 times. With that sort of achievement, getting into the new Pajero generates a feeling of triumph – something that everyone should experience firsthand.
It is evident that Mitsubishi has learned from their rally success and implemented all the necessary elements into their road-going models, including the 3-door Pajero. If you’re looking for a luxury SUV with true off-roading capabilities, a diesel powertrain with a short wheelbase, the Mitsubishi Pajero should be at the top of your list.
Exterior Features
Similar to the Outlander, the Mitsubishi Pajero impresses with some quality features – inside, outside and underneath the hood.
Starting with the exterior, High Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps provide optimal night visibility, a wider view and brighter illumination. Automatic headlamp levelling is perfect for taking on steep inclines while the rear view camera improves your rear field of vision which automatically appears on screen when in reverse.
A glass sunroof, variable intermittent windscreen wiper and black roof rails add further styling to the Pajero. At the same time, a rear spoiler, side steps, 17-inch alloy wheels along with front and rear mudguards give the compact SUV a more rugged look.
Interior Features, Styling and Accessories
Moving to the interior, as with all vehicles in the Pajero range, the SWB Mitsubishi Pajero comes standard with some of the best comfort and convenience features in its class. Bluetooth and handsfree voice control are integrated into the Pajero’s multi-function steering wheel along with audio and cruise control. The multi-information display provides all the information you need from a compass barometer and altimeter to a temperature gauge, fuel consumption and time and date display. All the windows on the Pajero are auto up/down with key-off timer.
The fully automatic front air-conditioning with manual rear controls add even more driving comfort and pleasure for all the occupants. A fully trimmed leather interior includes a 5-seat configuration with split rear seating and the option to fold it down for extra storage space. Seats are electrically adjustable while the driver and front passenger seats come standard with heaters.
Fitted with everything you’d come to expect from a top quality brand, the Mitsubishi Pajero SWB has power steering, remote central locking, Park distance control, navigation system and touchscreen radio with CD and MP3 player.
Safety Features
Equipped with a wide range of advanced active and passive technologies, Mitsubishi has taken safety to the next level. The Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution Body Construction (RISE) offers exceptional protection as the front-end is energy-absorbing while combining with a strong, rigid cabin. Adding to the build quality, the 2018 Mitsubishi Pajero has six airbags – driver, front passenger, front side and curtain airbags.
The Pajero’s multi-mode Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) allows you to manoeuvre more effectively under heavy braking conditions for improved control. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) helps reduce stopping distances while ASTC (active traction and stability control) helps drivers maintain traction without spinning the wheels and losing control when cornering.
Additional safety features include side-impact protection bars and ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors. Regardless of the terrain or where your journey takes you, drivers and passengers have the peace-of-mind knowing that they are in safe hands.
Performance and Engine Specifications
Mitsubishi has impressed yet again as the latest Pajero is more than ready for adventure, offering luxury, comfort and absolute driving pleasure in all conditions. The 3-door version of the Pajero might be smaller in size but it packs a serious punch and as unrelenting as its big brother.
The 3.2-litre DOHC Intercooled Turbocharged DI-DC engine produces 140 kW of power and 441 Nm of torque while 235 mm ground clearance takes care of any terrain. The Direct Injection Diesel engine has superior torque, especially at low and mid rev ranges which means it is good enough to overcome nearly any obstacle in its path. The smaller turning circle also makes it remarkably agile while the reduced weight means the SWB is more responsive than the 5-door variant.
Don’t let the engine specs fool you as the direct injection enables more efficient combustion for improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Under normal driving conditions, the overall fuel consumption is 9.5 litres per 100 km*.
Although not surprising, the Mitsubishi Pajero SWB 4×4 A/T is exceptionally good off-road using the rally-proven Super Select II 4WD System with Rear Diff Lock. It offers the ability to move effortlessly between 2H mode highway performance and the more rugged 4H mode. This is all possible while in motion as long as the vehicle is travelling under 100 km/h.M.
The 2018 Mitsubishi Pajero SWB 4×4 means business and with pricing starting from R699 995, it’s certainly a worthy opponent in the ever-evolving SUV segment.
* Vehicle measured under ideal conditions
** Pricing is correct as of October 2018
