The Mitsubishi Pajero is one of the last true SUVs. And shows unimpressed, where to go. If you dare.
Once upon a time, not so long ago ... there was a strict class division. There were limousines, convertibles, hatchback models and station wagons. There were also small and compact cars, coupes and athletes on their tracks over the asphalt. If you wanted or had to find your way off the beaten path, you reached for a SUV.
In a crossover and SUV-pregnant time, the true terrain conquerors are a dying breed. Land Rovers Discovery, the Range Rover and the G-Class from the inventor of the automobile hold the flag high. And the hand wide open. Because for Otto normal earner, the selection is thin. Even a Toyota Land Cruiser is too confident in the price list. You can take a look at the Jeep Wrangler. Or the Mitsubishi Pajero. The costs as three-door in the highest trim level 44.990 Euro, the purist base model is available from 34.990 Euro.
Yes, the cult series from the 80ern still exists, now in its fourth generation. Since 2007 the Pajero runs in this form as a classic three-door and as a five-door with a longer wheelbase and seven seats off the line. Last year, the nearly marine engine large four-cylinder diesel with 3,2 liter displacement was adapted to the Euro 6 standard. In the course of the purge he lost 10 PS, which now makes him still sufficient 190 horsepower. He always sounds rough and tackles you the injection pressure in the combustion chambers clearly on the earlobe.
200 kilometers of highway, with the in the top version (which is also so called) standard cruise control limited to 120 km / h - unfortunately not fun. Too loud it will be in the long run, the low-feedback steering moves any driving pleasure even further away from the pilot. With a diesel thirst of more than twelve liters on 100 kilometers (12,4 liters in mixed driving during the test period), the old gentleman also often has to get out.
The Pajero does not define reach by stupid kilometer eaters. With the torque strong Allradler this term is set in a new, vertical relationship. Because when you release the Mitsubishi from the cage called Road, it starts - the true experience. The permanent four-wheel drive with lockable rear differential and off-road gear knows hardly any limits. Despite mounted road tires makes the Pajero in the off-road park (where you can dig legally) stops in front of no steep hill, fighting his full load of 441 Nm torque through the mud on each summit. On the plateau, you stand next to a Defender, a couple of Suzuki Jimny and the mentioned Wrangler and look down on the other four-wheel drive cars, which are also going well, but not up here.
Despite the chic chrome-plated running boards as part of the top equipment (there are also shiny exterior mirror caps and a completely chrome-plated front) there is enough ground clearance so that the heavy car does not touch down anywhere. A wading depth of 70 centimeters allows daring water crossings - in theory, because the driver's courage puts a stop to this even when the depth is significantly less.
Somewhat annoying, not only in the field, but also when trying to nimble tight corners in the urban jungle, proves to be the steering wheel with wood decor. Simply too slippery is the material, also in the winter also clearly too cold. As a counterpole, the seat heater bounces off in the higher of two stages so quickly and with an apparently open heating scale that you can do it within 15 minutes.
On the short way to the cooking temperature, the complex multimedia device with its well-arranged touchscreen does not manage to pair the smartphone. At least listen to music through the USB port in the glove box works. But such newfangled Sperenzien leaves the Pajero prefers the oh so hip SUV offspring. There, where he brings you, you have neither time nor an eye for digital nonsense.
For whom is the Mitsubishi Pajero now actually the ideal car? In any case, for horse owners who appreciate the three-tonne trailer load (3,5 tons five-door). For construction supervisors, who sometimes have to go into civil engineering. For veterinarians who do not haul injured cattle to the fence. And maybe also for one or the other design fan, who is tough in terms of engine noise and driving behavior. Because especially as a five-door in metallic white makes this classic off-road vehicle quite a good figure.
Nice that you still exist, Pajero.