Mitsubishi Pajero returns to NZ in December from $79,990
Words: Kyle Cassidy
Mitsubishi’s Pajero is returning to New Zealand in December, with a two-model, seven-seat range priced from $79,990 plus on-road costs.
The new SUV will sit at the top of Mitsubishi’s local line-up. VRX opens the range at $79,990, while the Exceed costs $86,990, both plus on-road costs.
Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand says dealers are already recording strong pre-orders ahead of the first vehicles arriving.
Both versions use a Mitsubishi-developed 2.4-litre Gen2 turbo-diesel producing 150kW and 480Nm. It features a single variable-geometry turbocharger and is paired with a new-generation eight-speed automatic transmission.
Towing capacity is 3500kg across the range, giving buyers the same capability regardless of which equipment level they choose.
Underneath is a ladder-frame chassis with double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link solid rear axle. The four-wheel-drive hardware combines Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system with Super All-Wheel Control, which coordinates acceleration, cornering and braking.
Drivers can select 2H, 4H, 4HLc and low-range 4LLc settings, while a manually selectable rear differential lock provides another traction aid off road. Seven drive modes cover Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.
“New Zealanders have always expected Pajero to be more than a large SUV,” said MMNZ chief operating officer Tony Johnston.
“It needs to be equally at home carrying the family, towing the boat or caravan and heading well beyond the open road. That breadth of capability has always been fundamental to Pajero and it remains so in this new generation.”
What do VRX and Exceed include?
VRX comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, roof rails, side steps and a skid plate.
Inside, it pairs a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with a matching digital instrument display. Black leather upholstery, heated first- and second-row seats, power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard.
Other equipment includes three-zone climate control, wireless smartphone charging, six USB-C ports, a digital rear-view mirror, an electric tailgate and Mitsubishi’s MI-PILOT driver assistance technology.
The $7000 step up to Exceed brings dual 14.3-inch displays, camel and black leather trim, ventilated front seats and memory functions for both front occupants. The steering wheel gains electric tilt and reach adjustment with memory, while a centre-console cooler box and 12-speaker Yamaha audio system are also included.
Exceed swaps the 18-inch wheels for 20-inch alloys and adds adaptive LED headlights, black mirrors and wheel-arch mouldings, plus further dark exterior detailing.
Familiar name, fresh design
The new Pajero measures 4920mm long and 1925mm wide, with a 2870mm wheelbase and three rows of seating.
Its squared-off shape and horizontal lines reference earlier Pajeros. Inside, the dashboard takes inspiration from the first generation, while a digital multi-meter display revisits the triple meters fitted to historic models. It can show altitude, compass heading, temperature and vehicle pitch and roll angles.
First introduced globally in 1982, Pajero went on to record more than 3.2 million vehicles produced across four generations, reaching more than 170 countries and regions.
Johnston says pre-production vehicles undergoing testing around Wellington have attracted plenty of attention from motorists wanting a closer look.
Pajero’s December launch completes a busy period for Mitsubishi in New Zealand, joining the new Outlander Sport HEV and electric ASX VR-e. The three arrivals expand the local range across hybrid, battery-electric and off-road diesel options before Christmas.
