Pajero 2018: A Rugged and Reliable 4WD Wagon
If you're in the market for a genuinely large, rugged-duty four-wheel drive diesel wagon, your choices are rapidly diminishing... and if you're looking for one that's relatively affordable, your choices are even fewer.
The Mitsubishi Pajero is one of the company's longest serving and most faithful performers, and when it comes to value for money in the large off-road diesel wagon segment, there are few better.
pajero 2018
But has age wearied this old battle horse? We're testing the 2018 update to see if it's still relevant in today's market.
Design and Features
Exterior
Park your 2018 Pajero next to a model from the mid-naughties and from side on, you would be hard-pressed to tell the difference. Over the years, there have been superficial updates to elements like bumpers and tail-lights, but the Pajero's large boxy visage remains virtually untouched from its 2006 introduction.
It features a huge glasshouse, which makes for a very airy and bright cabin, while its box-like rear section endows the 4x4 wagon with a massive rear cargo space.
It's certainly not going to win any beauty awards but that's really not the point of the Pajero. It's a practical and functional vehicle that prioritises substance over style.
Interior
On the inside, too, the only concession to up to date motoring is the touchscreen multimedia system. Again, there have been small cosmetic changes over the years to the Pajero's design language inside the car, but it really doesn't feel that much different to one of its 12-year-old siblings when you hop aboard.
The cabin is simple and functional, with easy-to-use controls and a clear instrument cluster. The materials are durable and hard-wearing but not very premium or refined.
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The Pajero can seat The Pajero can seat up to seven people, with the third row seats folding into the floor when not in use. The second row seats can also be folded forward to create a large flat load space.
The Pajero offers a decent amount of storage options in the cabin, including a deep centre console bin, a glove box, a dash-top box, door pockets, and cup holders. There's also a 12-volt outlet in the front and rear, as well as a USB port.
The touchscreen multimedia system is easy to use and has Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The sound system is not very powerful, but it does the job. The Pajero also has a multi-function steering wheel with audio and cruise control buttons.
Performance and Handling
Engine and Transmission
The Pajero is powered by a 3.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, which produces 141kW of power and 441Nm of torque. It's paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, which is not very smooth or responsive, but it does have a manual mode for more control.
The engine is not very refined or quiet, but it delivers enough grunt for most situations. It can tow up to 3000kg braked, and has a payload of 665kg. It also has a fuel consumption rating of 9.1L/100km, which is not bad for a large diesel wagon, but it also has a large 88-litre fuel tank, which means it can travel over 900km on a single fill.
Off-Road Capability
The Pajero is a serious off-roader, with a full-time four-wheel drive system that has four modes: 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (four-wheel drive high range), 4HLC (four-wheel drive high range with locked centre differential) and 4LLC (four-wheel drive low range with locked centre differential).
The Pajero also has a rear differential lock, which can be engaged in 4HLC or 4LLC mode for more traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. The Pajero has an electronic traction control system, which can be turned off in 4LLC mode.
The Pajero has a generous ground clearance of 225mm, as well as good approach and departure angles of 36.6 degrees and 25 degrees respectively. It also has a wading depth of 700mm, which means it can tackle some deep water crossings.
On-Road Comfort
The Pajero is surprisingly comfortable and composed on the road, thanks to its independent suspension setup, which consists of double wishbones at the front and a multi-link coil spring arrangement at the rear.
The Pajero absorbs most bumps and potholes well, and keeps the body roll to a minimum around corners. The steering is light and easy at low speeds, but it becomes vague and numb at higher speeds. The braking is adequate, but not very sharp or progressive.
The Pajero is also very stable and secure on the highway, thanks to its stability control system and its solid ladder-frame chassis. It also has a tight turning circle of 11.4m, which makes it easy to manoeuvre in tight spots.
Safety and Reliability
Safety Features
The Pajero comes with a decent list of safety features, including six airbags (dual front, side and curtain), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), brake assist (BA), reverse camera, rear parking sensors, active stability control (ASC), active traction control (ATC), hill start assist (HSA) and trailer stability assist (TSA).
However, the Pajero lacks some of the more advanced safety features that are becoming more common in its segment, such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning (LDW), blind spot monitoring (BSM), rear cross traffic alert (RCTA) and adaptive cruise control (ACC).
The Pajero has not been tested by ANCAP since 2011, when it received a five-star rating.
Reliability and Warranty
The Pajero has a reputation for being tough and reliable, thanks to its proven mechanicals and its strong build quality. It can handle harsh conditions and heavy loads without much fuss.
The Pajero requires servicing every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. The service costs are capped for the first three years or 45,000km under Mitsubishi's Capped Price Servicing program.
The Paj The Pajero comes with a five-year/100,000km warranty, which is average for its segment. It also comes with a five-year roadside assistance program, which is a nice bonus.
Price and Value
Variants and Prices
The Pajero is available in three variants: the GLX, the GLS and the Exceed. The prices are as follows (excluding on-road costs):
Variant
Price
Key Features
GLX
$53,990
- 17-inch alloy wheels- Halogen headlights- Cloth seats- 7.0-inch touchscreen- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto- Six-speaker sound system- Dual-zone climate control- Cruise control- Reverse camera- Rear parking sensors
GLS
$58,990
- 18-inch alloy wheels- LED headlights- Leather seats- Heated front seats- Power driver's seat- Rain-sensing wipers- Auto headlights- Rear spoiler- Chrome door handles and mirrors- Side steps
Exceed
$63,990
- Sunroof- Rockford Fosgate premium sound system- Rear seat entertainment system- Power tailgate- Blind spot warning- Ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system
Competitors and Alternatives
The Pajero faces some tough competition in the large off-road diesel wagon segment, which includes the following models:
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which is the best-selling vehicle in its class, thanks to its reputation for quality, reliability and off-road prowess. It has a 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a sophisticated four-wheel drive system. It also has a spacious and comfortable cabin, a generous 150-litre fuel tank, and a five-star ANCAP rating. However, it is also more expensive than the Pajero, with prices ranging from $59,840 to $88,990.
The Ford Everest, which is based on the popular Ranger ute, but with a more refined and family-friendly wagon body. It has a 3.2-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and an advanced four-wheel drive system with a terrain management system. It also has a modern and well-equipped cabin, a seven-seat capacity, and a five-star ANCAP rating. However, it is also pricier than the Pajero, with prices ranging from $55,190 to $74,701.
The Isuzu MU-X, which is also based on a ute platform, namely the D-Max. It has a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, a six-speed automatic transmission, and a simple but effective four-wheel drive system. It also has a durable and practical cabin, a seven-seat capacity, and a five-year/130,000km warranty. However, it is also less refined and sophisticated than the Pajero, with prices ranging from $50,400 to $59,900.
Conclusion
The Pajero 2018 is not the most modern or stylish vehicle in its segment, but it still has a lot to offer for those who value substance over style. It is a rugged and reliable off-roader that can handle any terrain with ease. It is also a spacious and functional wagon that can accommodate up to seven people and their luggage. It is also reasonably priced and well-equipped for its class.
If you're looking for a large off-road diesel wagon that can do it all without breaking the bank, the Pajero 2018 might be the one for you. Visit your nearest Mitsubishi dealer today and book a test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does the Pajero 2018 cost?
A: The Pajero 2018 costs between $53,990 and $63,990 (excluding on-road costs), depending on the variant.
Q: How many seats does the Pajero 2018 have?
A: The Pajero 2018 has seven seats.
Q: How much fuel does the Pajero 2018 use?
A: The Pajero 2018 has a fuel consumption rating of 9.1L/100km.
<h Q: What are the main competitors of the Pajero 2018?
A: The main competitors of the Pajero 2018 are the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, the Ford Everest, and the Isuzu MU-X.
Q: What is the warranty of the Pajero 2018?
A: The Pajero 2018 comes with a five-year/100,000km warranty and a five-year roadside assistance program. 44f88ac181
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