Mitsubishi’s mid-size all-terrain wagon, the Challenger, has gained a fresh new look as part of its ’05 model year update.

It receives a new body coloured grille with chrome accent that incorporates elements of the previous grille with the new global Mitsubishi styling, as well as bold new six-spoke alloys across all models. It is these styling changes, along with the new tail lamp assembly with its clear lens, that helps to give the wagon a new street presence that sets it apart from similar wagons.

Inside, the base model gets titanium-look highlight panels on the dash and surrounds that lift the interior, while the LS gets charcoal woodgrain highlight panels on the dash and surrounds. The addition of black leather as an alternative to beige leather - the standard interior trim material - gives the LS a modern luxury feel, while the base model retains its knitted cloth trim.

A number of changes have been made to the paint palette, with Black Mica replacing Black Solid, while Cool Silver Metallic / Dark Effect Grey has been added as a new two-tone colour combination. Off White Pearl has been deleted from the range, which is now:

Monotone colours

• Deep Blue Mica
• Cool Silver Metallic
• Green Mica
• Medium Red Mica
• Beige Metallic
• Black Mica
• White Solid

Two-tone colours

• Deep Blue Mica / Beige Metallic
• Green Mica / Beige Metallic
• Black Mica / Beige Metallic
• White Solid / Beige Metallic
• Cool Silver Metallic / Dark Effect Grey

Challenger comes with a fuel efficient 3.0 litre SOHC 24-valve V6 petrol engine that develops 136kW of power at 5500 rpm and 265 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm mated to a five-speed manual or four-speed ‘Smart Logic’ automatic, as well as a host of other features. Dual airbags, power windows and mirrors, air conditioning, alloy wheels, AM/FM radio with single CD, remote keyless entry, engine immobiliser and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) are all standard. In addition, the LS gets leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear shifter and handbrake levers, leather trim, 6-CD stacker with 6-speaker audio system, chrome exterior door mirrors and door handles, fog lamps, side steps, electronic tilt/slide sunroof and a rear spoiler.

Drive is put to the ground through Mitsubishi’s ‘Easy Select’ part-time 4WD system, with its synchronised free-wheeling front differential that allows for 4WD engagement on the fly up to 100 kph, and hybrid Limited Slip rear differential.

The front suspension is double wishbone, torsion bar and stabiliser bar, while the rear is 3-link, coil springs and stabiliser bar.

All in all Challenger represents great value for money for people seeking a capable, durable, well equipped mid-size offroader, and costs:

Base	5-speed manual	$39.490
	4-speed ‘Smart Logic’ automatic	$41,490
LS	Mono-tone 4-speed ‘Smart Logic’ auto	$47,740
	Two-tone 4-speed ‘Smart Logic’ auto	$48,240
Options
Base / LS	Metallic / pearlescent paint	$250
	Two-tone paint	$550

The upgraded Challenger goes on sale immediately.