• Two new 3-door models re-introduced
• New exterior design
• New modern interior with added features
• New petrol engine with massive increase in power and torque
• New quieter, more efficient diesel engine

Mitsubishi has just released its NS series Pajero 7-seat 4x4 with a complete make-over for the exterior design, a new modern interior, two new engines that are Euro 4 compatible and re-introduced two 3-door models to inject additional excitement into the model range. All this has been achieved while retaining Mitsubishi’s reputation in 4WD systems and technology that ensures drivers can explore Australia safely and reliably.

The re-introduction of the 3-door models to the Pajero product line-up – the first time since 1999 - is one of the most exciting product additions to the Pajero and, indeed, the Mitsubishi range in 2006. The three-door model adds sportiness to the Pajero model and is the closest product that consumers can buy to the acclaimed Pajero Evo that races across the harshest terrain in Europe and Africa in the Dakar rally.

However, the complete Pajero range’s desirability has been enhanced through a new skin. The new front end design is both rugged and prestigious, and is accentuated by the stylish headlamps, grille and front bumper designs that give Pajero a powerful, ground-hugging stance. The squarer lines of the front guards combine with the new grille, bumper and handlamps to give the vehicle a more modern and sophisticated look. At the rear the wheel carrier is now centrally located and mounted in a lower position to provide greater visibility through the rear windscreen, as well as allow the rear combination lamps to be fully operational in their normal position.

The NS series Pajero has also been completely re-designed inside, with the new instrument panel giving the modern sporty feel of a luxury sedan with the functionality of a progressive SUV.

The blue illumination provides a relaxing atmosphere and the aero-inspired high contrast binnacle highlights the luxurious finish that is felt through the quality steering wheel controls and shift levers.

All the expected features – power steering, power windows, power exterior mirrors, cruise control, remote keyless entry with encrypted immobilisation and multiple storage compartments and cup holders – have been incorporated into the NS series Pajero.  All models also feature a multi-mode display - including trip computer, weather information and compass – for which the car has become well known.

NS Pajero is still a seven-seater with a 2-3-2 layout. It now offers heated seat warmers standard on the VRX and Exceed models and an 8-way power driver’s seat is now standard on VRX as well as Exceed.

The second row is a 60:40 split and tumble arrangement that folds flat with the floor. The rear squabs are tilt adjustable and the headrestraints are height adjustable in all three positions.

Pajero’s third row seat carries two occupants and has fold, drop and recline functions. It can stow under the cargo floor or can be removed from the vehicle altogether.

A number of other creature comforts have been added to NS. For example, automatic air conditioning is standard across the range and rear air conditioning is now available on VRX as well as standard on Exceed. The new system features an easy to use control centre on the console that includes a electronic display providing air flow information.

Pajero sports an in-car entertainment system developed jointly with Rockford Fosgate, a leading car audio brand in the United States, specifically for Pajero. Optimally matched to the interior's acoustical characteristics, the 650-watt amplifier, twelve speaker (including sub-woofer) DSP system blows away conventional factory-fitted systems with powerful, clear sound. The doors have been stiffened to deaden unwanted vibration. This system is standard on Exceed grade and boosts Pajero’s showroom appeal.

Steering wheel audio controls are standard on the R and X (3-door), VRX (5-door)  and Exceed (5-door) models. The audio antenna is now integrated into the rear windscreen glass.

The rear seat entertainment system is now factory fitted and includes an auxiliary input jack. This feature is fitted on Pajero Exceed and is ideal for entertaining children on long and short trips.

An electronic tilt/slide power sunroof option is reintroduced on NS Pajero in response to consumer demand. It is available on R and X (3-door), VRX (5-door) and Exceed (5-door) models but cannot be combined with rear seat entertainment.

Hands-free mobile phone system with Bluetooth connectivity will be available across the entire Pajero range. Fitted as standard equipment on Exceed models and as a dealer fitted accessory on other models, this feature allows hands-free operation of mobile phones.

Side and curtain airbags are standard on Exceed and available across the complete model range.

However, Pajero has not only taken a leap forward in style and specification. Two new engines also give significant leaps in power and torque, while being more efficient and economical. Both are Euro 4 compatible.

The 3.8 litre 24-valve V6 MIVEC (Mitsubishi’s variable valve timing) petrol engine produces maximum power of 184 kW at 6,000 rpm (a massive 23.5% increase on the previous engine at an increase of 1,000 rpm) and maximum torque of 329 Nm at a very low 2,750 rpm (up 6% from 310 Nm at 3,250 rpm on the NP series Pajero). It is an extremely driveable and flexible engine that is Euro 4 compliant and LPG compatible.

The new diesel engine that replaces the previous 3.2 litre Direct Injection Diesel is a common rail version of the 3.2 litre diesel that was first seen in Australia in ML series Triton when it was launched in July this year. It is quieter and delivers improved efficiency over the previous Di-D engine.

This 3.2L CDi DOHC 16-valve common rail inter-cooled turbo diesel engine is Euro 4 emission compliant and pumps out 125 kW of power at 3,800 rpm and impressive torque of 358 Nm at a very low 2,000 rpm.

Both engines can be mated to either a 5-speed fully synchronised manual transmission or Mitsubishi’s 5-speed INVECS II ‘Smart Logic’ automatic transmission with ‘Sports Mode’ sequential shifting function. Mitsubishi was the first manufacturer to introduce automatic transmissions with sequential shifting into 4WDs and this came as a direct result of its motorsport experience.

Drive is put to the ground through the acclaimed ‘Super Select II’ drive-train that incorporates all the features of MATT® that is standard across all models.  MATT® Incorporates ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Engine Brake Assist Control (EBAC), Active Stability Control (ASC), Active Traction Control (ATC), Hill Hold Assist (on automatic models) and a Rear Diff Lock is available for safely negotiating low traction surfaces.

Pajero’s 4WD system can be engaged and disengaged, on the move at speeds up to 100 km/hour, and includes 2WD high range, 4WD high range, 4WD low range and 4WD high and 4WD low ranges with locked transfer.

Wheels and tyres have been upsized from 16” or 17” (depending on model) to 17” or 18” (depending on model), as have the brakes. NS Pajero 5-door brakes are 333 mm ventilated discs with four-pot callipers at the front, while the rear brakes are 333 mm ventilated discs in drum with one-pot calipers.

The 3-door variants get 290 mm ventilated discs with two-pot calipers at the front and 305 mm ventilated disc in drum rear brakes with one-pot calipers.

Suspension for all variants is the proven double wishbone with coil springs at the front, while the rear is multi-link with coil springs. A stabiliser bar is fitted at both the front and rear and are attached to the sub-frame to isolate bumps and vibrations.

Pajero’s power assisted rack and pinion steering combines with the suspension to give neutral, responsive handling and good traction at all times, with a turning circle of 11.4 metres (kerb to kerb) for the 5-door models and 10.6 metres for the 3-door variants.

Safety has not been neglected and NS Pajero has a raft of safety features as standard equipment. They include ABS with EBD, Active Stability Control, and six airbags are available on the base model. Mitsubishi's RISE (Re-inforced Impact Safety Evolution) body construction provides the best occupant protection in the event of an accident and three-point lap/sash seatbelts are fitted to all seating positions. The ELR driver and passenger belts include pre-tensioners and force limiters as standard and the seat belt anchors are height adjustable. The two outer second row belts are both ALR/ELR, while the centre belt is ELR. The third row belts are both ELR.

NS Pajero is available in a range of nine colours – White, Warm White Pearl (P), Cool Silver (M), Champagne (M), Envy (P), Red Metallic (M), Deep Blue Mica (P), Gunmetal (P) and Black Mica (P). Three of these are new colours (Champagne, Envy, and Deep Blue).

Because of Pajero’s long list of standard features the only options are:

                                                                         
The introduction of the new NS series Pajero range will be staggered, with the 3.8 litre V6 petrol manual and automatic and 3.2 litre diesel manual 5-door variants available from early October. The 3.2 litre diesel automatic 5-door and the two 3-door models will become available in November.