Everyone recognises the old Pajero; it has that sort of presence and familiarity – and iconic status largely due to the massive success it...
Everyone recognises the old Pajero; it has that sort of presence and familiarity – and iconic status largely due to the massive success it has been at the Paris-Dakar Rally. It is also the last of the ladder-on-frame chassis Pajero to come out of the Mitsubishi factory.The more modern Montero which has picked up the Pajero mantle worldwide and at the Dakar Rally is a monocoque construction and attempts to improve on-road handling.
Unfortunately, the Pajero is available only with the slightly underpowered 2.8-litre turbo-diesel motor, which makes a modest 117bhp and 292Nm of torque to chug around this mammoth vehicle which weighs in at more than two-tons. This of course translates to rather ordinary performance on the road. However, that is not what the Pajero was designed for. It is not a wannabe SUV which prefers tarmac over getting its feet dirty. It is almost exactly the opposite as a matter of fact.The Pajero was born to glide over dunes and munch on rocks. More like an apeman which prefers hunting for itself with an occasional stroll along beaten tracks.
But people today buy an SUV more for the robust image rather than building caves in the mountains.Therefore, the lack of on-road performance deters people away from the Pajero. Once you build up momentum you don’t feel like taking your foot off the gas. Overtaking requires constant downshifts and a bit of planning to avoid scary situations. However, its off-road credentials remain intact with four-wheel drive high proving enough for most adventures that your heart can cope with.There is however a four-wheel drive low range also for ones who still prefer the caveman way of life.
Five people can sit quite comfortably in this truck-sized SUV with plenty of room for your camping gear when you go out for that adventure weekend. It is much
better equipped now with goodies like airbags and anti-lock brakes.The Pajero also comes with soft leather interiors to pamper you after a hard day of adventure.
Mitsubishi has a fairly decent network in India thanks to HM although spares are expensive. Overall, the Pajero remains the most capable off-roader this side of Rs 30 lakh.
