2010MY Mitsubishi Pajero SUV gets More Powerful Diesel Engine

Mitsubishi's European division has launched the 2010MY Pajero, which is also known as the Shogun and the Montero in some markets in Europe as well as other parts of the world. The minor model year facelift brings a prepped up version of Mitsubishi's 3.2-liter inline four turbo diesel engine that now makes 200HP and 441Nm or 325 lb-ft of torque, up from 160HP and 381Nm respectively.

Despite the 25 percent increase in performance, Mitsubishi claims that along with the introduction of a new 5-speed automatic transmission, the 2010 Pajero 3.2-liter DI-D achieves greater fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions compared to the outgoing model.

In particular, the combined consumption of the Pajero 3-door with a 5-speed manual gearbox has been reduced from 9.2 to 8.5 lt/100km with corresponding C02 emissions of 224g/km, down from 244g/km while the Pajero 5-door with the new auto box consumes on average 9.6 lt/100km instead of 10.6lt/100km.

Furthermore, the new Pajero 3.2 DI-D's towing capacity has been increased from 2,800kg to 3,000kg in the three-door model and from 3,300kg to 3,500 kg in the five-door version.

Other improvements for the 2010 model year include a thicker windshield and additional insulation that help reduce noise levels, new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs and an upgraded version of Mitsubishi's Multi Communication System (MMCS) with a disk capacity of 40GB.

2009 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport: New Image Gallery and Details

Following a teaser press release earlier in July (see here), Mitsubishi has released further details and additional images on the all-new Pajero Sport SUV that will be publicly unveiled at the Moscow Auto Salon 2008 to be held at the Crocus Expo in Moscow between August 26 and September 7. The 2009 Pajero Sport will be sold in Russia, Australia, South America, Middle East and selected Asian markets but not in North America or Western Europe. Sales are expected to begin this fall.

The new Pajero Sport (also called Montero Sport or Challenger, depending on the market) is based on a new ladder-frame. Mitsubishi says that bending and torsional rigidity in the new frame are 100% and 50% (respectively) higher than before thus improving the vehicle's reliability in off-road use as well as improving handling and ride comfort. The new Pajero Sport SUV is also larger than its predecessor with an overall length of 4695 mm (compared with 4620 mm for the old model); overall width of 1815 mm (1775 mm); overall height of 1800 mm (1730 mm); and wheelbase of 2800 mm (2725 mm). -Continued

Power will be supplied by a choice of three engines including 2.5-liter and 3.2-liter turbodiesels and a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline unit. In Russia, the Pajero Sport will be offered exclusively with the 3.2-liter common rail diesel engine that produces an output of 163 HP at 3,500 rpm and 343 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm. Transmission choices include a 4-speed Sport Mode automatic or a 5-speed manual gearbox.

The large SUV uses Mitsubishi Motors' All Wheel Control-inspired Super Select 4WD driveline which feeds maximum drive torque to the wheels with the most grip. The Pajero Sport will also be available with an optional rear differential lock that eliminates the speed differential between the rear wheels to help the driver extract his vehicle in sticky situations.

Depoending on the market, the Pajero Sport SUV will be available in either a 2-row (5-passenger) or 3-row (7-passenger) seating configuration both of which feature water-repellent seats and a waterproof luggage compartment floor. Adding to its versatility, the front seatbacks can recline fully to provide a flat surface together with the rear seats. The rear seats also boast a 150 mm slide travel, allowing various configurations for occupant and luggage spaces.

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV to be Unveiled at Moscow Show

Mitsubishi will use the Moscow Auto Salon (August 26 - September 7) to perform the public debut of its new Pajero Sport. The SUV model that will carry various names depending on the market (Montero Sport in South America, Nativa in Latin America and Challenger in Australia) will not be sold in Central / Western Europe or in North America.

Based on a new ladder frame, the 2009 Pajero Sport will be powered by a choice of three engines: 2.5-liter and 3.2-liter diesel units and a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline unit. The new model will use Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD system, also used in the Pajero SUV, which transmits drive torque to all four wheels on all types of surfaces. Buyers can opt for a 5-passenger or a 7-passenger version, both of which feature water-repellent seats and a waterproof luggage compartment floor. -Continued

The new Pajero Sport will be available in selected regions such as Russia, the ASEAN area, the Middle East, Latin America and Oceania starting in the fall this year.