Mitsubishi Pajero

It has been around for many years now but the Pajero is still quite unmistakable. It looks purposeful, handsome and balanced. The stance is typical SUV and the Pajero looks like a brute. The body-on-ladder construction gives it immense off-roading ability and that’s what the Pajero has always been famous for. The interior is quite down-to-earth but functional. Ergonomics are good but the plastics used are of an inferior quality. The seats are well-designed and offer supreme levels of comfort.
 
Mitsubishi has a reputation of building fantastic engines, and the Pajero’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel is testimony to that. Although only 118bhp is available to play with, it is more an act of torque when you get the Pajero in its element. Available from as low as 1500rpm, the torque is spread extremely evenly all through and endows this SUV with super low-end and mid-range grunt. The engine is surprisingly silent in its operation too.

The Pajero drives quite potently for a two-tonne SUV. The steering is positive and quite direct. The chassis has been tuned for off-roading and that results in a lot of body roll when cornering hard on tarmac. The ride quality is exemplary and soaks in everything that our roads have on offer. Venture off-road and the Pajero comes alive. It begs for more severe treatment, for it enjoys that. The famed Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD mechanism is phenomenal and confidence-inspiring.

It’s quite an old mountain goat, but can teach the new SUVs a thing or two about off-roading. The Pajero is enormously capable, rides well and has a solid image backing it. At Rs 20 lakh, the asking price is quite steep and it is believed that a replacement is on the cards too, a cheaper one at that!