This Tokyo Motor Show Mitsubishi will be previewing what could be the next-generation Pajero off-roader along with an ASX crossover as well as revealing a new compact MPV. The all-new Pajero SUV is expected in 2015 at the earliest. The concept GC-PHEV, concept XR-PHEV and the concept AR, which will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month, reveals new design explorations and technology that could appear on their future vehicles.
Mitsubishi Motors has been going through a bad phase globally. Their partnership with Renault-Nissan for starters can be construed as their attempts to encourage a turnaround in fortune. They also seem to have a three-year plan in place to get back into the markets, which goes on the lines of introducing new utility vehicles and electric ones.
Coming to the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, the Indian market received it only in March 2012. Any further developments to the car were put on the backburner as Mitsubishi Motors Corporation head of product and strategy development Ryugo Nakao admitted at the Geneva Motor Show that a redesign of the flagship vehicle had been pushed to 2015 at the earliest. The reason cited was limited resources and greater priorities.
The SUV concept called the GC-PHEV will use a next-generation plug-in hybrid system, and have “genuine SUV off-road capability and sure-footed driving dynamics” supported by Mitsubishi’s Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. The fifth-generation off-roader and will come with a number of future preventative safety features and driver support aids using mobile connectivity.
The 2015 Mitsubishi Pajero will be available in three engines. Under the bonnet is a plug-in hybrid system with an electric motor and high-capacity battery pack plus a 3.0-litre V6 supercharged engine, with an eight-speed auto.
Mitsubishi’s experience as a joint venture with Hindustan Motors in the Indian car market has not been very successful. Save for the Pajero Sport, the Japanese automaker does not have anything substantial to offer here. So, it is understood that our markets too will be receiving the 2015 Pajero when launched.
