Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero
Overview
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Production	1982–present 1982–2019 (Japan)
Assembly	Pajero Manufacturing Co., Ltd, Sakahogi, Gifu Japan Tramagauto, Tramagal, Portugal
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size SUV
Layout	Front engine, four-wheel drive
Chronology
Predecessor	Mitsubishi Jeep

The Mitsubishi Pajero (/pəˈdʒɛroʊ/; Spanish: [paˈxeɾo]; Japanese パジェロ [pad͡ʑeɾo]) is a mid-size sport utility vehicle manufactured and marketed globally by Mitsubishi.

Mitsubishi markets the SUV as the Montero in Spain and the Americas, except Brazil and Jamaica — and as the Shogun in the United Kingdom. However, Montero is no longer sold in North America since late 2006. The Pajero nameplate derives from Leopardus pajeros, the Pampas cat.

Modified versions of the Pajero are noted for having won the Dakar Rally 12 times.

Due to their success, the Pajero, Montero and Shogun names were also applied to other, mechanically unrelated models, such as the Pajero Mini kei car, the Pajero Junior and Pajero iO/Pinin mini SUVs, and the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero/Shogun Sport.

History

The roots of the Pajero can be traced back to 1934 with the Mitsubishi PX33 prototype commissioned for the Japanese Government. Mitsubishi presented the first Pajero prototype at the Tokyo Motor Show in November 1973 then Pajero II prototype followed in 1978, five years later.

In January 1983, the first Pajero debuted at the Paris Dakar Rally, taking first place in 1985 at only the third attempt. Other wins followed, at events such as the Australasian Safari and Northern Forest.

First generation (L040; 1982–1991)

First generation
Overview
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Hyundai Motor Company
Also called	Mitsubishi Montero Mitsubishi Shogun Colt Shogun Dodge Raider Hyundai Galloper Jinhui Mitsubishi Pajero (China; JV)
Production	1982–1991
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door SUV 5-door SUV (not on Raider models)
Related	Hyundai Galloper
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L 4G63 I4 2.6 L 4G54 I4 3.0 L 6G72 V6 2.3 L 4D55 diesel I4 2.3 L 4D55T TD I4 2.5 L 4D56T TD I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed Aisin automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	5-door: 2,695 mm (106.1 in) 3-door: 2,350 mm (92.5 in)
Length	4,650 mm (183.1 in) 3-door: 3,995 mm (157.3 in)
Width	66.1 in (1,679 mm) & 66.6 in (1,692 mm)
Height	5-door: 74.4 in (1,890 mm) 3-door: 72.8 in (1,849 mm) & 72.4 in (1,839 mm)

The first generation made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1981, and was launched in May 1982. Initially, it was a three-door, short-wheelbase model available with a metal or canvas top and three different engines options, although more were gradually added, ending with a 3.0-liter V6 on top of the range.

Mitsubishi Pajero rear

• 2.0-liter 4-cylinder petrol (2000/2.0)
• 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol (2000/2.0 Turbo)
• 2.6-liter 4-cylinder petrol (2600/2.6)
• 2.3-liter naturally aspirated diesel (2300 D/2.3 D)
• 2.3-liter turbocharged diesel (2300 TD/2.3 TD)
• 2.5-liter turbocharged diesel (2500 TD/2.5 TD)
• 3.0-liter V6 petrol (3000/3.0)

It included features unusual for a four-wheel-drive vehicle: a turbocharged diesel engine, a front double wishbone suspension with torsion bar springs, power steering and suspension seats.

In January 1983, only a year following its launch, mildly tuned production Pajeros entered the world of motor sport.

Mitsubishi Montero LS 5-door (US)

In February 1983, Mitsubishi introduced a long-wheelbase, five-door model, available with a choice of two different engines; a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol (badged as "2.0 Turbo" and "2000 Turbo" in some markets) and a 2.3-liter turbocharged diesel. It also came in Standard, Semi-High Roof and High Roof body styles.

The long-wheelbase model increased seating capacity to seven, with available third row seats, which could be folded to the sides for additional trunk space or combined with second row seats to form a bed.

In 1984, the Pajero received turbo diesel engines with higher power/torque ratings, whilst the long-wheelbase models received standard four-wheel disc brakes and four-way adjustable shock absorbers as standard equipment.

Mitsubishi Pajero Intercooler Turbo Wagon 3-door

A flagship model was introduced in 1987 with two-tone paint, 15-inch light alloy wheels, front-seat heaters, wool seat covers, leather headrests, a three-spoke steering wheel and a sound system with radio/cassette. In 1987, a version of the Pajero/Montero was rebadged by Dodge as the Raider, which ran through 1989.

In 1988, a 3.0-liter SOHC V6 engine was made available, alongside a 2.5-liter turbo diesel engine, with the first 4x4 intercooler. The long-wheelbase models received a coil link suspension system for better ride comfort and off-road ability.

It was available with a 3-door body for a short wheelbase (SWB) or a 5-door body for a long-wheelbase (LWB). Engines included a 2.6 L I4 with 82 kW (110 hp/112 PS), a 3.0 L V6 with EFI and 104 kW (139 hp/141 PS) and a turbocharged 2.5 L OHC diesel I4 with 62 kW (83 hp/84 PS) or an intercooled 70 kW (94 hp/95 PS). Part-time four-wheel drive was standard on all models.

The first generation platform was later built under license by Hyundai Precision Products as the Hyundai Galloper from 1991 to 2003, and exported to Europe for a brief time. While it used first generation mechanicals, the Galloper's body was closer to the second generation Pajeros.

Australia

The NA series was released to Australia during January 1983 in short- (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) three-door wagon formats, with the 2.6-liter petrol or 2.3-liter turbo diesel, both mated to a five-speed KM145 manual transmission. Brakes were ventilated front discs and rear drums. The five-door, high-roof LWB model was introduced in May 1984 with the same powertrain options. The five-door offered a luxury Superwagon trim and also had a shorter final drive than the SWB models, to make up for the increased weight.

The NB of November 1984 included a revised grille, deleted the LWB three-door body style and the diesel engine for the remaining SWB three-door. Mitsubishi Australia released the NC series in November 1985, introducing optional power steering, while the long-wheelbase five-door switched to a low-roofed design.

A KM148 automatic gearbox became optional on the petrol Superwagon for the October 1986 ND update, while the 2.5-liter turbo diesel replaced the old 2.3-liter unit. For the October 1987 NE series, the Japanese 2.6-liter petrol was replaced with the Australian-made Astron II version. Brake dimensions were also increased across the range.

The NE three-door Sports and five-door Superwagon added a limited slip differential, front bumper overriders, spare wheel cover, side pin striping, 16-inch chrome wheels, and optional two-tone paint over the base cars. The most expensive models also received an inclinometer, volt meter, oil pressure gauge, stereo cassette player, remote fuel filler release, suspension driver's seat, carpeting, and tweed and velour cloth trim (over tweed cloth and vinyl).

September 1988's NF facelift saw the introduction of a 3.0-liter V6 engine in the top-line Superwagon, delivering 105 kW (141 hp) and 228 N⋅m (168 lb⋅ft) via a five-speed V5MT1 manual or four-speed KM148 automatic. Suspension became a three-link coil spring design at the rear. Rear disc brakes were fitted to the V6 only.

The final NG refresh from September 1989 to April 1991 was a minor trim and equipment readjustment. The KM148 automatic transmission was replaced by the V4AW2 with lockup. High-end NG models (i.e. not the base Commercial trim) now received chrome, truck-style side mirrors. An intercooler was also added to the 2.5-liter turbo diesel models in 1990.

Second generation (V20+; 1991–present)

Second generation
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi Shogun (United Kingdom) Mitsubishi Montero (United States) China Beijing BJ2032 Tornado (2002–2004) GAC Changfeng Liebao Heijingang (2002–2014) Changfeng Liebao Qibing (2009–2014) Changfeng Liebao Q6 (2014–present) Guangtong GTQ5490 (JV) Jincheng Pioneer GDQ6470/GDQ6471 (JV) Jinhui Mitsubishi Montero (JV) Sanjiu 3-Nine Mitsubishi Pajero (JV) Sanxing SXZ6470/6471 (JV) Wanli Mitsubishi Pajero WLZ5030XLD (JV) Xinkai HXK2020 (JV)
Production	1991–1999 (Japan) 1995–present (China) up to 2012 in (Colombia) up to 2008 (Philippines) 2005–2007 (Iran) Bahman Group
Assembly	Sakahogi, Gifu, Japan (Pajero Manufacturing Co., Ltd.) Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu, India Bogotá, Colombia Venezuela Beijing, China (BAW) Changsha, China (GAC Changfeng) Guangdong, China (Sanxing, Wanli, Jinhui, Guangtong, Sanjiu, Xinkai) Qinhuangdao, China (Jincheng) Cainta, Rizal, Philippines
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door SUV 5-door SUV
Powertrain
Engine	Gasoline: 2351 cc 4G64 I4 2555 cc 4G54 I4 2972 cc 6G72 V6 3497 cc 6G74 V6 Diesel: 2477 cc 4D56 TD I4 China: 1997 cc 4G63 I4 (turbo petrol) (2017) 2185 cc 4RB3 I4 (Gasoline) 2351 cc 2TR-FE I4 (petrol) (2015-present) 2498 cc DK4A TD I4
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed Aisin automatic 5-speed V5A51 Mitsubishi automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	5-door: 2,725 mm (107.3 in) 3-door: 2,420 mm (95.3 in)
Length	186.6 in (4,740 mm) & 185.2 in (4,704 mm)
Width	1998–1999: 69.9 in (1,775 mm) 1992–97: 66.7 in (1,694 mm) & 70.3 in (1,786 mm)
Height	1992–94 5-door: 73.4 in (1,864 mm) & 74.0 in (1,880 mm) 1995–1999 5-door: 73.8 in (1,875 mm) & 74.6 in (1,895 mm) 3-door: 72.8 in (1,849 mm)

Mitsubishi redesigned the Pajeros for a second generation, which debuted in January 1991, although exports did not commence until later in the year. Just about everything was now new and further enhanced. A new, larger body was available in four different versions; Metal Top, Canvas Top Convertible (short wheelbase), Semi High Roof Wagon and High Roof Wagon (long wheelbase). The short wheelbase models were stretched by 70 millimetres (2.8 in) and the long-wheelbase models by 30 millimetres (1.2 in). The available engines included a 3.0-liter 12-valve SOHC (6G72) with ECI-Multi electronic fuel injection and a 2.5-liter turbocharged diesel engine (4D56T) with an intercooler.

1997 Mitsubishi Pajero (NL) GLS wagon (Australia)

The second generation also saw the introduction of Super Select 4WD (SS4) [known as ActivTrak 4WD in some markets], multimode ABS, which were firsts on Japanese four-wheel drives, and electronic shock absorber. SS4 was ground-breaking in the sense that it combined the advantages of part-time and full-time four-wheel drive with four available options: 2H (high-range rear-wheel drive), 4H (high-range full-time four-wheel drive), 4HLc (high-range four-wheel drive with locked center differential) and 4LLc (low-range four-wheel drive with locked center differential). Another advantage of this second generation system is that it gave the driver the ability to switch between two-wheel drive and full-time four-wheel drive at speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph), whereas the first generation Pajero had to be stationary to switch from rear-wheel drive to four-wheel drive (but not from four-wheel drive back to rear-wheel drive). In addition to the SS4, an air locking differential was included as factory option. Either 4HLc or 4LLc mode must be engaged to perform this operation. Multimode ABS, on the other hand, was equally innovative. This meant ABS would be fully functional in all modes of SS4, as braking with a locked center differential requires completely different braking parameters. The new electronic shock absorber was also factory option with three settings: S (soft), M (medium), and H (hard). This meant driver can change ride quality and handling depending on road conditions via a switch on center console.

In July 1993, two new power plants were introduced; a 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC with ECI-Multi and a 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel with an intercooler. A new, larger transmission and transfer case was also part of the upgrade.

1994 Mitsubishi Pajero (NJ) GLS wagon (Australia)

1993 Mitsubishi Pajero (NJ) GLS hardtop (Australia)

In 1996 the 3.0 V6 engine was revised, staying SOHC but changing to 24v. At the same time the ignition system was upgraded from the old distributor system to solid state coil packs. Power to 177 bhp (132 kW). The 2.4 engine was introduced as a smaller power plant available only on SWB body with revised minor interior and exterior.

The Pajero Evolution was introduced in October 1997, which was developed in response to new entry requirements for the Paris – Dakar Rally's T3 Class. The Pajero Evolution came standard with a 3.5-liter 24-valve DOHC V6 with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing and Electronic Lift Control (MIVEC). A new, dual plenum variable intake helped increase power and a new independent rear suspension made the ride even smoother.

In 1998, vehicles destined for General Export and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council countries) received a facelift. Wider fenders, new headlights, grille, bumper, fog lights and sidesteps were all part of the redesign. The wide fenders are often called "blister flare fenders". Driver and front-passenger SRS airbags were made standard on models equipped with the 3.5-liter DOHC V6 engine, whilst still remaining optional on GLS models with the 3.0-liter SOHC V6. 1080 of these units were also assembled in Iran by Bahman Khodro Group before being taken off production. An upgraded interior wood trim was made available on 3.0-liter GLS and 3.5-liter models. A leather-wrapped or leather and wood trim steering wheel was also made available, alongside an upgraded suspension and steering system. The 3.0-liter 12-valve SOHC engine was now available with a 24-valve configuration. Models without wide fenders remained as base models (GLX), available with a 2.4-liter 16-valve DOHC engine, producing 147 hp (110 kW). The 3.0-liter 12-valve engine was optional on these GLX models, and remained the base engine on the GLS.

The second generation was introduced on 22 January 1991 and manufactured until 1999. It retained the two body styles, but design was rounder and more city-friendly than the previous bulky model. The 3.0 L V6 gasoline engine was retained, now available with a 24-valve head, capable of 136 kW (177 hp/185 PS), while the 2.5 turbodiesel's power was slightly increased to 73 kW (98 hp/99 PS). In 1993, the Pajero was slightly restyled, and larger engines were introduced, a 3.5 L V6 with 153 kW (215 hp/208 PS) and a 2.8 L SOHC turbodiesel rated at 92 kW (123 hp/125 PS). These versions introduced Mitsubishi's Super Select four-wheel-drive system (known as Active-Trac in the United States), with an electronic transfer shift that could split power between both axles without the need to stop the car. It worked at speeds up to 100 km/h (62 mph).

The first generation Pajero was also marketed as the Hyundai Galloper in Korea, Europe and GCC Countries, while the second generation was in production elsewhere.

This model Pajero remained in production in India till 2012 as the Pajero SFX; the latest generation is sold as the Montero. In the Philippines it is marketed as the Pajero "Field Master" 4x2 with the 2.8L TD engine, alongside the fourth generation Pajero. The 4X4 version was taken out of production in 1999. It is also produced in Colombia from Complete Knock Down parts (CKD) till 2012, with a 2.4l 16 valve SOHC (130 PS) or 3.0l 12 valve V6 (148 PS), both engines are available as a three-door hard top, the five-door wagon only with the 3.0-liter V6.

In Venezuela, the second generation was manufactured from 1992 to 1995 under the name of Mitsubishi Montero, it was available in long and short wheel base. From 1996 to 2009 its name was changed to Mitsubishi Montero Dakar, it was only available in short wheel base with 6G72 engine and manual five-speed transmission.

In China, the second generation Pajero was manufactured 2005–2013 and marketed under the name Liebao Heijinggang (猎豹奇兵-黑金刚 Leopaard Black King Kong, whereas 猎豹 can be translated to 'cheetah' instead of 'leopard') by GAC Changfeng Motor Co. Ltd. (广汽长丰, a Guangzou Automobile Group company). It was replaced by a facelifted model called the Leopaard Q6 (猎豹Q6) in 2014.

The second generation Pajero was discontinued in 1999 (with the exceptions mentioned under Production), and replaced by a new-generation Pajero. Even after ending production, the second generation Pajero gained unwanted attention in 2002 when TLC member Left Eye was killed in a car crash involving a second generation Mitsubishi Pajero, on a highway in La Ceiba, Honduras. She was the only fatality in the crash. A camera man was filming from the front passenger's seat, and his camera was destroyed on impact.

Third generation (V60; 1999–2006)

Third generation
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi Montero Mitsubishi Shogun
Production	1999–2006
Assembly	Sakahogi, Gifu, Japan (Pajero Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door SUV 5-door SUV
Powertrain
Engine	2.5 L 4D56 TD I4 2.8 L 4M40 TD I4 3.2 L 4M41 Di-D I4 3.0 L 6G72 V6 3.5 L 6G74 V6 3.5 L 6G74 V6 GDI 3.8 L 6G75 V6
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3-door: 100.2 in (2,545 mm) 2001–02 5-door: 109.5 in (2,781 mm) 2003–04 5-door: 109.7 in (2,786 mm) 2005–06 5-door: 109.4 in (2,779 mm)
Length	3-door: 166.1 in (4,219 mm) 2001–02 5-door: 188.9 in (4,798 mm) 2003–06 5-door: 190.2 in (4,831 mm)
Width	3-door: 73.8 in (1,875 mm) 2001–02 5-door: 73.9 in (1,877 mm) 2003–06 5-door: 74.8 in (1,900 mm)
Height	3-door: 72.6 in (1,844 mm) 2001–02 5-door: 73.1 in (1,857 mm) 2003–04 5-door: 71.5 in (1,816 mm) 2005–06 5-door: 74.2 in (1,885 mm)
Curb weight	5-door: 2,060 kg (4,542 lb)

Designed in house, the third generation Pajero debuted in the Japanese domestic market in 1999, and in other markets in late 2000 as a 2001 model — and in the Philippines and other developing nations in 2003.

The third generation was redesigned with a lower, wider stance and unibody construction with integral ladder frame chassis for increased torsional rigidity. The fuel tank was relocated to between the axles. This generation was full-sized SUV, rather than mid-sized, and featured a fold and tumble, reclining second row 60/40 split seat and a stowable/removable third row seat.

The SS4 system was also further refined, as bevel gears were replaced with planetary gears. This meant the front-to-rear torque setting ranged from 33 to 67, with the ability to adjust to 50/50 depending on surface conditions. The system was also made fully electronic, meaning the vehicle didn't have to be in gear to switch between drive modes. After all the upgrades, the system was renamed to Super Select 4WD II (SS4-II).

Alongside rack and pinion steering (as opposed to the recirculating ball system on previous generations), the Pajero also offered a choice of three transmissions; a five speed manual, a four speed INVECS-II automatic and a five speed INVECS-II tiptronic.

An all-new 3.8-liter SOHC 24-valve V6 powerplant was also introduced on this generation. This engine utilized an Electronic Throttle Valve (ETV), to deliver a refined cruising power with power to spare for off-road ventures.

The third generation was introduced on 2 August 1999 and was scheduled to be replaced by the Autumn of 2006. It received a minor facelift in 2003. The 3.0 L engine's power was increased to 130 kW (175 hp/177 PS), and the 3.5 L engine was given gasoline direct injection, increasing power to 162 kW (217 hp/220 PS) in the Japanese market (export versions kept the standard EFI engine, now with 149 kW (200 hp/203 PS). The 2.8 L Diesel was retained only for developing markets, and was replaced by a new 16-valve direct injection engine, with 3.2 L and 120 kW (161 hp/163 PS).

In the North American market, the 3.5 L engine was replaced for 2003 by a more powerful 3.8 L unit, with 160 kW (215 hp/218 PS). This engine was later made available to a few export markets such as South America and Australia, whilst it replaced the GDI V6 in the Japanese lineup in 2005. The short wheelbase model is not available in North America, where the Montero is the only SUV in Mitsubishi's lineup with standard four-wheel drive. The Montero left the US market after the 2006 model year.

• 

  2000-2002 Mitsubishi Pajero (NM) Exceed (Australia)

• 

  2000-2002 Mitsubishi Pajero (NM) Exceed (Australia)

• 

  2002-2006 Mitsubishi Pajero (NP) Exceed (Australia)

• 

  2002-2006 Mitsubishi Pajero (NP) VR-X (Australia)

• 

  Mitsubishi Pajero Exceed 3200 DI-D 2 door (Japan)

Fourth generation (V80; 2006–present)

Fourth generation
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi Montero Limited (Mexico, 2018) Mitsubishi Shogun
Production	2006-present 2006-2019 (Japan)
Assembly	Sakahogi, Gifu, Japan (Pajero Manufacturing Co., Ltd.)
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door SUV 5-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L 4G64 I4 (China) 2.8 L 4M40 TD I4 3.2 L 4M41 Di-D I4 3.0 L 6B31 V6 (China) 3.0 L 6G72 V6 3.5 L 6G74 V6 3.8 L 6G75 V6
Transmission	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	5-door: 2,780 mm (109.4 in) 3-door: 2,545 mm (100.2 in)
Length	5-door: 4,900 mm (192.9 in) 3-door: 4,385 mm (172.6 in)
Width	2007–09: 1,895 mm (74.6 in) 2010–present: 1,875 mm (73.8 in)
Height	2007–09 5-door: 1,900 mm (74.8 in) 2007–09 3-door: 1,880 mm (74.0 in) 2010–present 5-door: 1,890 mm (74.4 in) 2010–present 3-door: 1,840 mm (72.4 in)
Curb weight	2,110–2,165 kg (4,652–4,773 lb) (5-door)

Pre-facelift Mitsubishi Pajero

First facelift Mitsubishi Pajero

Second facelift Mitsubishi Pajero (LWB)

Interior

3-door Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero van

The fourth generation debuted at the Paris Motor Show on 30 September 2006. Revised interior and exterior styling were accompanied by dual-stage SRS front airbags as well as new side-impact and curtain airbags. The Super-Select 4WD II system was retained, complemented by an improved Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC) system and electronic brakeforce distribution — as well as skid plates, heavy weight components and 8.7 inches (220 mm) of ground clearance.

The engines were upgraded with the 3.2 L diesel gaining Common Rail technology, a DPF for cleaner emissions and producing 125 kW (167 hp/170 PS) and the 3.8 L V6 gaining MIVEC variable valve timing to boost power to 205 kW (274 hp/280 PS). Both engines meet new Euro IV emissions standards. The 3.0 L V6 is retained for the Japanese and GCC markets. This model was only marketed in Super Exceed trim in Indonesia.

From 2009, the 3.0L V6 engine was dropped in the GCC markets, and was replaced by a 3.5L V6 engine, rated for 141 kW (189 hp/192 ps) and 306 Nm torque. Further revisions to the 3.2L Turbo Diesel in the 2011 model year saw the power and torque increased to 147 kW/197 hp/200 PS and 441Nm respectively. Engine meet new Euro V emissions standards. The 3.8L petrol engine remained at 184 kW and 329Nm (using 95RON fuel). There is also a panelled Van version available in markets where such a model can be registered at a lower tax rate.

For the 2010 model year the Pajero gained a Rockford acoustic sound system and two interior color options, black and beige, in some markets.

For 2012, the Pajero model has been minimally restyled and given an improved monocoque body and suspension.

For the 2015 model year Pajero received an updated front fascia with a revised grille, LED daytime running lights and a new spare tire cover. The interior was revised to include metallic trim, piano black accents for the VR II, wood grain trim for the Exceed and Super Exceed and additional sound deadening material. The engines will be carried over and they will include the 3.0-liter 6G72 V6, the 3.5-liter 6G74 V6, the 3.8-liter 6G75 V6, the 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel 4M40, and the 3.2-liter 4M41 common rail four-cylinder turbo diesel.

The Pajero will be discontinued in Japan on August 2019, along with the release of "Final Edition" model, which is limited to 700 units.

Safety

2006 (IIHS, model 2001-2006)

IIHS:

Moderate overlap frontal offset	acceptable
Head restraints and seats	Poor

2013 (ANCAP: 5 stars):

http://rightcar.govt.nz/ancap-test-result.html?q=512

Frontal Offset:

Each body region is scored out of 4 points. Head / neck: 4.00, Chest: 3.90, Upper legs: 4.00, Lower legs:1.51

The passenger compartment held its shape reasonably well in the offset crash test. Airbag contact was stable.

Side impact:

Each body region is scored out of 4 points. Head: 4.00, Chest:4.00, Abdomen:4.00, Pelvis:4.00

Experience shows that large vehicles like the Pajero can be expected to perform well in this test.

Future

In October 2014, Mitsubishi announced the next generation Pajero will have a plug-in hybrid version, scheduled for market launch in 2018, together with the conventionally powered Pajero. The Concept GC-PHEV features a supercharged MIVEC V-6 engine/electric motor plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain, an 8-speed automatic transmission, Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) full-time all-wheel drive.

During the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi's president and chief operating officer, Tetsuro Aikawa, confirmed that the current-model Pajero would continue in production for some time, but refused to rule out that the full-sized off-roader would be missing from Mitsubishi's longer term plans.

Following Mitsubishi joining the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance through Nissan's controlling 33% stake, it's expected that the next-generation Pajero will share same platform with the next generation Nissan Patrol.

Production and sales

Year	Production	Domestic sales	Export sales
1982	16,930	8,059	7,023
1983	33,605	8,076	25,886
1984	41,422	9,176	32,341
1985	59,770	11,770	49,249
1986	87,252	16,636	70,594
1987	89,456	22,170	67,021
1988	107,157	25,225	79,699
1989	116,883	36,483	82,176
1990	108,730	36,061	71,206
1991	144,988	64,381	80,882
1992	174,708	83,685	89,835
1993	158,922	67,899	88,788
1994	161,238	54,329	106,570
1995	152,102	44,933	110,365
1996	128,593	28,851	99,200
1997	136,941	26,181	111,144
1998	95,675	9,412	90,416
1999	90,524	20,189	65,212
2000	138,315	12,701	129,198
2001	91,700	6,725	85,324
2002	112,161	5,681	106,376
2003	90,929	6,035	85,863
2004	79,152	4,196	74,347
2005	69,142	2,781	66,773
2006	75,933	6,025	68,563
2007	112,103	3,818	108,982
2008	57,903	2,738	58,000
2009	48,055	2,198	44,896
2010	66,569	2,948	64,207
2011	61,603	3,209	58,842
2012	39,759	2,029	38,300
2013	55,066	2,213	52,199
2014	54,267	2,948	52,548
2015	53,393	1,665	51,340
2016	45,406	1,062	44,030
2017	36,142	1,000	35,150

(sources: Pajero 4WD 20 Year History (Japanese), Facts & Figures 2005, Facts & Figures 2008, Facts & Figures 2011, Facts & Figures 2015 Mitsubishi Motors website, Facts & Figures 2018 Mitsubishi Motors website )

See also

• Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution
• Toyota Land Cruiser

External links

• PAJERO/MONTERO｜MITSUBISHI MOTORS GLOBAL SHOWROOM
• AutoPasion18. GALLOPER history (in Spanish)