Mitsubishi Pajero

The Pajero's history traces 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. The first production version of the Pajero lineage was debuted at the 1981 Tokyo Motor Show before sales officially began in 1982. The Pajero was initially marketed as a luxury, yet rugged and capable competitor to the Land Rover Range Rover or Toyota Land Cruiser of the time. Dakar Rally A Mitsubishi Pajero, driven by Andrew Cowan, finished the 1983 Paris–Alger–Dakar as the winner in class, with another teammate George Debussy coming second in class and 14th overall after covering more than 11,000 km, beginning the Pajero's Dakar Rally legacy. Mitsubishi competed primarily in the Modified Production Class (T2) category though Mitsubishi also ran in the Super-Production category (Highly modified production vehicles with engine tuning and chassis modifications allowed), as well as the T3 category which were fully-custom non-production vehicles referred to as 'prototypes' by Dakar class criteria. Contrary to popular belief, T2 vehicles are almost identical to those sold to the public. According to the latest criteria, T2 class vehicles must be production models and modifications follow a highly regulated and primarily safety-oriented preparation to ensure they do not deviate from the road-going versions too significantly. As such, modifications primarily only include roll cages, bucket seats, harnesses, navigation equipment and extended fuel tanks. Earlier Paris-Dakar regulations were less strict however and allowed more significant modifications that spawned entrants such as the 1995 Pajero Proto with a wider track, highly tuned engine and custom body. Mitsubishi dominated with multiple first, second and third place podium finishes across the T2 and T3 categories beginning in 1983 until their final wins in 2007. Their overall record was 12 total overall wins (1st place) in the "Cars Class" and 150 stage wins (the second best being Peugeot with only 78 stage wins in comparison). Mitsubishi earned the title of ‘Most Dakar Rally Wins by A Manufacturer’ from the Guinness World Records. Only 2,693 units were produced and are now seen as a collector's item. From 2000 and the introduction of the Generation 3, Mitsubishi's regular series production was more than enough for T2 entry as there were no significant differences to the Dakar platforms until 2002. These vehicles featured exclusive designs and engines engineered specifically for the Paris-Dakar and never intended for the general public, such as the 6G7 Di-D quad-turbo diesel and a 4.0L V6 petrol, both based on an overbored and stroked 6G75 MIVEC. In 2017, Cristina Gutiérrez debuted her international rally career as the first Spanish woman to compete the Dakar rally, in her modified short wheelbase Mitsubishi Pajero finishing in 44th place. == First generation (L040-, L140- / NA, NB, NC, ND, NE, NF, NG; 1982) ==

}} in 1979. It was a design study model with an open FRP body with square twin headlights mounted on the chassis of the Forte 4WD pickup. The first generation made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1981. Although the design style was well received, Mitsubishi eventually launched in May 1982, with a design very similar to its concept model, the Pajero II. Outside of Japan there was also the 2.6-liter petrol four, which produced in European trim. 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 later in 1985. In April 1985, the 4-speed automatic transmission was added. 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-litre petrol or 2.3-litre 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-litre turbo diesel replaced the old 2.3-litre unit. For the October 1987 NE series, the Japanese 2.6-litre 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-litre V6 engine in the top-line Superwagon, delivering and 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-litre turbo diesel models in 1990. Motor Sports The 1984 Dakar Rally Mitsubishi using the 2 units Pajeros for the 1984 Dakar Rally. It was featured 2.6L turbo petrol 4G54 engines. In 1984, Mitsubishi won third place with #191 Pajero driven by Andre Cowan. It passes the from Paris to Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone and Guinea at a distance of approximately at 9980 km. The Camel Trophy was a vehicle-oriented competition that was held annually between 1980 and 2000, and it was best known for its use of Land Rover vehicles over challenging terrain. The event took its name from its main sponsor, the Camel cigarette brand. The first event was originally intended as a one-off publicity stunt for Camel tobacco. This came about after six Germans had the idea of driving the notoriously tough Transamazonica Highway in Brazil; 1600 km of dusty, rutted, broken dirt road with several treacherous river crossings through the Amazon. Though little information is available online, Mitsubishi entered several long wheelbase, first generation Pajeros in the Camel Trophy and even created a limited "Camel Trophy Edition" to commemorate the event and their participation. Interestingly the limited edition versions were short wheelbase whereas the actual competing vehicles were long wheelbase due to the need to carry large amounts of equipment. The competing and Camel Trophy Edition vehicles both featured 2.5L turbo diesel 4D56 engines with a 5 speed manual transmission. The special accessories these vehicles came with are the now iconic mustard yellow body and wheel paint, Camel Trophy logo on the driver and passenger doors, floor mats, seats and spare tyre cover, PTO winch, a recovery kit with shovel, black powder-coated roof rack and a special bush knife. Only 150 of this edition were ever made, though enthusiasts have created replicas using their own SWB Pajeros with spare parts that were still available from OEM part stockists. Currently many of these parts can still be found in dealer inventories. Original Camel Trophy editions can be identified by a yellow and black plaque inside the vehicle and a special chassis code (VNTX5). == Second generation (V20-, V30-, V40- / NH, NJ, NK, NL; 1991) ==

}} | Japan: Sakahogi, Gifu (Pajero Manufacturing Co., Ltd.) | Indonesia: Pademangan, North Jakarta (KKM) | Philippines: Cainta, Rizal (MMPC) | Bangladesh: Chittagong (Progoti) | India: Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu (Hindustan-Mitsubishi) | Malaysia: Pekan (DRB-HICOM) | Colombia: Bogotá (CCA) | Venezuela | China: | Beijing (BAW) | Changsha, Hunan (GAC Changfeng; from 1995) | Chengdu, Sichuan (Shanlu) | Minhou, Fujian (Bamin) | Zhanjiang, Guangdong (Sanxing, Wanli, Xinkai) | Zhuhai, Guangdong (Guangtong, Jinhui, Sanjiu) | Qinhuangdao (Jincheng) }} }} | Petrol: | 2.0 L 4G63T turbo I4 (China, 2015–2017) | 2.2 L 4RB3 I4 (China) | 2.4 L 4G64 I4 | 2.4 L Toyota 2TZ-FE I4 (China, 2015–2017) | 2.4 L BJ492 I4 (China) | 2.6 L 4G54 I4 | 3.0 L 6G72 V6 | 3.5 L 6G74 V6 | Diesel: | 2.5 L 4D56 turbo I4 | 2.5 L DK4A turbo I4 (China) | 2.8 L 4M40 turbo I4 }} }} 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 and the long-wheelbase models by . The available engines included a 3.0-litre 12-valve SOHC V6 (6G72) with ECI-Multi electronic fuel injection and a 2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine (4D56T) with an intercooler. The 4D56T used a top-mounted intercooler with an innovative method of providing airflow. Using two hidden scoops at the top of the grille, these guided air through two ducts in the bonnet that merged into one above the intercooler. The high location and solid bonnet (no scoop or grille) protected the intercooler better than a more exposed location, while also keeping the piping short, resulting in less boost lag. While enhancing durability, this method of airflow is less efficient than a standard top-mounted scoop as the air that flowed through these channels was warmed by rising engine heat. This design was replaced by a standard top-mounted intercooler scoop in later 4M40 models. The second generation also saw the introduction of Super Select 4WD (SS4) [known as Active Trac 4WD in some markets], Multi-Mode ABS and electronic shock absorbers which were firsts on Japanese four-wheel drives. 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 centre differential) and 4LLc (low-range four-wheel drive with locked centre 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 , whereas the first generation Pajero which used a traditional 4WD system 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, a pneumatic locking differential was included as a factory option. The transfer case is required to be in 4HLc or 4LLc to engage the rear locking differential. Multi-mode 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 centre differential requires completely different braking parameters. Additionally, vehicles were fitted with load proportioning valves which used spring loaded levers on the differential that compressed when payload was increased, subsequently automatically providing more braking force when the vehicle was heavily laden. The new electronic shock absorber was also factory option with three settings: S (Soft), M (Medium), and H (Hard). This allowed the driver to change ride quality and handling depending on road conditions via a switch on centre console. Depending on the market, some Pajeros came equipped with an optional "Winter Package" that included dual batteries, heated front seats, heated door mirrors and a rear cabin heater. JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) versions of the Pajero came fitted with chrome front and rear bumpers while export models typically featured powdercoated blue-grey bumpers with embedded brake and indicator lights on the rear. In July 1993, two new power plants were introduced; a 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC with ECI-Multi and a 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel with an intercooler. A new, larger transmission and transfer case was also part of the upgrade. In 1996 the 3.0 V6 engine was revised, staying SOHC but changing to 24 valves. At the same time the ignition system was upgraded from the old distributor system to solid state coil packs. Power increased to . The 2.4 L engine was introduced as a smaller power plant; available only in the SWB with revised minor interior and exterior. 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-litre DOHC V6 engine, whilst still remaining optional on GLS models with the 3.0-litre 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-litre GLS and 3.5-litre 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-litre 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-litre 16-valve DOHC engine, producing . The 3.0-litre 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 in Japan 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 petrol engine was retained, now available with a 24-valve head, capable of , while the 2.5 turbodiesel's power was slightly increased to . In 1993, the Pajero was slightly restyled, and larger engines were introduced, a 3.5 L V6 with and a 2.8 L SOHC turbo-diesel rated at . 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 . 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. 1993_Mitsubishi_Pajero_01.jpg|Pre-facelift Pajero GLS 3-door Mitsubishi Pajero 002.JPG|Pre-facelift Pajero GLS 5-door Pajero_v20_cabrio.jpg|Pajero J-top 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero (NL) GLS wagon (2015-06-15) 01.jpg|1998 Facelift Pajero GLS 5-door 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero (NL) GLS wagon (2015-06-15) 02.jpg|Rear view (facelift) Pajero Evolution The Pajero Evolution (V55) was introduced in October 1997, which was developed in specifically to meet homologation requirements for the Paris – Dakar Rally's T2 Class, which a minimum volume of production vehicles to be produced on which the rally car would be based on. The Pajero Evolution was designed from the ground up as a dedicated rally vehicle. It came standard with a 3.5-litre 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, long-travel independent rear suspension made the ride even smoother. This fully independent suspension design set the underpinnings for what would be implemented in the third generation Pajero. Foreign production Asia This model Pajero remained in production in India until 2012 as the Pajero SFX; the latest generation was sold as the Montero. It was also produced in Colombia from Complete Knock Down parts (CKD) until 2012, with a 2.4l 16 valve SOHC (130 PS) or 3.0l 12 valve V6 (148 PS), both engines were available in the three-door hard top, whereas the five-door wagon were only available with the 3.0-litre V6. In the Philippines, MMPC introduced it in 1995 as the Pajero Fieldmaster. There were 2 engines available; the 2.5L 4D56 TD inline-four engine or the bigger 2.8L 4M40 diesel engine both paired to a standard 5-speed manual or Mitsubishi's 5-speed automatic transmission with part-time or full-time 4WD system (a 4x2 variant was also available). It featured keyless entry, leather upholstery, rear air vents, central locking, roof rails, 2DIN 6CD audio changer among other features. By 1999, Mitsubishi axed the "4x4" variant of the Pajero. In 2003, the Pajero received minor upgrades including redesigned headlights, grille & taillights, new color options, new wheel designs, power adjustable seats, expandable sun visors & wood trim. It is still powered by the 2.8L SOHC engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Local production of the second-generation Pajeros in the Philippines ended in 2008. Beijing Automobile Works followed suit and produced their version known as the BJ2032 Tornado from 2002 to 2004. The BJ2032 came standard with a 2.2-litre engine sourced from General Motors paired to a 5 speed manual gearbox. The Tornado is 4880 millimetres long, 1830 millimetres wide, 1800 millimetres high and utilizes a 2750 millimetre wheelbase. Leopaard (Liebao) variants The most well known rebadged variants of the Pajero sold in China were built by Changfeng Motor from 1995 to 2021. The first known model was produced from 2002 to 2014 and marketed under the Leopaard (Liebao) brand as the Liebao Heijinggang (猎豹奇兵-黑金刚 Leopaard Black King Kong) for the 2002 model year. The Heijinggang was available with four engines, the 2.2-litre 4RB3 based on the 2RZ-FE engine from Toyota, the 2.4-litre 4G64 engine and 6G72 V6 both from Mitsubishi and a 2.5-litre turbo diesel. All engines were paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 4-speed automatic was only available on the 2002 Heijinggang with the V6 engine. The sister model, known as the Liebao Qibing/6481, was produced from 2009 until 2014. The 2.2-litre 4RB3 was the only engine available paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. File:Changfeng-Leopaard Pajero front 8.16.18.jpg|GAC Changfeng-Leopaard Pajero Both models were replaced by a facelifted version called the Leopaard Q6 (Liebao Q6) in 2014 and remained in production until the bankruptcy of Changfeng Motors in July 2021. The Q6 used the 4G63 for 2015 and 2017 models paired to a 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox. The 2TZ-FE engine from Toyota was also available alongside it paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. For 2019 onwards, the Q6 currently uses the 4G64 like its predecessors and uses a 5-speed manual gearbox. Two colours choices known as: Wild Green and Glacier White are available as standard. File:Leopaard Q6 001.jpg|2019 Leopaard Q6 File:Leopaard Q6 002.jpg|Rear view South America In Venezuela, the second generation was manufactured from 1992 to 1995 under the name of Mitsubishi Montero. It was available in long and short wheelbase. From 1996 to 2009 its name was changed to Mitsubishi Montero Dakar, it was only available in short wheel base with the 6G72 engine and a manual five-speed transmission. The second generation Pajero was discontinued in 1999 (with the exceptions mentioned under Production), and replaced by the third generation Pajero. After ending production, the second generation Pajero gained unwanted attention in 2002 when TLC member Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes 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. == Third generation (V60-, V70- / NM, NP; 1999) ==

}} 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 (monocoque) construction with integrated ladder frame chassis for increased torsional rigidity and drastically improved cabin strength when compared to typical body-on-frame (ladder frame) designs. This was in part due to Mitsubishi's RISE reinforcement system which resulted in a chassis and body combination that exhibited impressive structural integrity in rollover accidents and was completely unaffected by severe chassis loading as would typically experienced during off-road recoveries. The fuel tank was relocated between the front and rear axles to improve weight distribution and improve ground clearance. This generation featured a fold and tumble, reclining second row 60/40 split seat and a stowable / removable third row seat. The Super Select 4 (SS4) system was also further refined: bevel gears were replaced with planetary gears. This meant the front-to-rear torque setting ranged from 33:67, 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 litre SOHC 24-valve V6 powerplant was also introduced on this generation. This engine used an Electronic Throttle Valve (ETV). 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 , and the 3.5 L engine was given petrol direct injection, increasing power to in the Japanese market (export versions kept the standard EFI engine, now with . 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 . For efficiency, diesel versions saw the intercooler moved to a front-mounted position as opposed to the previous top-mounted position. In the North American market, the 3.5 L engine was replaced for 2003 by a more powerful 3.8 L unit, with . This engine was later made available to export markets such as South America, Australia and New Zealand, whilst it replaced the GDI V6 in the Japanese lineup in 2005. The short wheelbase model was not marketed in North America, where the Montero was the only SUV in Mitsubishi's lineup with standard four-wheel drive as opposed to all-wheel-drive. The Montero was discontinued in the US market after the 2006 model year. This generation Pajero was released for the Chinese market in 2004 and continued production until 2011. Engine choices consisted of the 3- and 3.8-litre V6s which were paired with the 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearbox for the smaller units and only a 5-speed automatic available on the larger engine. The trim levels were known as GL, GLS and GLX. File:2000-2002 Mitsubishi Pajero (NM) Exceed wagon 04.jpg|Rear view (pre-facelift) File:Mitsubishi_Pajero_3.2_DI-D_(V60,_Facelift)_–_Frontansicht,_14._März_2011,_Wülfrath.jpg|Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DI-D (facelift) File:2004_Mitsubishi_Pajero_(NP)_Exceed_wagon_(2012-10-26)_02.jpg|Rear view (5-door; facelift) File:Mitsubishi_V68W_Pajero_Short-Body_EXCEED_3200_DI-D_Rear.JPG|Mitsubishi Pajero Exceed 3200 (3-door; facelift) Safety The 3rd Generation Pajero performed acceptably (for 2004 standards) in the frontal offset crash test, conducted by the IIHS (an NCAP testing partner). The cabin structure retained its shape very well with the cabin showing virtually no deformation. All doors were able to be opened with only moderate effort. The Pajero received 9.88 out of the possible 16.00 points for this test. Protection for the driver's chest received the highest rating, while head protection was one step down, considered 'acceptable' as the steering wheel moved upwards too much, causing the dummy's head to contact the steering wheel and the B-pillar on rebound. The steering column, though releasing from its mounts during the crash, produced a source of injury for the driver's legs and the passenger's knees impacted the glove box. Upper legs of the driver and passenger also showed some stresses while the lower leg was impacted by the clutch pedal for the driver. The barrier side impact protection (intended to replicate a side-on impact by a vehicle) was not assessed as the seat heights were far higher than the impact height would have been and as such were not regulated to be tested for under ANCAP regulations at the time. However, ANCAP awarded the Pajero 16.00 points for this section noting that vehicles of similar design and size have faired similarly well in these types of crashes. While it was awarded full marks for this section, it is important to note that no test has been carried out so real-world performance may be significantly varied. Though optional, side pole impact testing was carried out and can be considered a 'worst case' side impact. The 3rd Generation Pajero has side thorax airbags on Exceed models (optional on others), but does not have curtain airbags, and as a result performed poorly in this test receiving 0.00 points for head protection. Pedestrian impact was not tested and as such the Pajero was awarded no points for this portion of the test. Head restraints were considered poor in protecting against whiplash. == Fourth generation (V80-, V90- / NS, NT, NW, NX; 2006) ==

}} The fourth generation debuted at the Paris Motor Show on 30 September 2006 with the series code "NS". It revised interior and exterior styling, dual-stage front airbags, as well as new side-impact and curtain airbags. The chassis was a slightly revised monocoque with Mitsubishi's RISE technology as featured in the previous generation. The Super-Select 4WD II system was retained, with an improved Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC) system and electronic brakeforce distribution with of ground clearance and a 700mm wading depth — as well as more extensive skid plating, a carbon-fibre-wrapped rear driveshaft and aluminium bonnet to reduce weight. All models feature a dedicated space and mounting points behind the main battery for the addition of a second battery for harsh winter environments and electric winch usage. The fourth generation retained the fully-independent suspension as the previous generation, with revisions to the rear axle assembly for strength and reliability off-road as well as 17-inch alloy wheels on GLS trim. Brakes were upgraded to larger 332mm front rotors on LWB versions. SWB versions retained the 289mm rotors from the previous generation until later in production. Exceed models featured additional rear air-conditioning with its own rear-mounted compressor for independent control. All models up to and including NX were available with a choice of automatic or manual transmissions depending on the market, except in Exceed and Super Exceed where automatic was the only option. Engines were upgraded with the 3.2 L diesel gaining Common Rail technology, a DPF for cleaner emissions and producing . The 3.8 L V6 gained MIVEC variable valve timing to boost power to using the factory recommended 95 RON. Both engines met Euro IV emissions standards. The 3.0 L V6 was retained for the Japanese and GCC markets. In Indonesia, this model was only marketed in Super Exceed trim. SWB models came standard with 5 seats with 7 seats in the LWB version. 5 seats were permanent with an additional folding 3rd row bench seat in the cargo bay that could swing out from a dedicated underfloor compartment and lock into place. All seats came with full 3-point retracting seatbelts including the cargo bay seats. The second row of seats featured a 60:40 split. This second row could have the seatbacks folded down, from there the seats could be tumbled forward independently from one another and lock in the folded and forward positions. In the forwardmost, stowed position, this offered a fully-flat cargo area. Storage capacity with the seats in their normal position is 849 L (VDA). Backwards compatible with all models from 2007 onwards, it utilised a heavy-duty towbar from German manufacturer MVG GmbH that is only available through authorised Mitsubishi dealerships. The automatic transmission was also upgraded by way of the Aisin-Warner A750F (the same as is used in certain Toyota Tundra, Lexus LX 470 and other heavy-duty / full-size Toyota models) while using Mitsubishi's own INVECS-II transmission programming. Interiors were changed slightly, with upper plastic trim panels moving from a light grey, to a warm beige colour. In certain markets a full beige interior was offered with beige seats and beige lower trim panels. Exceed models gained an 860 watt, 12-speaker, Rockford Acoustic Design sound system with 5.1 surround sound and a 10" DVC subwoofer. For the 2010 model year the Pajero gained a subwoofer in certain lower spec models as well as a new grille. In the Australian market, a 'Platinum' grade was offered with a reversing camera, fog lamps, a rear deflector and special badging and floor mats as well as Mitsubishi's Multi Communication System (MMCS) with satellite navigation and Bluetooth. File:Mitsubishi Pajero V98 3.2 GLS Di-D Cool Silver Metallic 01.jpg|Mitsubishi Pajero GLS (pre-facelift) File:Mitsubishi Pajero V98 3.2 GLS Di-D Cool Silver Metallic 02.jpg|Mitsubishi Pajero GLS (pre-facelift) File:Pajero_van_in_Ho_Chi_Minh_City.jpg|Mitsubishi Pajero Van (Vietnam) File:Mitsubishi_Pajero_2007_Interior_001.JPG|Interior First facelift For 2012, the Pajero model was minimally restyled and given an improved monocoque body and suspension for reduced NVH among other benefits, with the series designation "NW". Interior dashboard and instrument lighting was changed to red for better night vision. GLX and up received an electrochromic auto-dimming mirror as standard. Mitsubishi also removed the swirl flaps from the intake manifold to further improve reliability under the heavy carbonisation environment of modern direct injection engines with EGR. File:Mitsubishi_V88W_Pajero_Short-Body_VR-II_3200_DI-D_2012y.jpg|Mitsubishi Pajero VR-II (3-door; first facelift) File:Mitsubishi V98 Pajero Long Body Super Exceed 3200 DI-D Rear.JPG|Mitsubishi Pajero Super Exceed (first facelift) Second facelift The Pajero received a second facelift in July 2014 for the 2015 model year the Pajero received an updated front fascia with a revised grille, LED daytime running lights and a new spare tire cover under the series "NX". This series is the most recent, and the last to be produced. The automatic transmission was available on all trim levels, with manual only being offered in lower-tier vehicles. Early NX models came with no diesel particulate filter. From 2017 onwards a DPF was standard, along with a 4 kW peak power reduction as a result, while torque remained the same. The interior was revised to include piano black and metallic trim, or wood grain (depending on the market) for the Exceed and Super Exceed and additional sound deadening material as well as a newly styled subwoofer housing. Other standard features on Exceed models and above included rain-sensing wipers, an electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror, factory-fitted side-steps, motorised pop-out headlight washers, factory-fitted discrete alarm, rear dust deflector/spoiler, sliding and tilting solar-glass sunroof, rear air-conditioning with its own compressor and settings, mirror-mounted indicators and puddle lights, heated side mirrors (activated via the rear demister switch) a rally-style rear fog running-light, aluminium pedals, a new "Smartlink" capacitive touch screen entertainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a revised sound system with new spatial sound options, 8-way adjustable heated front seats, a reversing camera, sonar reversing sensors, LED daytime running lights, HID auto-levelling headlights, auto-dimming high-beams, and warm-white halogen fog lights. The engines were carried over and include the 3.0 L 6G72 V6, the 3.5 L 6G74 V6, the 3.8 L 6G75 MIVEC V6, the 2.8 L four-cylinder turbo diesel 4M40, and the 3.2 L 4M41 common rail four-cylinder turbo diesel. The 3-door variant was discontinued in February 2018. On April 2019 the "Final Edition" model was released. Based on Exceed variant, which was limited to 700 units. The Pajero was discontinued in the Japanese market in September 2019. with the last vehicles (Final Edition) to roll off the production line being delivered as MY2022 vehicles. This rating was also given to the driver's head which the testers noted the airbag cushioned very stably. Chest protection received 3.90 out of the maximum possible 4.00 points. Monocoque / unibody chassis designs typically offer excellent roll over protection as a result, though this was not an officially measured feature of the ANCAP test criteria at the time. Unlike its sibling the Pajero Sport, the Pajero does not feature any autonomous driving aids such as AEB or LKA which are a compulsory requirement for the 2020-onward ANCAP standards. == Use in military ==

In 1996, Mitsubishi Motors began using Pajero as a basis for their JSDF vehicle Type 73 (Shin), replacing their Jeep-based predecessors (Kyū) in their fleet. A variant of the second generation Pajero is used by the JSDF as the Mitsubishi Type 73 light truck (Shin). In 2009, the Irish Defence Force placed an order for 320 units of the Generation 4 Pajero NT for use domestically as well as overseas. The vehicles were selected due to their suitability for varied roles likely to be encountered. The fitout included steel wheels, side steps, a bespoke tubular bullbar protecting the radiator and grille with a large HF antenna mounted to it when used in communications roles. Despite their intended military use, they were not fitted with lifted suspension and off-road tyres. The Pajeros that were deployed locally within Ireland, were used for prison transfer and Cash-in-Transit escorts as well as for military driving training courses. These were painted a matte forest green colour and sometimes featured an emergency services light bar. The Pajero was also deployed by the Irish Defence Forces overseas as a light unarmoured patrol vehicle and as a communications vehicle for UN Peacekeeping where it sported the traditional white UN livery. Around 2011, the Indian Army placed an order for a dozen or so Mitsubishi Pajero to deploy on the Indo Chinese border, along Sikkim. == Global sales figures ==

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, Facts & Figures 2019 Mitsubishi Motors website == References ==