MITSUBISHI’S Pajero has always offered a little bit more on-road ability than the heavyweight 4WDs that were its initial competition. And the tradition continues with the latest revamp that was introduced late in 2003. Enhanced, in fact, with the inclusion of a thumping 3.8-litre V6 as a supplement to the 3.5-litre V6 and the torquey Di-D four-cylinder turbo-diesel. The revamp is largely invisible (there are 3.8-litre badges on the flanks) but includes things like standard stability control in everything but 3.5-litre models, hill descent control and ABS with electronic brake-force distribution across the board. The Pajero’s strengths are still there in abundance: generous interior space, a cavernous load area and more driver-friendliness than you’d normally expect in a big 4WD. Tested here is the popular GLS 3.8 21st Anniversary special.

Mitsubishi NL Pajero
Released: August 1997
Ended: June 2000
Family Tree: PajeroGiven the latest facelift for the NP-series Pajero includes the addition of a bigger, 3.8-litre V6 for auto models, its direct predecessor is the previous generation NL series - the first off-roader that was really regarded as a viable alternative to the humble family station wagon. The larger, wider, longer and even more accomplished NM series Pajero was its replacement around June 2000, which later became the NP - a model code still carried by the current, updated version.
Facebook Twitter Instagram