Mitsubishi pumps out Pajero changes

THE changes for Mitsubishi's Pajero four-wheel drive are flowing thick and fast.

A new direct injection turbo-diesel engine has just hit the market and will be followed by the release of a mid-life facelift (2003 model year) in the fourth quarter of this year.

Plans are also underway to slot the new 3.8-litre V6 engine, first shown at this year's New York auto show, under the off-roader's bonnet around the middle of next year.

"That would be the earliest," Mitsubishi Motors Australia market and product planning manager light commercial vehicles Chris Maxted said.

"There's a whole range of issues that impact on when we can bring a car in. All of the testing and homologation takes time and there's also development and engineering issues as well.

"It would be nice to have the 3.8 at the same time (as the facelift) but the timing is not going to allow that." Power and torque improvements for the new engine appear to be conservative with Mitsubishi in the US claiming increases of five to eight per cent. Apply those figures to Australia's current 3.5-litre engine and we should see its 140kW and 303Nm outputs rise to around 150kW and 325Nm.

Other changes for the 2003 model year facelift include a redesigned, more aggressive looking grille, restyled front bumper, standard-fit integrated side steps (which may even be illuminated on the range-topping Exceed model), new spare tyre cover, removal of chrome garnish from around the tail-lights and smoother, more integrated body side-cladding.

An active traction control system, which utilises braking force to reduce wheel spin on slippery or uneven surfaces, is also on the cards and is being fitted as standard across the range in the US.

MMAL has still not decided whether to update the Pajero's model code from NM to NP or go with a Series II nomenclature, which it traditionally does not do.

"That's a debate that is going on at the moment as to whether it stays NM or becomes NP," Mr Maxted said.

"Is it visually different enough? Some people are saying yes it is, but if we can get enough stuff into the car, we'll change the model code."