Challenger gets a nose job

MITSUBISHI'S mid-sized Challenger off-roader will make way for a facelifted version around August, 2000.

The new model features a substantially revised nose, with the current car's slimline grille being replaced by a bolder, more upright item.

Revised headlamp mouldings and clear lens headlights further differentiate the newcomer from the present version. A new bumper assembly houses a pair of round driving lights positioned adjacent to brake cooling ducts.

Mechanically, the new Challenger will be much the same as the current version with the 3.0-litre, 24-valve V6 expected to be carried over unchanged.

Nevertheless, it will benefit from the availability of the INVECS II automatic transmission, as fitted to late model Magnas.

Inside, new seat materials are used to give the vehicle a more luxurious feel and front seat passengers will benefit from the addition of a centre armrest. A centre rear headrest has also been added to boost safety and comfort levels.

Introduced to Australia in March, 1998, the Challenger has been a useful addition to the Mitsubishi range.

Positioned below the Pajero, it has been notching up around 150 sales per month until the end of September this year.

Although relying on a relatively low-tech leaf spring rear end, the Challenger offers reasonable off-road ability along with relatively car-like driving characteristics.