Going back some ten or so years ago Mitsubishi revolutionised the 4WD market with a large 4WD that actually had road manners. Time has moved on and the latest model of the Pajero is now getting long in the tooth but still remains an exceptionally competent 4WD with good handling and dynamics and excellent value.
The external shape remains stylish and the Exceed has some features that enhance that style such as ten spoke 18-inch alloys, front fog lamps, roof rails, high intensity dusk sensing headlights etc.
Step inside the Exceed and the first thing you notice is that the interior is quite spacious. The electrically adjustable heated drivers seat is comfortable and the leather and wood grain steering wheel is both reach and height adjustable to allow you to find that perfect driving position. There is enough seat travel even for my lanky frame and the overall visibility is excellent. The steering wheel is surprisingly comfortable in the hands.
In front of the driver is the blue illuminated sports dash with multi information display in-between. The centre console houses Mitsubishi’s Multi Communication System (MMCS) with Navigation Voice Command Steering Wheel Controls, an 850-watt Rockford Acoustic Design 12 Speaker Premium Audio System and reversing camera with reversing sensors. The sound from this entertainment system is simply awesome.
Rear seat passengers are spoilt with plenty of leg, head and shoulder room. The Exceed also comes with a rear entertainment system as an option and it’s worth it to keep the rear passengers occupied.
The third row of seats folds neatly into its own hub to give a large luggage area but are definitely in the small child short trip category though.
The Pajero Exceed Edition offers first-class occupant and driver safety. Features include front, side and curtain airbags, ASC, ATC, EBAC, Super Select 4WD II, Multi-mode, ABS, EBD, Mitsubishi Body Optimised Suspension (MBOS) and MATT (Mitsubishi’s All Terrain Technology).
Super Select let’s you alternate between 2WD and 4WD modes changing between modes at speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour on any surface. I would also opt for the 17-inch wheels and the rear diff lock for superior off road performance.
Powered by a 3.2 litre Common Rail turbo-charged diesel the Pajero pumps out 147kW of power and 441Nm of torque. The engine is mated to the INVE CS II ‘Smart Logic’ 5-speed automatic transmission with Sports mode. This combination works well but the engine is noisy by today’s standards and is outclassed by the Sante Fe and Sorento however is still better than the Prado.
The Pajero will tow 3000kg with a tow ball weight of up to 250kg and makes a pretty dam good tow vehicle.
As I mentioned before the current Pajero is long in its design cycle and there are areas where the market has caught up and passed it, like headlights that turn off automatically, however it remains a value plus, roomy, very competent 4WD vehicle that will transport the family and all their gear to wherever you may wish to go.
What is good:
• 4WD/stability system
• Internal space
• Rear diff lock 17inch wheel option
What is not so good:
• No reach adjustment on steering wheel
• Engine bit noisy
• Relatively pricey
Model Mitsubishi Pajero Exceed 3.2 DiD
Model Price $80,771 RDAP
Drivetrain 4WD 3.2L Diesel 5 speed auto
Power 147 Kw @ 3,8000 rpm
Torque 441 Nm @ 2,000 rpm
Safety 4 Star
CO2 Emissions 239 g/km
Green Vehicle Rating 2½ Star
Economy (ADR comb) 9.0 L/100km
Tow Capacity Max 3000 kg
Tow Ball Rating 250 kg
Servicing $2,040 – 3yrs/60,000km
Warranty 5yr/130,000 km with full roadside assist
Overall OzRoamer Rating 85/100
Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 9
Equipment 9
Performance 8
Ride & Handling 8
Practicality 9
Fit for Purpose 9
Towing Ability 8
Off Road Ability 9
Value for Money 7
