28 Sep 06 11:30
Mitsubishi hasn't pulled out its all-new Lancer range to show us, but does have a series of 4x4s on display. First up on sale is the new-generation Shogun (aka Pajero or Montero, in some countries), marking 25 years of this model-range and going on sale this autumn.
It's back to basics for the Shogun, abandoning a pitch into the road-oriented SUV market in favour of old-school, almost retro styling and a repositioning as a no-nonsense mud-plugger. Its bumpers are less bulbous, its grille and windscreen more upright, and its front end flatter, and the spare wheel is mounted proudly on the side-hinged tailgate.
A similar no-frills approach is applied to the all-new interior: it's plainer, simpler and offered in all-black or black/beige, with metallic or wood-effect detailing. New-fangled touches do include a high-spec Rockford audio system with 30GB hard drive, touch-screen controls and sat nav, though, rear-view parking cameras, a rear-seat entertainment screen, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and xenon headlamps, however.
This rethink of the range has come about following extensive customer research. It seems that 80percent of owners in Germany, for example, have a tow hook fitted to their Shogun/Pajero, and 22percent drive on rough terrain almost every day. Not that this has prompted a return to the original body-on-frame construction - but if a car-like monocoque body's good enough for the Range Rover these days& Improvements have been made to the four-wheel-drive and suspension, however, with a new lockable rear dfferential, standard traction and stability control, and recalibrated suspension for reduced body roll and better high-speed stability.
The diesel engine remains the same, albeit modified to meet the Euro 4 emissions legislation and for reduced noise: it now gives 160bhp (170bhp, in combination with the optional auto gearbox) and 281lb ft (275lb ft auto). The auto has a standard particulate filter to reduce emissions. Petrol versions, meanwhile, gain the new 250bhp 3.8 V6 as in the Eclipse sports car, in place of the 202bhp 3.5 GDI direct-injection unit.
With the Shogun's rebirth as an "authentic off-roader" (Mitsubishi's description), a niche is freed up for the new-generation Outlander - an SUV-corssover or, if you like, a pretend off-roader for the school run. Seen for the first time in Europe, this all-new model, based on the Lancer/Dodge Caliber platform, has been designed from the start as a 'world car' for global appeal; this time around, it gains the all-important diesel engine it needs for European sales. This is a 2.0-litre Volkswagen-sourced unit, giving 140bhp and 229 lb ft of torque, and fitted in combination with a six-speed manual gearbox. Petrol engines will follow later: a 220bhp V6, and 170bhp four-cylinder.
Mitsubishi Pajero
The Outlander show car is sportier than the Shogun, with a more car-like curved body, LED lamps, no exterior-mounted spare wheel and flashy 20-inch alloy wheels, silver trimmings and red metallic paint. Its four-wheel drive system, nearer to that of the Lancer Evolution road-racer than that of the Shogun, is road-oriented, with two-wheel drive mode for improved economy.
But the Outlander is more about style and comfort than off-roading: kit will include a Rockford Fosgate audio system as in the Shogun and Bluetooth phone kit, all the latest gadgets and accessories. The cabin is more versatile, too, with a fold-flat small third row of seats giving a 5+2 layout, an auto-folding, sliding and tumbling second row of seats and a split rear tailgate.
Underlining Mitsubishi's four-wheel drive credentials, the new Pajero Evolution endurance-racer is also on display. This has been out testing in Morocco this summer, and will take part in the 2007 Dakar Rally. Mitsubishi has competed successfully in this event since 1983, and has won it 11 times - including six successive wins since 2001. The new car has better weight distribution, revised cooling and air ducting, a lower centre of gravity, revised suspension, better brake cooling and an increased approach angle, plus improved leg- and headroom for the driver and co-driver. Its first race will be the UAE Desert Challenge next month.
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