Mitsubishi Updates Montero

Across the globe, the Mitsubishi Montero, also known as the Pajero or the Shogun in international markets, is one of the toughest go-anywhere, do-anything vehicles to roam the planet, and is used by the United Nations, international trekkers and off-road racers. In fact, the Pajero has won the world-famous Dakar rally the last five years in a row. Since it was first launched in 1982, over 2.5 million Pajeros have been sold in over 170 different countries. Thats an impressive feat, a testament to the vehicles capability and durability. But, after three successful generations, its time for another update. Mitsubishi will be presenting the fourth generation Pajero at this years Paris Motor Show at the end of the month.

For a vehicle that Mitsubishi is claiming to be a new generation, the Pajero looks very similar to the old model, and thats because it is essentially the old model under a tauter new skin. The reason for this is that Mitsubishi just doesnt have the money to invest in developing a completely new off-roader, and given that the full-size off-roading segment is starting to dry up it certainly doesnt make a lot of sense to spend foolishly. Nevertheless, the Pajero now wears a new nose that features new front-end sheetmetal, angular headlamps with HID projector beams, a new triangular grille with metal accents and deep-set foglamps. For the curious, those fender-mounted side-view mirrors are for Asian-spec cars only.

The interior receives much needed improvements, although the shape of the dashboard and bulbous center console remain. The trim and instrument cluster have been revised, however, shedding the retro 80s style gauges. A reverse camera and rear-seat entertainment system have also been added to the options list. Additionally, Mitsubishi has added a mind-numbing 860-watt 12-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system with a built-in 30gb hard drive for MP3 storage which should make those exploration adventures a little bit more entertaining.

Mitsubishi has also updated the powertrain of the Pajero to include a new 167 horsepower, 3.2-liter inline-four turbodiesel engine thats more powerful, more efficient and cleaner than the previous model, as well as a new 248-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine that features MIVEC variable valve timing. Although the displacement on the diesel engine hasnt changed, it is by far one of the biggest inline-four engines that we can think of, topping the 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-four that powers the Toyota Landcruiser in international markets.

Both engines are mated to a rugged 4WD system called Super Select 4WD-II that features a sophisticated all-wheel control and rear-locking differential. Mitsubishi has cleverly integrated traction and stability control into the 4WD system, allowing for maximum on-road and off-road performance.

Alongside the five-door and three-door models, Mitsubishi will also debut the Pajero Evolution, which is the very successful racing variant. And, while wed like to say that the new, facelifted Montero will be going on sale during 2007, we cant, because Mitsubishi has retracted the Montero from sale in the U.S. and Canada. So, unless youre reading from just about any other market in the world, you might want to try and get your hands on a 2006 model while any Monteros are still around.