Mitsubishi officially unveiled the new generation Pajero in early September, followed by the Thailand market launch on October 19, and today (October 29) Mitsubishi also announced the new car will be sold in Japan on December 17, with 4 models offered in the lineup: GLS, GSR, Exceed, and Super Exceed, all models feature four-wheel drive, prices range from 6.193 million yen to 7.9508 million yen, the manufacturer stated that after opening pre-orders for the new Pajero starting October 1, accumulated about 5,500 orders by October 28, exceeding the annual sales target.

As the flagship off-road SUV Pajero, the 5th generation model is about to launch in the Japanese market in mid-December, offering a total of 4 models to choose from: GLS, GSR, Exceed, and Super Exceed, with slight differences in equipment among the models. Starting with the exterior, the new generation Pajero features two types of grille designs on the front: horizontal slat and honeycomb, among them only the top-spec Super Exceed model features the honeycomb style, while the other models all feature the horizontal slat design; additionally, Exceed and Super Exceed models are equipped with ALH intelligent headlights.

Regarding the wheels, Exceed and Super Exceed share the same wheel design with a size of 255/55R20, but differ in wheel color, while GLS and GSR models share the same wheel design with a size of 255/65R18.

Regarding colors, the entire lineup has 7 solid color options available, including newly developed Armored Metal Copper and Iridescent Metal Blue, additionally, the top-spec Super Exceed offers 4 two-tone versions with black roofs. Regarding body dimensions, the new generation Pajero length and width are 4,920mm and 1,925mm respectively, GLS and GSR height is 1,900mm, while Exceed and Super Exceed are 1,910mm.

Inside the cabin, the new generation Pajero features a digital tech layout, depending on the model grade, the central control screen has 12.3-inch and 14.3-inch configurations, while the top-spec Super Exceed interior combines camel and black colors, additionally Super Exceed models come standard with panoramic electric sunroof, front seat ventilation, 12-speaker Yamaha audio, and other exclusive features; front and rear seat heating functions are standard on all models except the entry-level, additionally, the entire lineup is configured as 3 rows with 7 seats, the manufacturer emphasizes that except for the windshield, the front and rear use sound-insulated glass designs, further enhancing the quietness inside the cabin.

The new generation Pajero adopts a high-rigidity ladder frame chassis architecture, regarding power specifications, the 2.4-liter turbo diesel engine delivers a maximum of 204 horsepower and 480 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the average fuel consumption measured locally in Japan is 12.1 km/L. The Japanese-spec Pajero entire lineup is equipped with the S-AWC four-wheel drive system, offering 4 drive modes to choose from: 2H, 4H, 4HLc, 4LLc, as well as 7 driving modes: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock, further enhanced by AYC active yaw control and ASTC active stability and traction control systems, creating excellent handling performance.

Additionally, the Japanese-spec new generation Pajero entire lineup comes standard with the Mi-Pilot driver assistance system and 8 airbags, including the SRS center airbag adopted by Mitsubishi Motors for the first time.

Pengilang Mitsubishi secara rasmi telah melancarkan Pajero generasi baharu pada awal September, selepas pasaran Thailand dilancarkan pada 19 Oktober, pada hari ini (29/10) Mitsubishi juga telah mengumumkan kereta baharu akan dijual di Jepun pada 17 Disember, susun atur model menawarkan GLS, GSR, Exceed dan Super Exceed bersama-sama 4 varian, kesemua siri dilengkapi dengan setting pemanduan empat roda, julat harga terletak antara 6.193 juta yen hingga 7.9508 juta yen, pengilang menyatakan, selepas Pajero generasi baharu membuka pra-tempahan mulai 1 Oktober, hingga 28 Oktober telah mengumpulkan sekitar 5,500 unit pesanan, telah melebihi sasaran jualan tahunan.

Sebagai SUV 4x4 flagship Pajero, model generasi ke-5 akan segera dilancarkan di pasaran Jepun pada pertengahan Disember, di sini ditawarkan GLS, GSR, Exceed dan Super Exceed bersama-sama 4 model untuk dipilih, pada masa yang sama setiap model mempunyai sedikit perbezaan dari segi kelengkapan. Jika kita lihat dari luar, Pajero generasi baharu dalam reka bentuk hadapan mempunyai 2 jenis gril iaitu bar mendatar dan sarang lebah, di mana hanya model Super Exceed teratas menggunakan bentuk sarang lebah, model lain adalah desain bar mendatar; manakala model Exceed dan Super Exceed juga dilengkapi dengan lampu pintar ALH.

Dalam bahagian rim roda, Exceed dan Super Exceed menggunakan model rim yang sama, saiz 255/55R20, tetapi warna rim berbeza, manakala model GLS dan GSR menggunakan model rim yang sama, saiznya 255/65R18.

Dalam bahagian warna, keseluruhan siri mempunyai 7 versi warna tunggal untuk dipilih, termasuk tembaga metal perisai yang baru dibangunkan dan metal biru pelangi, manakala Super Exceed teratas menawarkan 4 versi dwiwarna dengan atap hitam. Dari segi saiz badan, Pajero generasi baharu panjang dan lebar masing-masing 4,920mm dan 1,925mm, tinggi GLS dan GSR adalah 1,900mm, Exceed dan Super Exceed pula 1,910mm.

Dari segi dalaman, Pajero generasi baharu mempunyai susun atur teknologi digital, bergantung pada tahap model, skrin kawalan tengah mempunyai konfigurasi 12.3 inci dan 14.3 inci, manakala model Super Exceed teratas mempunyai warna dalaman yang dipadankan dengan warna Kambing dan hitam, pada masa yang sama model Super Exceed juga dilengkapi secara standard dengan kaca tingkap panorama elektrik, fungsi pengudaraan kerusi hadapan, audio Yamaha 12 speaker dan kelengkapan khas lain; fungsi pemanasan kerusi hadapan dan belakang, kecuali model asas, model lain adalah fungsi standard. Tambahan pula, kesemua siri adalah setting 3 baris 7 tempat duduk, pengilang juga menekankan Pajero kecuali kaca hadapan, bahagian hadapan dan belakang menggunakan reka bentuk kaca penghalang bunyi, seterusnya mengukuhkan ketenangan dalam kenderaan.

Pajero generasi baharu menggunakan rangka trapezoidal kekukuhan tinggi, dari segi spesifikasi enjin, enjin diesel turbos 2.4 liter mempunyai tenaga maksimum 204 hp dan tork 480 Nm, digandingkan dengan gearbox automatik 8 kelajuan, ujian purata penjimatan bahan api di Jepun mencatatkan 12.1km/L. Semua siri Pajero standard Jepun dilengkapi dengan sistem pemanduan empat roda S-AWC, dan terdapat 4 mod pemanduan 2H, 4H, 4HLc, 4LLc untuk dipilih, serta 7 mod memandu Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand dan Rock, selain itu melalui kawalan yurting aktif AYC dan sistem kestabilan dan kawalan trek aktif ASTC, mewujudkan prestasi pengendalian yang cemerlang.

Selain itu, semua siri Pajero generasi baharu standard Jepun dilengkapi dengan sistem bantuan pemanduan Mi-Pilot dan 8 beg udara keselamatan, termasuk beg udara tengah SRS yang pertama kali digunakan oleh Mitsubishi Motors.

Oct. 19, the fifth-generation Pajero went on sale in Thailand. Starting price 1.499 million THB, approx. 298,000 RMB. 2.4T diesel, 8AT, ladder frame, Super Select 4WD. Produced at Thailand Laem Chabang factory, co-assembly line with Triton pickup.

Japan and Australia take over in mid-December. Starting fiscal year 2027, it will gradually expand to about 100 countries and regions including the Middle East, Latin America, and ASEAN.

In Mitsubishi's list of 100 countries announced, there is no Mainland China.

The Lynx is revived, but it didn't return to China. This is worth in-depth analysis because it cannot be explained by PR speak of "not introducing for the time being". Behind it lies the triple misalignment of product logic, market structure, and brand situation.

Let's first see what Mitsubishi's official statement says.

In the Thailand launch press release, the original words of President Keisuke Kishura were: "Thailand is not only an important market for Mitsubishi Motors, but also a key hub for our production and exports." The first launch market was chosen as Thailand because it is a production base and also a radiation center for ASEAN. Japan and Australia followed in December, one is the homeland, the other is the Pajero's traditional advantage market. The about 100 countries expanded in fiscal year 2027 are concentrated in Southeast Asia, Middle East, Latin America.

The logic behind this ordering is clear: Go first to places where diesel hard-core SUVs have rigid demand, charging infrastructure is insufficient, and Toyota Prado and Ford Everest sell well.

China is not on this list not because it was overlooked. Mitsubishi terminated complete vehicle production in China in October 2023, and GAC Mitsubishi's equity was transferred to GAC.

Official sales channels, production systems, and after-sales networks have all exited. For a car to enter the Chinese market, it must first have sellers, repair shops, and compliant certifications. None of these prerequisite conditions are currently met.

So "not introducing for the time being" is not a marketing strategy, it is a reality constraint. What is revived is the product, what is absent is the system.

Pajero has had its highlights in China.

Born in 1982, entered China in an import capacity in 1991, later becoming a common choice for government vehicles, engineering vehicles, and off-road enthusiasts. This nickname "Lynx" was earned through Dakar 12-time championships and 7 consecutive titles.

Four generations of models have a cumulative global production exceeding 3.29 million vehicles, covering over 170 countries and regions. These numbers are real brand assets, not emotional filters.

But the retreat is structural.

In 2019, production stopped in Japan, in 2021 production stopped globally, in 2023 Mitsubishi terminated complete vehicle production in China, in 2025 parallel import channel inventory will be gradually consumed.

The four-level retreat, each level has a clear official node. Pajero's presence in China was peeled off layer by layer, from product, to channel, to brand.

So this revival does not come in, not because "don't want to come", but because "cannot come". No sales entity, no after-sales system, no certification plan.

A diesel hard-core off-road vehicle, transported from Thailand factory to Chinese ports, the gap in between is not shipping distance, but a blank set of commercial infrastructure.

Even if Mitsubishi decides to restart the Chinese channel tomorrow, for Pajero to come in, it still has to cross four hurdles.

The first is the power route. The launch only offers 2.4T diesel, 150kW, 480N·m. The usage environment for diesel passenger cars in most Chinese cities is not friendly, and restriction policies vary by region.

More critically, China's hard-core off-road growth has turned towards plug-in hybrid and pure electric. In 2025, Fangchengbao sales exceeded Tank for the first time. In the first half of 2026, the Tank brand leads with 46.7% market share, but the bulk of growth comes from new energy. A diesel ladder-frame car faces a market that is giving up on diesel.

The second is price. Thailand sells for 298,000 RMB, that's the factory price. Parallel importing to China, need to add 15% tariff, 13% VAT, consumption tax by displacement, plus port, logistics, compliance, dealer costs, landing price is likely to reach over 400,000.

In this price range, looking up there is Tank 700 Hi4-T, looking down there is Tank 500 Hi4-Z and Fangchengbao Bao 8. Domestic new energy hard-core products in this price range are fully covered, configuration, intelligence, usage costs are comprehensively superior.

Pajero's mechanical reliability is an asset, but in this price segment, it is not the only decision variable.

The third is platform boundary. Fifth-generation Pajero and Triton pickup share the platform, co-assembly production. This is a cost-reduction choice under Mitsubishi's strategic contraction, using mature platforms to spread R&D, using existing lines to reduce manufacturing costs.

The cost is NVH, rear space layout, suspension comfort ceiling constrained by the platform. This is not a defect, it is positioning trade-off.

But in the Chinese market, user expectations for comfort and intelligence in the 300,000 to 400,000 RMB price range are completely different from Southeast Asian mining area users.

The fourth is brand situation. Mitsubishi no longer has presence in the Chinese passenger car market. Channels gone, after-sales gone, brand perception stays at the stage of "that off-roader from long ago".

Rebuilding all this requires investment and time exceeding a car's lifecycle.

Pajero's positioning for this revival can be summarized in one sentence: It is not a "Global Car", it is a car for the "Global South" market.

Southeast Asia, Middle East, Latin America, Australia, the common characteristics of these markets are: mature diesel supply, insufficient charging infrastructure, pickup and hard-core off-road have rigid demand, user sensitivity to mechanical reliability is higher than pursuit of intelligence. In these places, Pajero's logic holds true.

Ladder frame returns, Super Select 4WD retained, solid rear axle suspension, 2.4T diesel low torque and durability, all prepared for long-distance heavy load and bad road traversal.

Thailand as a production hub, radiating ASEAN, Middle East, Latin America, this layout is clear. The 10,000 units fiscal year target also shows, Mitsubishi does not plan to rely on this car for volume, its task is to establish flagship, hold position, maintain brand assets.

The paths Chinese users can access Pajero, in the short term, only three remain: used inventory, parallel import, or choosing domestic substitutes.

Tank, Fangchengbao, Jetour, Beijing Off-road, these brands provide many options in the 300,000 to 400,000 RMB price range, mechanical quality catching up, intelligence and usage costs already leading.

As for the plug-in hybrid version, the official confirmed it will be launched, but parameters, time, whether entering China, all not announced.

If the plug-in hybrid can retain ladder frame and Super Select 4WD, while making pure electric range meet daily commute, Pajero theoretically possesses the product conditions to enter China.

But the premise is to solve channels and after-sales first - and this matter is much harder than building a car.

Lynx has not forgotten China. It was just blocked at the door by product routes and market structure.

19 Oktober, Pajero Generasi Kelima mula dijual di Thailand. Harga permulaan 1.499 juta Baht, anggaran hampir 298,000 Yuan RMB. Dizel 2.4T, 8AT, Rangka Berbingkai, Super Select 4WD. Dihasilkan di Kilang Laem Chabang Thailand, berkongsi barisan dengan pikap Triton.

Jepun dan Australia mengambil alih pertengahan Disember. Mula 2027, secara beransur-ansur akan merangkumi kira-kira 100 negara dan wilayah seperti Tengah Timur, Amerika Latin, ASEAN.

Dalam senarai 100 negara yang diumumkan oleh Mitsubishi, tiada China Daratan.

Kucing Gunung telah kembali, tetapi tidak kembali ke China. Perkara ini layak dianalisis dengan mendalam, kerana ia bukan sekadar perkataan PR 'sementara tidak diperkenalkan'. Di sebaliknya terdapat tiga percanggahan: logik produk, struktur pasaran dan处境 jenama.

Lihat dulu apa kata rasmi Mitsubishi.

Dalam kenyataan pelancaran Thailand, kata-kata asal Presiden Kishiumi Keisuke: "Thailand bukan sahaja merupakan pasaran penting Mitsubishi Motors, tetapi juga hab kritikal untuk pengeluaran dan eksport kami." Pasaran perdana dipilih Thailand kerana ia merupakan pangkalan pengeluaran, dan juga pusat radiasi ASEAN. Disember diikuti Jepun dan Australia, satu adalah tanah air, satu lagi adalah pasaran tradisional di mana Pajero unggul. Kira-kira 100 negara yang dibuka pada Fiskal 2027, tertumpu di Asia Tenggara, Tengah Timur, Amerika Latin.

Logik susunan ini jelas: Pergi dahulu ke tempat yang memerlukan diesel hardcore, infrastruktur pengecasan tidak mencukupi, Toyota Prado dan Ford Everest laku.

China tidak ada dalam senarai ini, bukan kerana terlepas. Mitsubishi telah menghentikan pengeluaran kenderaan lengkap di China pada Oktober 2023, ekuiti GAC Mitsubishi telah dipindahkan kepada GAC.

Saluran jualan rasmi, sistem pengeluaran, rangkaian selepas jualan, semuanya telah keluar. Untuk kereta masuk pasaran China, mesti ada penjual kereta, tempat membaiki kereta, sijil yang mematuhi peraturan. Syarat prasyarat ini, sekarang tiada satu pun yang sedia ada.

Jadi 'sementara tidak diperkenalkan' bukan strategi pemasaran, adalah kekangan realiti. Produk yang kembali, sistem yang tidak hadir.

Pajero pernah mempunyai saat cemerlang di China.

Lahir 1982, masuk China sebagai import 1991, kemudian menjadi pilihan bersama untuk kereta rasmi, kereta kejuruteraan, peminat off-road. Panggilan 'Kucing Gunung', aset perlumbaan yang dimenangi dengan juara keseluruhan Dakar 12 kali, juara berturut-turut 7 kali.

Empat generasi kenderaan, jumlah pengeluaran global melebihi 3.29 juta unit, meliputi lebih 170 negara dan wilayah. Angka-angka ini adalah aset jenama sebenar, bukan penapis kenangan.

Tetapi penarikan adalah struktur.

2019 pengeluaran domestik Jepun dihentikan, 2021 pengeluaran luar negara dihentikan sepenuhnya, 2023 Mitsubishi menghentikan pengeluaran kenderaan lengkap di China, 2025 stok import paralel habis ditapis.

Empat peringkat penarikan, setiap peringkat mempunyai titik rasmi yang jelas. Kehadiran Pajero di China, dari produk, ke saluran, lalu ke jenama, dikupas secara berperingkat.

Jadi kali ini kembali tidak masuk, bukan 'tidak mahu datang', tapi 'tidak boleh datang'. Tiada badan jualan, tiada sistem selepas jualan, tiada pelan sijil.

Satu kenderaan off-road diesel hardcore, perlu diangkut dari kilang Thailand ke pelabuhan China, yang dipisahkan bukan jarak pengangkutan laut, tetapi kekosongan keseluruhan infrastruktur komersial.

Bahkan jika Mitsubishi memutuskan untuk mula semula saluran China besok, Pajero untuk masuk, perlu lalui empat tingkatan.

Tingkatan pertama adalah laluan kuasa. Perdana hanya kuasa tunggal Diesel 2.4T, 150kW, 480N·m. Lingkungan penggunaan kenderaan penumpang diesel di kebanyakan bandar China tidak mesra, polisi larangan berbeza mengikut lokasi.

Lebih penting, penambahan off-road keras China telah beralih ke Plug-in Hybrid dan Sepenuhnya Elektrik. 2025 jualan Fang Cheng Bao pertama kali melebihi Tank. Semenjak 2026 setengah tahun pertama, jenama Tank berada di atas dengan 46.7% bahagian pasaran, tetapi penambahan besar datang dari tenaga baru. Satu kenderaan besar diesel, berhadapan dengan pasaran yang sedang meninggalkan diesel.

Tingkatan kedua adalah harga. Thailand jual 298,000 Yuan RMB, itu harga tempat asal. Import paralel ke China, perlu tambah 15% cukai import, 13% Cukai Pertambahan Nilai, Cukai Konsumsi mengikut saiz enjin, ditambah kos pelabuhan, logistik, pematuhan, pengedar, harga akhir kemungkinan mencecah melebihi 400,000.

Harga ini, ke atas ada Tank 700 Hi4-T, ke bawah ada Tank 500 Hi4-Z dan Fang Cheng Bao 8. Hardbar nasional tenaga baru di julat harga ini sudah dipenuhi produk, konfigurasi, kecerdasan, kos penggunaan, mendominasi secara keseluruhan.

Kebolehpercayaan mekanikal Pajero adalah aset, tapi di julat harga ini, ia bukan pemboleh ubah keputusan tunggal.

Tingkatan ketiga adalah sempadan platform. Pajero Generasi Kelima dan pikap Triton berkongsi platform, pengeluaran barisan sama. Ini pilihan pengurangan kos di bawah pengecutan strategi Mitsubishi, gunakan platform matang untuk sebarkan penyelidikan dan pembangunan, gunakan barisan pengeluaran sedia ada untuk kurangkan kos pembuatan.

Biaya adalah NVH, ruang susun atur tempat duduk belakang, had keselesaan suspensi terhad oleh platform. Ini bukan kecacatan, adalah pengorbanan penempatan.

Tetapi di pasaran China, jangkaan pengguna julat harga 300,000 hingga 400,000 untuk keselesaan dan kecerdasan, tidak sama langsung dengan pengguna kawasan perlombongan Asia Tenggara.

Tingkatan keempat adalah处境 jenama. Mitsubishi sudah tidak wujud di pasaran kenderaan penumpang China. Saluran hilang, selepas jualan hilang, pengenalan jenama terpegang pada tahap 'kereta off-road zaman dahulu'.

Membina semula semuanya, memerlukan pelaburan dan masa, melebihi tempoh hayat satu model kereta.

Penempatan kembalinya Pajero kali ini, boleh diringkaskan dengan satu ayat: Ia bukan 'Kenderaan Global', adalah kenderaan yang diarahkan ke pasaran 'Global Selatan'.

Asia Tenggara, Tengah Timur, Amerika Latin, Australia, ciri sejagat pasaran ini: bekalan diesel matang, infrastruktur pengecasan tidak mencukupi, pikap dan hardbar off-road ada keperluan asas, pengguna peka kepada kebolehpercayaan mekanikal lebih tinggi dari mengejar kecerdasan. Di tempat ini, logik Pajero boleh diterima.

Rangka berbingkai kembali, Super Select 4WD dipelihara, gandar belakang keseluruhan, tork rendah dan ketahanan Diesel 2.4T, semua disediakan untuk muatan berat jarak jauh dan penerusan jalan buruk.

Thailand sebagai hab pengeluaran, radiasi ASEAN, Tengah Timur, Amerika Latin, susun atur ini adalah jelas. Sasaran tahun fiskal 10,000 unit juga menjelaskan, Mitsubishi tidak berniat menggunakan kereta ini untuk jualan massal, tugasnya adalah tegakkan unggulan, pantau kedudukan, kekalkan aset jenama.

Laluan pengguna China untuk mengakses Pajero, dalam jangka pendek hanya tinggal tiga: kenderaan stok terpakai, import paralel, atau pilih alternatif buatan negara.

Tank, Fang Cheng Bao, Jetour, Beiqi Off-road, jenama ini menyediakan banyak pilihan di julat harga 300,000 hingga 400,000, kualiti mekanikal sedang mengejar, kecerdasan dan kos penggunaan sudah mendahului.

Mengenai versi Plug-in Hybrid, rasmi mengesahkan akan dilancarkan, tetapi parameter, masa, sama ada masuk China, semua belum diumumkan.

Jika Plug-in Hybrid boleh kekalkan rangka berbingkai dan Super Select 4WD, serta capai jarak elektrik penuh untuk keja harian, Pajero secara teori mempunyai syarat produk untuk masuk China.

Tetapi prasyaratnya mesti selesaikan saluran dan selepas jualan dahulu — dan perkara ini, jauh lebih susah daripada membina satu kereta.

Kucing Gunung tidak melupakan China. Ia hanya ditolak di luar pintu oleh laluan produk dan struktur pasaran.

On September 2nd, in Tokyo, Mitsubishi Motors officially released the fifth-generation Pajero.

After seven years, the "Mountain Cat" returns to the mountains.

The key change with this vehicle is: the ladder frame is back.

The unibody structure used for over twenty years on the third and fourth-generation Pajeros has been abandoned. The new vehicle is built on the Triton pickup platform, adopting a ladder frame body-on-frame structure again, with double wishbone front suspension, five-link rear solid axle, and coil springs.

This marks the first time since the 1999 third-generation model that Pajero has returned to a body-on-frame chassis design.

However, this model only offers a 2.4T diesel engine: no hybrid, no pure electric, and no petrol version. In an off-road market redefined by new energy, Pajero's return is a choice of "what to hold onto and what to give up".

Chassis Returns

The history of the Pajero chassis is a history of "tug-of-war between hardcore capability and comfort".

When the first-generation Pajero was launched in 1982, it used a body-on-frame structure, being a pure hardcore off-road vehicle.

In 1999, the third-generation Pajero made what seemed a very bold decision at the time: abandon the independent ladder frame and adopt a unibody structure similar to passenger cars, while the rear suspension also changed from a solid axle to a multi-link independent suspension.

Mitsubishi designed stronger reinforcement ribs for the chassis, calling it "embedded ladder frame", claiming body rigidity increased threefold compared to the previous generation while reducing weight by 100 kg.

The reason was quite sufficient at the time: many Pajero owners used it for urban commuting, so improving on-road comfort was the right way. Indeed, the third-generation Pajero saw a qualitative leap in handling on paved roads, with cornering performance even exceeding the Toyota Prado LC90 of the same era.

However, off-road veterans didn't buy into it. Without an independent ladder frame, it wasn't considered a true hardcore off-roader in their view. As for on-road users? They found Pajero not luxurious or comfortable enough and switched to buying Prados.

The third and fourth-generation Pajeros fell into an awkward position of not pleasing anyone. Although Pajero won the Dakar Rally for seven consecutive years, the glory on the track could not cover up the market's decline. In 2019, Pajero production ceased in Japan.

The fifth-generation Pajero made a decisive choice: returning to body-on-frame. Vehicle dimensions are 4920x1925x1910 mm, wheelbase 2870 mm, ground clearance 230 mm, approach angle 30.4 degrees, departure angle 25.8 degrees. In the hardcore off-road market, these figures represent standard mid-to-large off-road SUV specifications.

Mitsubishi's intention is clear: no longer pursuing on-road comfort; hardcore off-roading is where Pajero should be. But a key question stands before them: can they go back?

Core of 4WD System

Super Select 4WD is Pajero's core technical asset.

The fifth-generation Pajero is equipped with Super Select 4WD-II, offering four drive modes: 2H, 4H, 4HLC, and 4LLC.

The brilliance of this system lies in: it is actually an all-wheel-drive system, but can be switched separately to a 2H two-wheel-drive mode similar to part-time four-wheel drive to improve economy.

More crucially, this system can freely switch between 2H and 4H modes at speeds under 100 km/h, and even directly engage or disengage the center differential lock while driving straight at a constant speed.

In 4H mode, torque between front and rear wheels can be automatically adjusted between 33:67 and 50:50, almost equivalent to all-wheel drive. This system offers both hardcore off-road recovery capability and all-wheel drive on-road applicability.

This is the core advantage distinguishing Pajero from the Prado and Wrangler.

The fifth-generation Pajero integrated S-AWC Super All-Wheel Control on the basis of Super Select 4WD-II, providing 7 driving modes: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock, plus a Lock mode.

The original transfer case lever has been replaced with a rotary knob control for easier operation.

The powertrain is the main controversial point of this vehicle. Equipped with a 2.4-liter inline-four common rail direct injection clean diesel turbo engine developed specifically for the Pajero, with a maximum power of 150 kW and a peak torque of 480 N·m, matched with a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission.

This powertrain has been used on the Triton pickup for years, with reliability verified by the market. The diesel engine's characteristic of high torque at low speeds matches the needs of off-road recovery perfectly.

But the times have indeed changed. The 2026 Toyota Prado series is fully equipped with a 2.4T oil-electric hybrid powertrain, with a combined system power of 243 kW, peak torque of 630 N·m, and WLTC combined fuel consumption of 10.11 L/100km.

The Prado hybrid system significantly improves fuel efficiency while maintaining powerful output. Pajero's 480 N·m torque is mid-to-upper level for diesel engines, but facing the Prado hybrid's 630 N·m, the gap is significant. Putting the focus on diesel is a high risk for Mitsubishi.

Market Squeeze

In terms of interior, the fifth-generation Pajero has improved. The dual-screen display consists of two 14.3-inch large screens; the digital instrument cluster can real-time display off-road condition information such as pitch angle, roll angle, and tire angles.

The 12-speaker audio system co-developed with Yamaha was tuned personally by Yamaha audio masters. The dashboard features a recreation of the classic three-dial instrument design of the first-generation model, presented in a fully digital form.

A large number of physical buttons are retained, allowing for more precise operation on bumpy roads. However, the infotainment system only supports basic phone connectivity functions; localization apps for the smart cockpit, voice recognition fluency, and OTA upgrade capabilities have not been announced.

However, the market Pajero is entering is a hardcore off-road market redefined by Chinese brands.

In 2026, the global hardcore off-road landscape has changed. In the Chinese market, the Tank 500 Hi4-T has a starting price of 335,000 RMB, equipped with a 2.0T plug-in hybrid system, featuring three locking differentials and intelligent four-wheel drive.

The Fang Cheng Bao Leopard 5 main models are in the 250,000 to 300,000 RMB range, equipped with a plug-in hybrid system, leveraging BYD's DiSus chassis technology to quickly seize the market, with cumulative sales exceeding 120,000 units in the first half of 2026.

In addition, a large number of Chinese brand hardcore off-road vehicles such as Tank 400 New Energy, Tank 700 New Energy, Deepal G318 are flooding into this track.

Pajero pricing in the Australian market has been announced: GLS 5-seater version 68,490 AUD (approx. 330,000 RMB), 7-seater version 69,990 AUD, Exceed version 79,990 AUD, high-spec GSR version 84,990 AUD.

Overall pricing is slightly lower than the Toyota Prado in the same class. In the Australian market, Prado's starting price is 73,200 AUD; Pajero is nearly 5,000 AUD cheaper than it. Before the price announcement, over 3,000 Australian buyers had already expressed interest in the vehicle.

But in the Chinese market, the purely imported Pajero finds it hard to compete on price with domestic Tanks and Fang Cheng Baos. The acceptance of diesel power in the Chinese market is a practical issue.

Refueling diesel cars is inconvenient, they are noisy, and vibrate heavily; this is the general consumer perception. In the European market, several countries have already implemented restrictions on diesel vehicles entering cities; Pajero is basically ineligible for Europe.

Mitsubishi's diesel route mainly targets markets in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Australia, Central and South America, etc., where diesel vehicles still dominate.

Currently, there are no official announcements regarding the import of the fifth-generation Pajero to the Chinese market. Considering Mitsubishi has essentially exited the passenger car business in the Chinese market, the possibility of Pajero returning to China is very low. This also means that the true contest between this vehicle and the Chinese hardcore off-road market will not happen in the short term.

The fifth-generation Pajero is planned to be sold in about 100 countries and regions globally, with a global production and sales target of 10,000 units for the 2026 fiscal year. Production takes place at the Thailand Laem Chabang factory.

This number itself explains Mitsubishi's positioning for this vehicle: Pajero is not a volume-selling model, but a brand flagship and strategic symbol.

Mitsubishi Motors President Keisuke Kishura said at the launch event: "The new Pajero gathers the essence of Mitsubishi Motors technology and pours a lot of effort into it." But the fate of a brand is never decided by a single car.

Mitsubishi's global sales have continuously declined since peaking at 1.24 million units in the 2018 fiscal year, dropping to approximately 797,000 units by the 2025 fiscal year.

To reverse the situation, Mitsubishi explicitly stated in its mid-to-long-term development strategy released in May 2026 to focus on core 4WD technology and electrification paths primarily based on hybrid power, planning to launch 13 new models cumulatively by the 2031 fiscal year, with 7 being off-road oriented products.

The positioning of Pajero in this strategy is very clear: it is the brand flagship and the starting point of the "Pajero Series". Mitsubishi plans to expand Pajero from a single model to a series: launching the Mid-size Pajero in 2028-2029, and the Compact Pajero in 2030.

Mitsubishi also plans to add investment of 16 billion Thai Baht (approx. 470 million USD) in Thailand before 2030, turning the local production base into a hub for production and export of electrified models.

Mitsubishi Product Manager Kunetaka Itagaki revealed in an interview that the initial version only provides a diesel engine, but Mitsubishi is actively developing hybrid and PHEV plug-in hybrid technologies, meeting stringent standards for off-road performance and durability simultaneously.

This indicates that diesel is just the first step; hybrid and plug-in hybrid are Mitsubishi's true subsequent choices.

Final Thoughts

Returning to the question at the beginning: Why did Mitsubishi choose to bet on the future of Pajero by "returning to the ladder frame"? Because Mitsubishi has no other cards left to play.

On the tracks of pure electricity and intelligence, Mitsubishi lags far behind US and Chinese competitors. The remaining field of accumulation for Mitsubishi is 4WD technology and off-road vehicle manufacturing experience. Pajero's return is betting the last chips on what it is good at.

As for whether diesel power will become the Achilles' heel of this car, Mitsubishi's answer is: sell the car with diesel first, then release hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions subsequently.

Whether the fifth-generation Pajero can help Mitsubishi reverse its decline, the answer lies not at the Tokyo launch event, but in the deserts of the Middle East, the wilderness of Australia, and the rainy seasons of Southeast Asia—places where diesel cars are still needed.

2 September, Tokyo, Mitsubishi Motors melancarkan secara rasmi Pajero Generasi Kelima.

Selepas tujuh tahun, 'Kucing Gunung' kembali ke gunung.

Perubahan penting pada kenderaan ini adalah: Rangka telah dipasang semula.

Kereta berbadan terpadu yang digunakan selama lebih daripada 20 tahun oleh Pajero Generasi Ketiga dan Keempat telah ditinggalkan. Kenderaan baharu dibina atas platform trak pickup Triton, menggunakan semula struktur badan tanpa kerangka terpadu rangka tangga, lengan A ganda di hadapan, pelurus lima belakang dengan gandar penuh dan spring heliks.

Ini adalah kali pertama sejak model Generasi Ketiga pada tahun 1999, reka bentuk chassi dengan rangka dikembalikan kepada Pajero.

Namun, kenderaan ini hanya menyediakan enjin diesel 2.4T: tiada hibrid, tiada elektrik tulen, dan tiada versi petrol. Dalam pasaran off-road tegar yang ditakrif semula oleh tenaga baharu, kembalinya Pajero adalah pilihan tentang 'apa yang perlu dipertahankan, apa yang perlu ditinggalkan'.

Pulangnya Chassi

Sejarah chassi Pajero adalah sejarah 'tarikan antara off-road tegar dan keselesaan'.

Pajero Generasi Pertama muncul pada awal 1982, menggunakan badan tanpa kerangka terpadu, ia adalah kenderaan off-road tegar tulen.

Pada tahun 1999, Pajero Generasi Ketiga membuat keputusan yang sangat berani pada masa itu: meninggalkan rangka berasingan, beralih ke struktur badan terpadu yang sama dengan kereta sedan, suspensi belakang juga bertukar daripada gandar penuh kepada suspensi bebas multi-link.

Mitsubishi merekakan penguat yang lebih kukuh untuk chassi, dipanggil 'Rangka Terbenam', dan mendakwa kekakuan badan tiga kali ganda berbanding generasi sebelum ini, serta mengurangkan berat 100 kilogram.

Alasan Mitsubishi pada masa itu sangat masuk akal: ramai pemilik Pajero menggunakannya untuk perjalanan bandar, meningkatkan keselesaan jalan raya adalah jalan yang betul. Pajero Generasi Ketiga benar-benar mengalami lompatan kualitatif dalam pengendalian di permukaan berturap, prestasi pusingan bahkan melebihi Toyota Prado LC90 pada generasi yang sama.

Tetapi para pemain off-road veteran tidak setuju. Tanpa rangka berasingan, menurut mereka ia tidak dikira sebagai off-road tegar yang sebenar. Manakala pengguna jalan raya? Mereka merasakan Pajero tidak cukup mewah, tidak cukup selesa, lalu beralih membeli Prado.

Pajero Generasi Ketiga dan Keempat terperangkap dalam situasi yang memalukan, tidak disukai oleh kedua-dua pihak. Walaupun Pajero pernah memenangi kejuaraan selama tujuh tahun berturut-turut dalam perlumbaan Dakar, kegemilangan di arena perlumbaan tidak dapat menutupi kesedihan di pasaran. Pada tahun 2019, pengeluaran Pajero dihentikan di negara asalnya, Jepun.

Pilihan Pajero Generasi Kelima sangat tegas: kembali ke badan tanpa kerangka terpadu. Dimensi badan 4920x1925x1910 milimeter, wheelbase 2870 milimeter, kelajuan tanah minimum 230 milimeter, sudut pendekatan 30.4 darjah, sudut tolakan 25.8 darjah. Angka-angka ini dalam pasaran off-road tegar, termasuk dalam spesifikasi SUV off-road sederhana-besar yang standard.

Maksud Mitsubishi sangat jelas: tidak lagi mengejar keselesaan jalan raya, off-road tegar adalah tempat yang sepatutnya bagi Pajero. Tetapi satu masalah penting dihadapi: Dapatkah ia kembali?

Inti Kawalan Empat Roda

Super Select 4WD adalah aset teknologi teras Pajero.

Pajero Generasi Kelima dilengkapi dengan Super Select 4WD Generasi Kedua (Super Select 4WD-II), menyediakan empat mod penyenaraian: 2H, 4H, 4HLC, 4LLC.

Keunikan sistem ini ialah: sebenarnya ia adalah sistem empat roda sepanjang masa, tetapi boleh dialihkan secara berasingan kepada mod 2H dua roda seperti empat roda berselang-seli untuk meningkatkan ekonomi.

Lebih penting lagi, sistem ini boleh bertukar antara mod 2H dan 4H secara bebas sehingga kelajuan 100 km/j, bahkan semasa laluan lurus seragam boleh membuka atau menutup kunci pembeza tengah secara langsung.

Dalam mod 4H, tork roda hadapan dan belakang boleh dilaraskan secara automatik antara 33:67 hingga 50:50, hampir setara dengan empat roda sepanjang masa. Sistem ini mempunyai keupayaan melepaskan kenderaan daripada kesukaran off-road tegar, serta kegunaan jalan raya empat roda sepanjang masa.

Ini adalah kelebihan teras yang membezakan Pajero daripada Prado dan Wrangler.

Pajero Generasi Kelima mengintegrasikan sistem kawalan semua roda super S-AWC berdasarkan Super Select 4WD-II, menyediakan 7 mod memandu: Biasa, Jimat, Kerikil, Salji, Lumpur, Pasir, Batu, serta mod kunci.

Tuas pemindahan kotak kuasa asal telah diganti dengan kawalan butang pusing, pengoperasian lebih mudah.

Sistem kuasa adalah titik kontroversi utama kenderaan ini. Memuatkan enjin diesel turbo suntikan langsung rel bersama empat silinder selari 2.4 liter yang dikembangkan khas untuk Pajero, kuasa maksimum 150 kilowatt, tork puncak 480 Nm, dipadankan dengan transmisi automatik 8 kelajuan yang baru dibangunkan.

Komponen kuasa ini telah digunakan selama bertahun-tahun pada trak pickup Triton, kebolehpercayaannya telah disahkan oleh pasaran. Ciri enjin diesel tork tinggi pada kelajuan rendah, tepat sesuai dengan keperluan melepaskan kenderaan off-road.

Tetapi zaman memang telah berubah. Toyota Prado model 2026 dilengkapi dengan komponen hibrid petrol-elektrik 2.4T untuk keseluruhan siri, kuasa gabungan sistem 243 kilowatt, tork puncak 630 Nm, penggunaan bahan api gabungan WLTC 10.11 liter/100 kilometer.

Sistem hibrid Prado sambil mengekalkan output yang kuat, telah meningkatkan kecekapan bahan api dengan ketara. Manakala tork 480 Nm Pajero dikira tahap sederhana-tinggi dalam enjin diesel, tetapi berhadapan dengan 630 Nm versi hibrid Prado, perbezaannya tidak sedikit. Mitsubishi menumpukan fokus pada diesel, risikonya sangat tinggi.

Penindasan Pasaran

Dari segi dalaman, Pajero Generasi Kelima telah berkembang. Layar gabungan terdiri daripada dua skrin besar 14.3 inci, papan pemuka digital boleh memaparkan maklumat keadaan off-road seperti sudut gelung, sudut kemiringan, sudut tayar secara masa nyata.

Sistem audio 12 pembesar suara yang dibangunkan bersama Yamaha, telah disetel sendiri oleh master audio Yamaha. Panel instrumen mereplikakan reka bentuk instrumen tiga bulat klasik model asal, dipaparkan dalam bentuk digital sepenuhnya.

Ramai butang fizikal dikekalkan, pengoperasian di jalan bergelora lebih tepat. Tetapi sistem infotainment kereta hanya menyokong fungsi sambungan telefon asas, aplikasi tempatan kabin pintar, kelancaran pengesanan suara, keupayaan kemas kini OTA belum diumumkan.

Walau bagaimanapun, Pajero memasuki pasaran off-road tegar yang ditakrif semula oleh syarikat China.

Pada tahun 2026, struktur pasaran off-road tegar global telah berubah. Di pasaran China, harga permulaan Tank 500 Hi4-T ialah 335,000 Yuan, memuatkan sistem hibrid disambung 2.0T, dilengkapi dengan tiga kunci dan empat roda pintar.

Model utama Fang Cheng Bao Leopard 5 dalam lingkungan 250,000 hingga 300,000 Yuan, memuatkan sistem hibrid disambung, dengan pantas menguasai pasaran menggunakan teknologi chassis Yunian BYD, jualan terkumpul separuh pertama 2026 melebihi 120,000 unit.

Selain itu, ada banyak lagi kereta off-road tegar China seperti Tank 400 Energy, Tank 700 Energy, Deep Blue G318 yang sedang memasuki trek ini.

Penetapan harga Pajero di pasaran Australia telah diumumkan: Versi 5 tempat duduk GLS 68,490 Dolar Australia (setara kira-kira 330,000 Yuan), versi 7 tempat duduk 69,990 Dolar Australia, Versi Exceed 79,990 Dolar Australia, versi GSR tinggi 84,990 Dolar Australia.

Penetapan harga keseluruhan sedikit lebih rendah daripada Toyota Prado sekelas. Di pasaran Australia, harga permulaan Prado ialah 73,200 Dolar Australia, Pajero lebih murah hampir 5,000 Dolar Australia daripadanya. Sebelum harga diumumkan, lebih daripada 3,000 pembeli Australia telah menyatakan minat awal terhadap kenderaan ini.

Tetapi di pasaran China, Pajero import tulen sukar bersaing dari segi harga dengan Tank dan Fang Cheng Bao buatan tempatan. Penerimaan kuasa diesel di pasaran China adalah isu nyata.

Kereta diesel sukar diisi minyak, bising, getaran besar, ini adalah persepsi umum pengguna. Di pasaran Eropah, banyak negara telah melaksanakan had masuk bandar untuk kereta diesel, Pajero hampir tidak berpeluang ke Eropah.

Jalan diesel Mitsubishi, utamanya ditujukan ke pasaran Timur Tengah, Asia Tenggara, Australia, Amerika Tengah dan Selatan di mana kereta diesel masih menjadi arus perdana.

Pada masa ini, tiada maklumat rasmi mengenai pelantikan Pajero Generasi Kelima ke pasaran China. Memandangkan Mitsubishi telah hampir keluar daripada perniagaan kenderaan penumpang di pasaran China, kemungkinan Pajero kembali ke China adalah rendah. Ini juga bermakna, pertempuran sebenar kenderaan ini dengan pasaran off-road tegar China tidak akan berlaku dalam jangka masa pendek.

Pajero Generasi Kelima dirancang untuk dijual di kira-kira 100 negara dan wilayah di seluruh dunia, sasaran penjualan dan pengeluaran global untuk kewangan 2026 ialah 10,000 unit. Pengeluaran dijalankan di kilang Laem Chabang, Thailand.

Angka ini sendiri menjelaskan kedudukan Mitsubishi untuk kenderaan ini: Pajero bukan model laris, tetapi merupakan bendera jenama dan tanda strategi.

Presiden Mitsubishi Motors Kishio Keisuke berkata dalam majlis pelancaran pertama: 'Pajero baharu menggabungkan teknik terbaik Mitsubishi Motors, dengan banyak ditaburi usaha.' Tetapi nasib sebuah jenama, tidak pernah ditentukan oleh satu kenderaan.

Jualan global Mitsubishi berterusan jatuh selepas mencapai puncak 1.24 juta unit pada kewangan 2018, menurun kepada kira-kira 797,000 unit pada kewangan 2025.

Untuk memutar keadaan, Mitsubishi dengan jelas menyatakan dalam strategi pembangunan jangka sederhana dan panjang yang dikeluarkan pada Mei 2026, akan menumpukan kepada teknologi teras empat roda dan laluan eletrifikasi dengan hibrid sebagai utama, merancang untuk mengeluarkan 13 model baharu sehingga kewangan 2031, di mana 7 model adalah produk berorientasikan off-road.

Kedudukan Pajero dalam strategi ini sangat jelas: ia adalah bendera jenama, dan juga permulaan 'Siri Pajero'. Mitsubishi merancang untuk mengembangkan Pajero daripada model tunggal ke siri: melancarkan Pajero sederhana pada 2028-2029, melancarkan Pajero kecil pada 2030.

Mitsubishi juga merancang untuk menambah pelaburan 16 bilion Baht Thailand (setara kira-kira 470 juta USD) sehingga 2030 di Thailand, menjadikan pangkalan pengeluaran setempat sebagai hab pengeluaran dan eksport untuk model eletrifikasi.

Pengendali produk Mitsubishi Kunitoshi Itaoka menyatakan dalam temuramah, versi awal hanya menyediakan enjin diesel, tetapi Mitsubishi sedang aktif membangunkan teknologi hibrid dan PHEV hibrid disambung, serentak memenuhi piawaian ketat dari segi prestasi off-road dan ketahanan.

Ini menunjukkan, diesel hanyalah langkah pertama, hibrid dan hibrid disambung adalah pilihan seterusnya yang sebenar bagi Mitsubishi.

Penutup

Kembali kepada soalan di permulaan: Mengapa Mitsubishi memilih untuk 'mengembalikan rangka' untuk bertaruh masa depan Pajero? Kerana Mitsubishi tidak mempunyai kad lain untuk dimainkan.

Dalam trek elektrik tulen dan kecerdasan, Mitsubishi tertinggal jauh daripada pesaing Amerika dan China. Sahaja bidang kumuhan yang tinggal bagi Mitsubishi, ialah teknologi empat roda dan pengalaman pembuatan kenderaan off-road. Kembalinya Pajero, adalah meletakkan kepingan terakhir pada perkara yang dia mahir.

Soal apakah kuasa diesel akan menjadi kelemahan kenderaan ini, jawapan Mitsubishi ialah: Jual dahulu kereta dengan diesel, hibrid dan hibrid disambung akan dikeluarkan kemudian.

Adakah Pajero Generasi Kelima boleh membantu Mitsubishi memutar keadaan, jawapannya bukan pada majlis pelancaran pertama di Tokyo, tetapi di padang pasir Timur Tengah, tanah terbiar Australia dan musim hujan Asia Tenggara—tempat-tempat di mana kereta diesel masih diperlukan.

In 2021, the last fourth-generation Pajero rolled off the line at the Gifu Plant. The Japanese hardcore off-road benchmark that has spanned nearly 40 years globally and sold over 3.29 million units entered a 5-year dormancy period.

Recently, Mitsubishi Motor officially unveiled the new Pajero. The fifth-generation product is manufactured in Thailand and launched in Japan and Australia markets. Next year it will be sold in over 100 countries and regions — among which China is likely not included. Besides the diesel engine debut by Mitsubishi not fitting local conditions, the expected starting price of around 330,000 overseas, combined with tariffs and freight, results in a price over 400,000 domestically, also facing severe challenges from same-class products.

For example, GAC has accumulated experience from joint ventures with Mitsubishi and Jeep, launching the Trumpchi Yue 7 with a pre-sale price starting at 179,800. The two models used similar gold paint as advertising color, but the new Pajero loses in size, power, and configuration. Only after 27 years does it return to a body-on-frame chassis, giving the new Mitsubishi car the confidence to challenge the Toyota LC250 Prado again.

01

Body-on-Frame Chassis Revival, Hard Specs Inferior to Yue 7

Focusing on the new Pajero, the first thing to discuss is its chassis. Starting from the third-generation Pajero released in 1999, Mitsubishi switched to a unibody with a built-in ladder frame. This new car is developed based on the latest Triton pickup platform. On one hand, it is a return to reason and ancestral teachings, passing the torch of V97 to Trumpchi Yue 7. On the other hand, it also solves the cost difficulty of independent Pajero development, providing material basis for its resurrection.

This also explains why the new Pajero is manufactured in Thailand — after all, this is the hometown of the Southeast Asian version L200. However, the new Pajero is not simply understood as the off-road version of Triton. Mitsubishi only uses pickup design for the front suspension and front floor; all other chassis components are newly built. The new car adopts a traditional independent ladder frame chassis. High-strength steel and enlarged cross-section make its anti-torsion and anti-bending rigidity improved.

The new Pajero front suspension is double wishbone structure. The rear suspension consists of a solid axle with five links and coil springs. Compared with the four-wheel independent suspension of the previous two generations, its comfort on the highway may be compromised, but the suspension travel and impact resistance will be better. Combined with improved load capacity, the performance of the new Pajero in off-road scenarios is likely stronger than the old model.

On the existing platform basis, Mitsubishi cannot equip the new Pajero with dual-chamber air suspension, variable damping shock absorbers and other chassis hardware like GAC Trumpchi Yue 7, so its ground clearance is fixed at 230mm. Unlike Yue 7 which can adjust from 230-310mm, it is even slightly 5mm lower than the previous generation, but higher than Prado's 221mm. Combined with a wading depth of around 800mm, it is enough for the new Pajero to boast.

As for the 30.4° approach angle, 25.8° departure angle, and 22.6° ramp breakover angle, there is no progress compared to V97, the advantage over Prado is not significant, and it is even more impossible to compare with the lift-able Trumpchi Yue 7. Friends pursuing ultimate passability need to reach the goal through modification later.

02

Diesel Power Main Push, Plug-in Hybrid Still on the Way

The choice of powertrain limited the future of the new Pajero in the Chinese market. Currently, Mitsubishi will only continue to use the 4N16 diesel engine from Triton. The new Pajero is equipped with a twin-turbo 2.4L version, featuring variable geometry turbine technology. After the tail gas after-treatment system, it is the first Mitsubishi diesel engine to meet Euro 6d emission standards.

Moreover, the new Pajero can output 150kW peak power. The 480N·m torque is improved by 10N·m compared to the pickup version, performing better than the previous generation Pajero's 3.2T diesel engine, consistent with the LC250 Prado's 2.8T power, just 20N·m lower in torque.

Choosing the 2.4T diesel engine, the advantage of the new Pajero lies in wide applicability. Although looking at the book values, it is significantly lower than Yue 7 dual motors' 550kW, and acceleration performance has a significant gap, Mitsubishi off-road vehicles can achieve 3.5 tons of towing capacity, which is an ability Trumpchi cannot possess.

Moreover, from information revealed after the press conference, the new Pajero will have HEV and PHEV models later. Among them, Mitsubishi is likely to transplant the Outlander PHEV powertrain to the new Pajero. The combination of 2.4L gasoline engine and dual motors will be more suitable for Chinese owner needs, and can also face off against Tank 500 PHEV in overseas markets.

Regarding gearbox choice, the new Pajero did not continue to use the Triton's 6-speed transmission, but changed to Mitsubishi's latest developed 8-speed automatic transmission.

It may be optimized based on the Aisin AL80F set of Pajero Sport and Prado. Compared with the old 5AT transmission, using tighter gear ratios shows better performance in smoothness and efficiency, and also reinforces oil cooling, meeting the diesel engine's long-time high torque load, calmly coping with the new Pajero's 7 driving mode changes.

Moreover, the new Pajero transmission can also work with S-AWC all-wheel control system and SS4-II Super Select 4WD system, utilizing the newly added AYC active yaw control to help it achieve more stable driving performance. This function mainly uses front wheel braking to vector distribute torque between left and right wheels, correcting driving attitude and trajectory in curves and slippery roads.

Mitsubishi's signature SS4-II is also present. It has four modes: 2H, 4H, 4HLc, and 4LLc. It can realize the switching between two-wheel drive and full-time four-wheel drive on paved roads within 100km/h through planetary gear center differential lock, and can also perform torque-sensing center differential locking and low-speed four-wheel drive independent control, achieving better off-road performance.

03

Dimensions Not as Good as Chinese Off-Roaders, Design Catches up to Mainstream Aesthetics

From body-on-frame chassis, diesel power to Super Select 4WD system, Mitsubishi gives the new Pajero leading performance in class, and in terms of dimensions, it shows even more ambition to steal Prado's business.

The new Pajero's length, width, and height are 4920mm, 1925mm, and 1910mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2870mm. Compared to V97, it is slightly increased. Except for the wheelbase being 20mm more, each of Mitsubishi new car's three-dimension data is shorter than Prado's. For Japanese consumers who have long been troubled by Toyota's delivery waiting list, the smaller dimensions will instead be an advantage of the new Pajero. If compared with 5-meter level domestic manufacturing like Trumpchi Yue 7 and Tank 500, Mitsubishi's restraint is even more visible.

As for the design part, Mitsubishi improved significantly on the basis of Triton, while maintaining the high body stance of off-road vehicles, paying tribute to classics in details, making the new Pajero follow mainstream aesthetics without disappointing off-road players.

From body lines and surfaces, we can feel Mitsubishi's understanding of toughness. From the bulges on both sides of the hood, the creases of upper and lower waistlines, to the high head, flared fenders and side steps, the new Pajero has a tough look. The black cladding connecting the front and rear bumpers to the wheel arches is selected by Mitsubishi using slightly glossy plastic parts, improving the overall refined feel.

The new Pajero's front face is highly recognizable. It did not continue to use Triton's shape. The square head has a sense of power. The T-shaped DRL combined with the through light strip incorporates the six horizontal bars of the grille, echoing the shape of the rear light clusters, with rich details. The two-tone body reveals the fashionable vibe missing from Mitsubishi in the past.

Disappointing for old car fans, the new Pajero cancels the rear-mounted spare tire, changing to a plain upward-opening tailgate. To save face, Mitsubishi deliberately uses the upper and lower waistline to gather. Combined with the tailgate convex shape, it forms a hexagonal contour to pay tribute to its past self. As for the designer emphasized decoration at the C-pillar position originating from the roll cage of the first-generation Pajero convertible, it is even more of an inside joke element.

Also paying tribute to the first-generation Pajero is the new car's interior. Mitsubishi mainly wants to find the style of that year on the horizontally laid instrument panel. The camel leather trim decoration below the air conditioning vents similar to subway seats does have a retro meaning. Large amounts of soft package stitching use Japanese traditional wood grain craftsmanship. The A-pillar and passenger grab handle have off-road flavor, but the integrated large screen with two 14.3-inch screens pulls people back to 2026.

The center screen can digitally replicate Mitsubishi off-road vehicles' classic three-cluster gauge, and display off-road information such as altitude, heading, pitch angle, roll angle, etc., and can also switch dynamic effects according to driving modes. The new car's center screen also provides wireless smartphone connectivity, and can automatically switch 16 background themes over time, or display a 3D multi-view panoramic image system with透视 chassis.

Mitsubishi first equipped 8 airbags including front outboard airbags on the new Pajero. Coupled with forward collision mitigation and forward collision warning, as well as the first-equipped lane keep assist system capable of offset correction, its active safety capability is enhanced. As for smart assisted driving, the new Pajero's MI-PILOT only has adaptive cruise control with lane keep capability, with a significant gap compared to domestic models.

New Pajero users may not have high requirements for intelligence. Comfort features might be more appealing to them. Mitsubishi prepared acoustic glass for front and rear side windows for the new car, coupled with body noise reduction upgrades, and Yamaha 12-speaker + dual amplifier audio system with active noise cancellation. The new Pajero will have better suppression of engine noise and wind noise.

The new Pajero this time focuses on seven-seat layout. Through the second-row seat 150mm slide and fold, it optimizes the convenience of third-row passenger access. On the basis of improving the first two-row seat ergonomics experience, Mitsubishi equipped seats with heating and ventilation functions. The third row adjusted seating posture. Combined with toe room left after lifting the second-row seat, and three-zone air conditioning that can be independently adjusted, the new Pajero's third row can also satisfy adult sitting. According to current information, the Japan market only has seven-seat version, while the Australia version has five-seat and seven-seat options.

04

Driving Review Summary

Mitsubishi only announced the new Pajero pricing in Australia so far — the entry-level GLS five-seat and seven-seat versions are 68,490 AUD and 69,990 AUD respectively. The top-spec GSR is 84,990 AUD, approximately 330,000 to 410,000 RMB. Compared to the 54,990 AUD before V97 sales stopped, the new Pajero price increased significantly. Compared to the same-spec Triton, it is 8,000 AUD more expensive, but still lower than the Toyota LC250 Prado diesel GX starting price of 72,500 — this price locally should be able to buy the Tank 500 Vanta top-spec version, it just depends on whether consumers have an obsession with the Pajero name.

Domestic off-road players do not need to despair. Although Mitsubishi does not officially introduce the new Pajero, the parallel import channel still exists. At least I heard that some merchants still have stock V97. If the market demand scale is large enough and customer groups can accept a starting price above 400,000, in the future we still have the opportunity to see the new Pajero running on domestic roads — however, it can no longer return to the glory of 20 years ago, after all, the current domestic Prado monthly sales are just above four digits.

In Mitsubishi's plan, Pajero may become an independent series like Range Rover and Defender. In the future, there might also be mid-size Pajero with SUV style and small Pajero with two-door all-electric style. Hope that in the era of new energy ruling the market, domestic car enthusiasts still have the opportunity to play "niche" models, and find different fun in homogenized products.

(END)

2021, unit terakhir Pajero Generasi Keempat keluar dari Kilang Gifu, piawaian off-road tegar Jepun yang merentasi dunia hampir 40 tahun, dengan jualan keseluruhan melebihi 3.29 juta unit, memasuki tempoh tidur selama 5 tahun.

Baru-baru ini, Kereta Mitsubishi secara rasmi melancarkan Pajero Baharu, produk Generasi Kelima diperbuat di Thailand dan dilancarkan di pasaran Jepun dan Australia, tahun depan juga akan dijual di lebih daripada 100 negara dan wilayah — di mana kemungkinan besar tidak termasuk China. Selain enjin diesel pelancaran pertama Mitsubishi tidak sesuai dengan keadaan negara, harga permulaan dianggarkan sekitar 330,000 di luar negara, selepas ditambah dengan cukai dan kos penghantaran, harga melebihi 400,000 juga akan menghadapi cabaran serius daripada produk kelas sama di China.

Contohnya GAC telah mengumpul pengalaman pernah bekerjasama dengan Mitsubishi, Jeep, melancarkan Trumpchi Yue 7 dengan pra-tempahan bermula 179,800, kedua-dua model menggunakan cat warna emas yang serupa sebagai warna iklan, tetapi Pajero Baharu dimensi, kuasa, peralatan ketinggalan, hanya setelah 27 tahun kembali ke Rangka Terasing, memberikan keyakinan kepada kereta baru Mitsubishi untuk menentang semula Toyota LC250 Prado.

01

Kebangkitan Rangka Terasing, Spesifikasi Kurang Baik daripada Yue 7

Fokus kepada Pajero Baharu, yang perlu dibincangkan dahulu adalah rangkanya. Mulai dari Generasi Ketiga Pajero yang dikeluarkan tahun 1999, Mitsubishi mengubah kepada Rangka Bersatu dengan bingkai trapezoid dalam, kereta baru kali ini dikembangkan berdasarkan platform pikap Triton terkini, di satu sisi dianggap membetulkan kesilapan, kembali ke warisan, tongkat estafet V97 diberikan kepada Trumpchi Yue 7, di sisi lain juga menyelesaikan masalah kos pembangunan mandiri Pajero, memberikan asas material untuk kebangkitannya.

Ini juga menjelaskan mengapa Pajero Baharu dibuat di Thailand — kerana ini adalah rumah bagi L200 versi Asia Tenggara. Namun Pajero Baharu bukan sekadar dianggap sebagai versi off-road Triton, Mitsubishi hanya di suspensi depan dan lantai depan menggunakan reka bentuk pikap, komponen底盘 lain dibina semula. Kereta baru menggunakan bingkai tulang belakang terasing tradisional, keluli kekuatan tinggi dan penampang yang lebih besar, membuat keanjalan pusingan dan lenturannya mempunyai kemajuan.

Suspensi depan Pajero Baharu adalah struktur dua lengan silang, suspensi belakang terdiri dari桥 keseluruhan lima batang dengan spring spiral, berbanding dengan suspensi berasingan empat roda model dua generasi sebelumnya, kenyamanan行驶时 di jalan raya mungkin ada pengurangan, tetapi pergerakan dan ketahanan hentaman akan lebih baik, ditambah dengan peningkatan keupayaan beban, Pajero Baharu prestasi dalam situasi off-road kemungkinan besar lebih kuat daripada model lama.

Berdasarkan platform sedia ada, Mitsubishi tidak boleh seperti GAC Trumpchi Yue 7 memberikan Pajero Baharu peranti底盘 seperti suspensi udara dwi-rongga, penyesuai halang perubahan, ini memaksa jarak tanah tetap 230mm, tidak seperti Yue 7 boleh melakukan pelarasan 230-310mm, malah sedikit lebih rendah 5mm daripada model generasi sebelumnya, tetapi lebih tinggi daripada 221mm Prado, ditambah kedalaman air kira-kira 800mm, sudah cukup untuk Pajero Baharu memuji diri.

Mengenai sudut mendekati 30.4°, sudut keluar 25.8° dan sudut melalui menegak 22.6°, berbanding V97 tiada kemajuan, perbandingan dengan Prado kelebihan tidak banyak, malah tidak boleh dibandingkan dengan Trumpchi Yue 7 yang boleh dinaikkan. Rakan yang mengejar keupayaan melalui, kemudian perlu diubah suai untuk mencapai matlamat.

02

Fokus Utama Kuasa Diesel, Pampan Hibrid Masih Dalam Perjalanan

Pilihan总成 kuasa membatasi masa depan Pajero Baharu di pasaran China. Sekarang Mitsubishi hanya akan gunakan enjin diesel 4N16 Triton, Pajero Baharu dipasang dengan versi 2.4L turbo ganda, mempunyai teknologi turbo penampang boleh ubah, melalui sistem pengendalian sisa ekzos, ia enjin diesel Mitsubishi pertama memenuhi piawaian pelepasan Euro 6d.

Dan Pajero Baharu boleh mengeluarkan kuasa puncak 150kW, tork 480N.m berbanding versi pikap meningkat 10N.m, prestasi lebih baik daripada enjin diesel 3.2T Pajero generasi sebelumnya, kuasa 2.8T LC250 Prado sama, hanya tork rendah 20N.m.

Memilih enjin diesel 2.4T, kelebihan Pajero Baharu terdapat pada kegunaan luas, walaupun hanya melihat nilai angka bukan sahaja jauh lebih rendah daripada 550kW motor ganda Yue 7, prestasi pecutan lebih jauh perbezaan, tetapi kereta off-road Mitsubishi boleh capai keupayaan seret 3.5 tan, ini adalah kemampuan yang Trumpchi tidak boleh miliki.

Dan dari maklumat yang terungkap selepas pameran, Pajero Baharu seterusnya akan ada model HEV dan PHEV, Mitsubishi mungkin memindahkan总成 kuasa Outlander PHEV ke Pajero Baharu, kombinasi enjin petrol 2.4L dan motor ganda, lebih sesuai dengan keperluan pemilik China, juga boleh berdepan secara langsung dengan Tank 500 PHEV di pasaran luar negara.

Dalam pilihan transmisi, Pajero Baharu tidak juga menggunakan semula transmisi 6 kelajuan Triton, tetapi bertukar kepada transmisi automatik 8 kelajuan yang dibangunkan Mitsubishi terkini.

Ia mungkin pada asas AL80F Aisin Pajero Kaiten, Prado dilakukan optimum, berbanding transmisi 5AT lama, menggunakan nisbah gigi lebih rapat, prestasi lebih cemerlang dalam kelancaran dan kecekapan, juga memperkuatkan penyejukan minyak, memenuhi beban tork tinggi enjin diesel lama, menghadapi perubahan 7 mod pemanduan Pajero Baharu dengan tenang.

Dan transmisi Pajero Baharu boleh berkoordinasi dengan sistem kawalan roda penuh S-AWC, sistem 4WD pilihan utama SS4-II, menggunakan kawalan yaw aktif AYC yang ditambah, membantunya mencapai prestasi berkendara lebih stabil. Fungsi ini utamanya melalui brek roda depan untuk mengagihkan tork roda kiri kanan secara vektor, membetulkan postur dan lintasan berkendara pada lengkung dan jalan licin.

Dan SS4-II jenama Mitsubishi juga tidak hilang, ia ada 4 mod: 2H, 4H, 4HLc dan 4LLc, boleh melalui pembezaan roda planet tengah, dalam 100km/h capai pertukaran perjalanan jalan berturap dua roda dan 4WD masa penuh, juga boleh melakukan pembezaan tork pengesan pembeza tengah dan 4WD rendah kawalan mandiri, mencapai prestasi off-road lebih baik.

03

Dimensi Tidak Seperti Off-Road China, Reka Bentuk Meng chase Estetika Utama

Dari Rangka Terasing, kuasa diesel hingga sistem 4WD pilihan utama, Mitsubishi memberikan prestasi terunggul kelas kepada Pajero Baharu, tetapi dalam aspek dimensi, lebih jelas melihat ambisi mahu merebut bisnis Prado.

Panjang, lebar dan tinggi Pajero Baharu masing-masing 4920mm, 1925mm dan 1910mm, jarak asak 2870mm, berbanding V97 meningkat sedikit, tetapi kecuali jarak asak lebih 20mm, setiap data tiga ukuran kereta baru Mitsubishi lebih pendek sedikit daripada Prado, bagi pengguna Jepun yang menderita menunggu pengumpulan kereta Toyota lama, dimensi lebih kecil sebaliknya akan menjadi kelebihan Pajero Baharu, jika dibandingkan dengan pembuatan China 5 meter seperti Trumpchi Yue 7, Tank 500, lebih jelas melihat pengawalan Mitsubishi.

Mengenai bahagian reka bentuk, Mitsubishi pada asas Triton banyak perbaikan, menyelaraskan postur badan tinggi kereta off-road, menghormati klasik pada perincian, membuat Pajero Baharu mengikuti estetika utama, tidak juga membuat pemain off-road kecewa.

Dari garisan badan dan permukaan badan, kita boleh rasai pemahaman Mitsubishi tentang kehardikan, dari cembungan di kedua sisi penutup enjin, lipatan garis pinggang atas dan bawah, hingga kepala kereta tinggi, kelopak roda luar dan pedal sisi, Pajero Baharu semua mempunyai气质 hardy, panel pelindung hitam dari bumper depan belakang menyambung ke kelopak roda, Mitsubishi memilih plastik hitam sedikit berkilat, meningkatkan kesan halus keseluruhan kereta.

Pengenalan hadapan Pajero Baharu agak tinggi, ia tidak menggunakan semula reka bentuk Triton, kepala kereta bersudut mempunyai rasa tenaga, lampu LED T bentuk digabungkan dengan jalur lampu menyeluruh, menjadikan 6 jalur petak grille menyatu di dalamnya, beresonans dengan bentuk kumpulan lampu ekor, perincian sangat kaya, badan penyambungan dua warna mengeluarkan气质 fesyen yang Mitsubishi kekurangan dahulu.

Yang mengecewakan peminat lama, Pajero Baharu membatalkan tayar simpanan belakang, bertukar ke pintu belakang buka atas biasa, Mitsubishi untuk memulihkan maruah, sengaja menggunakan garis pinggang atas bawah merapatkan, gabungkan dengan bentuk ekor menonjol, terbentuk kontur heksagon, menghormati diri sendiri yang lalu. Mengenai pereka menekankan, hiasan pada posisi tiang C berasal dari kerangka anti-roll versi terbuka Pajero pertama, lebih merupakan elemen yang hanya faham internal.

Interi kereta baru juga menghormati Pajero pertama, Mitsubishi terutama ingin mencari gaya zaman dahulu dari dashboard layout mendatar, di bawah lubang angin AC, dekorasi kulit unta serupa kerusi metro, memang ada sedikit 意味 retro, banyak jahitan bungkusan lembut, menggunakan teknik seni patung kayu Jepun tradisional, gagang tiang A dan penumpang, sangat berbau off-road, tetapi skrin besar satu badan yang gabungkan 2 skrin 14.3 inci, masih menarik orang kembali ke tahun 2026.

Skrin pusat kawalan boleh menyalin digital jadual tiga klasik kereta off-road Mitsubishi, dan paparkan maklumat off-road seperti altitud, arah, sudut pitch, sudut roll, juga boleh tukar efek dinamik mengikut mod pemanduan, skrin pusat kawalan kereta baru memberikan keupayaan hubungan telefon kereta tanpa wayar, dan boleh tukar 16 tema latar automatik mengikut masa, juga boleh paparkan sistem imej panorama 3D pelbagai sudut dengan底盘 perspektif.

Mitsubishi untuk pertama kali memuatkan pada Pajero Baharu, 8 kantung udara termasuk kantung udara depan jauh, sertai pengurangan hentaman hadapan dan amaran hentaman hadapan, dan untuk pertama kali memuatkan sistem bantuan kekalkan lorong yang boleh membetulkan anjakan, membuat kemampuan keselamatan aktifnya mempunyai pengukuhan. Mengenai bahagian pemanduan pintar bantu, MI-PILOT Pajero Baharu hanya mempunyai keupayaan krus adaptil dengan kekalkan lorong, dan berbeza jauh dengan model buatan negara.

Pengguna Pajero Baharu mungkin tidak memerlukan kecerdasan besar, konfigurasi keselesaan mungkin lebih boleh menggembirakan mereka. Mitsubishi sediakan kaca kedap bunyi tingkap sisi depan belakang untuk kereta baru, sertai pengurangan bunyi badan kereta, dan sistem audio Yamaha 12 speaker + dual amplifier dengan bunyi aktif, Pajero Baharu mempunyai penghalang lebih baik terhadap bunyi enjin dan bunyi angin.

Pajero Baharu kali ini fokus layout 7 kerusi, melalui slid dan lipat kerusi baris kedua 150mm, menambah baik kemudahan masuk keluar penumpang baris ketiga. Mitsubishi pada asas memperbaiki pengalaman ergonomik kerusi baris pertama kedua, konfigurasi fungsi pemanas dan pengudaraan kerusi, baris ketiga menyesuaikan postur duduk, ditambah ruang kaki di belakang kerusi baris kedua dinaikkan, dan AC tiga zon boleh laras mandiri, baris ketiga Pajero Baharu juga boleh memuatkkan dewasa. Berdasarkan maklumat sekarang, pasaran Jepun hanya ada versi 7 kerusi, versi Australia ada 5 kerusi dan 7 kerusi boleh pilih.

04

Ringkasan Pemanduan

Mitsubishi sekarang hanya di Australia mengumumkan harga Pajero Baharu, versi 5 kerusi dan 7 kerusi GLS permulaan masing-masing 68,490 Dolar Australia dan 69,990 Dolar Australia, versi tertinggi GSR berharga 84,990 Dolar Australia, kira-kira 330,000-410,000 Yuan RMB. Berbanding V97 sebelum henti jual 54,990 Dolar Australia, Pajero Baharu kenaikan harga sangat besar, berbanding Triton konfigurasi sama lebih mahal 8,000 lebih Dolar Australia, tetapi masih rendah daripada Toyota LC250 Prado Diesel GX 72,500 Dolar Australia, harga ini di tempat sepatutnya boleh beli Tank 500 Vanta versi tertinggi, lihat sama ada pengguna memiliki ketekunan pada nama Pajero ini.

Pemain off-road dalam negara juga tidak perlu putus asa, walaupun Mitsubishi tidak rasmi perkenalkan kuasa Pajero Baharu, tetapi saluran import selang masih wujud, sekurang-kurangnya saya dengar sekarang ada peniaga ada stok V97. Jika skala permintaan pasaran cukup besar, kelompok pelanggan boleh terima harga permulaan lebih 400,000, masa depan kita masih ada peluang melihat bayang lari Pajero Baharu di jalan dalam negara, cuma, ia tidak boleh kembali ke kegemilangan 20 tahun dahulu, kerana kini jualan bulanan Prado buatan negara hanya baru sampai 4 angka.

Dalam perancangan Mitsubishi, Pajero mungkin seperti Range Rover, Defender menjadi siri kereta sendiri, masa depan mungkin ada Pajero saiz sederhana gaya SUV, Pajero saiz kecil pintu dua elektrik penuh. Semoga di zaman dominasi tenaga baharu, peminat kereta dalam negara masih ada peluang bermain model "niche", dalam produk homogen cari keseronokan berbeza.

（Tamat）

A return seven years late.

On September 2, Mitsubishi Motors globally unveiled the fifth-generation Pajero. This is the "Mountain Cat" returning to the global stage after seven years following its discontinuation in the Japanese market in 2019. But this time, the Pajero faces a market that is no longer the same as before.

For hardcore off-road enthusiasts, the Pajero is a name carrying the legend of 12 Dakar championships. At its peak, annual global sales once exceeded 170,000 units, especially in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and Western China markets, where the Pajero was almost synonymous with "reliable, durable".

However, as the global SUV trend shifted from hardcore off-road to urban SUVs, Pajero sales continued to shrink. By 2018, its annual sales in Japan dropped to 600 units. In 2019, Mitsubishi had to announce the discontinuation of the Pajero in the Japanese market, retaining only limited production overseas.

And the reason for the Pajero's exit is solely one: sales volumes could no longer support the huge R&D investment for an independent platform. It is reported that the fourth-generation Pajero adopted a unibody with an integrated trapezoidal frame, having an independent development system and production line. This system operated well during the peak of 170,000 annual sales, but when sales dropped to the thousand-unit level that year, developing a Pajero independently was no longer economically viable.

But discontinuation is not the end of the story. In 2026, Mitsubishi found the answer to revival. According to multiple media reports, the new car is no longer developed from scratch but mounts an SUV body on the Triton platform, with parts and supply chains highly shared. The significant reduction in R&D costs gave a model originally economically unviable renewed commercial feasibility. However, it is worth noting that this platform solution brought the Pajero back from the fourth-generation semi-monocoque body to the traditional non-load-bearing (with ladder frame) hardcore route — off-road performance is harder, but highway handling and ride comfort are likely not as good as the previous generation. The balance between sentiment and practicality has tilted again.

Not only that, Mitsubishi's ambition lies in expanding the Pajero from a single model to a complete series: In 2028, launch a mid-size Pajero sharing parts with the Outlander; in 2030, launch a mini Pajero targeting K-Car class. Facing difficulties competing directly with Toyota and Honda in the mainstream passenger car market, Mitsubishi chose to establish its own brand position in the "hardcore off-road" niche segment. Mitsubishi Motors predicts that by the 2030 fiscal year, global off-road SUV demand will reach 6.6 million units, an 80% growth over 10 years.

However, imagination is beautiful, but reality is stark. The off-road market today has completely changed: in overseas markets, the Pajero no longer faces only old rivals like Toyota and Ford, but also a group of new players entering from China. According to data from CAAM, in the first half of 2026, China's automobile export volume reached 4.059 million units, a 63% surge year-on-year; in 2025, Chinese brands' market share in Thailand reached 22%, Japanese brands fell below 70% for the first time, and the Tank brand's share in Thailand's non-load-bearing SUV market soared to 53.2%; in Russia and the Middle East, the Tank brand is also expanding rapidly. These Chinese off-road vehicles not only have hardcore strength, but also new weapons of electrification and intelligence — in 2025, the market share of independent brands in China's hardcore off-road market exceeded 70%. In the same year the Pajero was revived, the lineup of opponents was already completely different.

And focusing on the domestic market, the situation is even more complex. According to public information, Mitsubishi's whole vehicle business in China was discontinued in 2023. The new Pajero is unlikely to be imported through official channels; the only entry point is parallel import, with an estimated price of over 400,000 yuan. At this price point, the Tank 500 Hi4-T and Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5 have already equipped air suspension, lidar, and cooling/heating fridges. Domestic users' expectations for off-road vehicles are no longer just "can climb mountains and cross rivers", but "capable in both city and wild".

Meanwhile, Mitsubishi executives have also admitted outright: competing on price with Chinese enterprises is not feasible. This also means that even if the Pajero enters China, it will not take the cost-performance route, but must exist as a niche, high-premium "sentiment" identity. The only question is, how many people are still willing to pay for "sentiment" nowadays?

Usable, but not cutting-edge; pragmatic, but lacks surprises.

The Pajero has returned, using the most mature and cheapest technical solution Mitsubishi has on hand, facing a battlefield that is more crowded and more complex than seven years ago. Today, the global off-road market is still growing, but the definition of growth is being rewritten by Chinese brands. The Pajero will face a new game with changed rules, and whether it can continue its former glory, the market will soon provide the answer.

Kembalian yang tertunda selama tujuh tahun.

2 September, Mitsubishi Motors melancarkan Pajero generasi kelima secara global. Ini adalah "Kucing Gunung" (Pajero) setelah dihentikan pengeluaran di pasaran domestik Jepun pada 2019, kembali ke pentas global selepas selang tujuh tahun. Namun kali ini, Pajero yang berdepan bukan lagi pasaran seperti dahulu.

Bagi peminat off-road teguh, Pajero adalah nama yang membawa legenda 12 kejuaraan Dakar. Pada puncak kejayaannya, jualan tahunan global pernah melebihi 170,000 unit, terutamanya di Asia Tenggara, Timur Tengah, Australia, dan pasaran Barat China, Pajero hampir sinonim dengan "berguna dan tahan lasak".

Namun, dengan peralihan arus SUV global dari off-road teguh ke SUV bandar, jualan Pajero terus menyusut. Pada 2018, jualan tahunannya di Jepun telah jatuh ke 600 unit. Pada 2019, Mitsubishi terpaksa mengumumkan penghentian pengeluaran Pajero di pasaran Jepun, hanya mengekalkan pengeluaran kecil untuk luar negara.

Sebab sebenar keurukan Pajero hanyalah satu: Jualan tidak dapat menampung kos penyelidikan dan pembangunan (R&D) platform yang besar. Menurut laporan, Pajero generasi keempat menggunakan sistem bodi integral dengan rangka tangga terbenam, mempunyai sistem pembangunan dan talian pengeluaran tersendiri. Sistem ini beroperasi dengan baik pada puncak jualan 170,000 unit, tetapi apabila jualan jatuh ke tahap seribu unit, pembangunan Pajero secara berasingan secara ekonomi tidak lagi boleh dibenarkan.

Namun penghentian pengeluaran bukan titik akhir cerita. Pada 2026, Mitsubishi mencari jawapan untuk kebangkitan semula. Menurut laporan pelbagai media, kereta baharu ini tidak dibangunkan dari sifar, sebaliknya menggunakan badan SUV yang dipasang di atas platform Triton, dengan komponen dan rantai bekalan berkongsi tinggi. Penurunan kos penyelidikan yang besar membolehkan model yang sebelumnya tidak layak secara ekonomi memperoleh semula kelayakan komersial. Namun, yang menarik, pilihan platform ini menarik Pajero dari bodi separuh-carrying generasi keempat, kembali ke jalur off-road teguh tradisional (dengan rangka besar) — lebih keras di off-road, tetapi pengendalian jalan raya dan keselesaan penumpang kemungkinan besar tidak akan setanding generasi sebelum ini, neraca antara sentimen dan kegunaan condong semula.

Tidak hanya itu, ambisi Mitsubishi juga terletak pada mengembangkan Pajero daripada model tunggal kepada siri lengkap: Pada 2028, mempromosikan Pajero saiz sederhana yang berkongsi komponen dengan Outlander; pada 2030, mempromosikan Pajero saiz kecil yang menandingi tahap K-Car. Dalam keadaan pasaran kenderaan penumpang utama sukar bersaing terus dengan Toyota dan Honda, Mitsubishi memilih untuk membina posisi jenamanya dalam bidang khusus "off-road teguh". Mitsubishi Motors meramalkan, pada tahun kewangan 2030, permintaan SUV off-road global akan mencapai 6.6 juta unit, meningkat lapan peratus dalam 10 tahun.

Akan tetapi, imaginasi adalah manis, realiti adalah pahit. Pasaran off-road sekarang sudah berubah: di pasaran luar negara, Pajero bukan lagi hanya berdepan dengan lawan lama seperti Toyota dan Ford, tetapi juga sekumpulan pemain baharu dari China. Menurut data Persatuan Industri Automotif China, pada separuh pertama 2026, jumlah eksport kenderaan China mencapai 4.059 juta unit, meningkat mendadak 63% pada masa yang sama; pada 2025, pangsa pasaran jenama China di Thailand telah mencapai 22%, Jepun首次 turun di bawah 70%, pasaran Pajero jenama Tank di pasaran SUV rangka terasing Thailand melonjak ke 53.2%; di Rusia dan Timur Tengah, jenama Tank juga berkembang dengan pesat. Kereta off-road China ini tidak hanya mempunyai kekuatan off-road teguh, tetapi juga senjata baharu dalam elektrifikasi dan kecerdasan — pada 2025, penguasaan pasaran off-road teguh oleh jenama tempatan di China telah melebihi 70%. Pada tahun kebangkitan semula Pajero, barisan lawan telah berubah sepenuhnya.

Sementara itu, tumpuan kepada pasaran domestik, keadaan lebih kompleks. Mengikut data awam, operasi kereta Mitsubishi di pasaran China telah dihentikan pada 2023, Pajero baharu kemungkinan besar tidak akan diimport melalui saluran rasmi, satu-satunya pintu masuk adalah import pararel, dianggarkan harga jualan melebihi 400,000 Yuan. Dalam paras harga ini, Tank 500 Hi4-T, Fang Cheng Bao Bao 5 telah melengkapi suspensi udara, LiDAR, peti sejuk suhu ganda, harapan pengguna China terhadap kereta off-road sudah bukan lagi "boleh naik gunung dan sungai", tetapi "boleh di bandar dan off-road".

Bersamaan itu, pengurusan tinggi Mitsubishi pernah secara terbuka berkata: Bersaing harga dengan perusahaan China adalah tidak boleh. Ini bermakna walaupun Pajero masuk ke China, ia tidak akan menempuh jalan kecekapan harga, hanya wujud sebagai identiti "sentimen" yang kecil dan premi harga tinggi. Hanya, berapa ramai lagi yang berazam membayar untuk "sentimen" pada masa ini?

Boleh digunakan, tetapi tidak termaju; pragmatik, tetapi kurang kejutan.

Pajero telah kembali, menggunakan rancangan teknologi yang paling matang dan termurah dalam tangan Mitsubishi, berdepan medan perang yang lebih padat dan kompleks berbanding tujuh tahun lalu. Kini, pasaran off-road global masih berkembang, tetapi hak menentukan pertumbuhan sedang ditulis semula oleh jenama China. Pajero berdepan dengan permainan baharu yang peraturannya telah berubah, dan sama ada ia boleh melangsungkan kejayaan lampau, pasaran juga akan segera memberikan jawapan.

More Stylish Exterior, More Tech Interior: New Mitsubishi Pajero Official Images Released, Is It Still a Hit for Off-Road Enthusiasts?

Whether in China or abroad, anyone in the "off-road circle" naturally knows the nickname "Mountain Cat". Even though Mitsubishi has exited the Chinese market and the model has been discontinued for 5 years, it is still often compared when discussing off-road vehicles. Just a few days ago, Mitsubishi officially released the official images of the new Pajero model. As its fifth-generation vehicle, the new car will be manufactured in Thailand and will gradually roll out to over 100 countries in regions like ASEAN and the Middle East next year.

Design-wise, there is basically no major connection with the "Mountain Cat" Pajero we knew before, although the new car continues the family's signature rugged style. At the front, the new car adopts a split headlight design with vertically oriented daytime running lights on either side of the bumper and a horizontal light bar matrix layout inside. A through-type LED light strip connects the headlight groups, giving the overall look a more fashionable feel, leaning towards new energy vehicles. The large central grille features a blackened honeycomb layout for a sportier appearance, while the dual raised contours on the hood add a muscular look.

The body design also changes the impression of the Pajero among Chinese consumers. The overall lines are richer and more youthful. The segmented body creases are agile yet powerful. The body trim, wheel arches, and mirror housings all use black finishes, and the A, B, C, and D pillars along with the roof are painted black. The contrasting body color is more fashionable, and the silver trim on the C-pillar adds depth to the new car.

The rear also features a new through-type light group design, with taillight shapes echoing the headlights. The new car cancels the external spare tire design common in previous fourth-generation models. Combined with the octagonal tailgate, complex lines, and spoiler design at the bumper, it lacks the wildness and steadiness of the old models, instead interpreting sportiness, fashion, and technology.

After seeing the exterior, let's look at the interior. Like the exterior, the new car's interior design has no connection with previous models. The dual-screen combination of a floating LCD instrument cluster and a large infotainment screen brings plenty of technology and intelligence to the cabin. Below the large screen are air conditioning buttons, while the central instrument panel features a physical gear selector and 4WD knob. According to official images, the interior uses extensive leather material wrapping, and the overall premium feel is significantly better than the old models.

In terms of dimensions, the new car measures 4920/1925/1910mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 2870mm. Compared to the old model's 4900/1875/1900mm dimensions and 2780mm wheelbase, the new car sees improvements across the board. More importantly, the new car does not adopt the external spare tire design, meaning the actual length increase is greater than the specs suggest. Inside, it uses a three-row seven-seat layout, although the third-row seats are more suitable for occasional emergency use based on the parameters.

Regarding power, the new car will be equipped with a 2.4T diesel engine, generating a maximum of 204 horsepower, mated to an 8AT transmission.

Final Thoughts:

Combining current information, the new car's profile is clear, and its product positioning and trends are aimed at accommodating both "off-roading and family" needs. The new design is more fashionable and tech-focused, but it lacks the steadiness of before. It remains to be seen if everyone will still accept it.

Luaran lebih moden, dalaman lebih berteknologi: Imej Rasmi Mitsubishi Pajero Baharu Dilancarkan, Adakah Ia Masih Pilihan Ramai Peminat Off-Road?

Sama ada di dalam negara mahupun di luar negara, sesiapa yang berada dalam "komuniti off-road", nama "Kucing Gunung" semestinya diketahui, walaupun kini Mitsubishi telah meninggalkan pasaran China, walaupun ia telah berhenti pengeluaran selama 5 tahun, namun kini apabila menyebut kenderaan off-road, akan tetap secara tidak sengaja membawanya untuk dibandingkan. Dan hanya beberapa hari lalu, jenama Mitsubishi secara rasmi melancarkan imej rasmi model Pajero baharu, sebagai model generasi kelima, kenderaan baharu akan dihasilkan di Thailand, secara beransur-ansur merangkumi lebih 100 negara seperti ASEAN, Timur Tengah pada tahun depan.

Dari segi reka bentuk boleh dikatakan tiada terlalu banyak kaitan dengan "Kucing Gunung" Pajero yang kita fahami sebelum ini, namun kenderaan baharu masih meneruskan jalan keras yang dipegang oleh keluarga. Di bahagian hadapan, kenderaan baharu menggunakan reka bentuk kumpulan lampu yang berbeza sepenuhnya, bingkai di kedua-dua sisi direka dengan lampu harian menegak, dan dalaman menggunakan susun atur matriks jalur lampu mendatar; antara kumpulan lampu dilengkapi dengan jalur LED menyeluruh, secara keseluruhan nampak lebih moden, dan juga lebih cenderung kepada rasa kenderaan tenaga baru; Gril sedutan saiz besar di bahagian tengah menggunakan susun atur sarang lebah hitam, lebih menunjukkan sifat sukan, pada masa yang sama bentuk dua cembung di atas penutup enjin nampak lebih berotot.

Dari segi badan juga mengubah semula gambaran Pajero dalam hati masyarakat tempatan kita sebelum ini, garisan keseluruhan kenderaan akan lebih kaya, lebih muda; garisan lekuk badan yang berselang-seli cukup lincah, pada masa yang sama tidak kehilangan kekuatan, plat hiasan badan, pelekat roda serta cangkerang cermin sisi menggunakan warna hitam, pada masa yang sama tiang ABCD badan serta atap juga menggunakan cat hitam, badan warna kontras lebih moden, dan sokongan plat perak di tiang C, maka kenderaan baharu menambah beberapa tingkat.

Bahagian belakang juga menggunakan sepenuhnya reka bentuk kumpulan lampu menyeluruh, bentuk lampu belakang membentuk resonan dengan kumpulan lampu hadapan, dan kenderaan baharu membatalkan reka bentuk ban cadangan gantung luar yang dipasang pada model generasi keempat sebelum ini, bak muatan bersudut lapan disesuaikan dengan garis yang relatif kompleks serta reka bentuk spoiler di bahagian bingkai, memang tidak ada kegagahan dan ketenangan model lama itu, lebih banyak merupakan interpretasi sukan, fesyen serta rasa teknologi.

Lepas lihat luar, mari lihat dalaman sekali lagi, sama seperti luaran, reka bentuk dalaman kenderaan baharu boleh dikatakan tiada sebarang kaitan dengan model lama, paparan digital terapung + skrin pusat besar yang membentuk skrin ganda, membawa cukup rasa teknologi serta prestasi pintar ke dalam kenderaan, di bawah skrin besar dilengkapi dengan butang pengudaraan, kawasan papan pemuka tengah dirancang dengan tuas gear fizikal serta butang kuasa empat roda; pada masa yang sama menurut imej rasmi kelihatan, dalaman kenderaan baharu menggunakan skala besar bahan kulit dibalut, keseluruhan rasa tinggi ketara jelas lebih baik daripada model lama.

Dari segi saiz, panjang, lebar dan tinggi kenderaan baharu masing-masing 4920/1925/1910mm, jejari paksi 2870mm; berbanding model lama 4900/1875/1900mm, jejari paksi 2780mm, saiz keseluruhan kenderaan baharu semuanya telah menyaksikan peningkatan, yang lebih utama, kenderaan baharu tidak menggunakan reka bentuk ban cadangan gantung luar, ini juga bermaksud peningkatan saiz sebenar dari segi panjang kenderaan akan lebih baik daripada parameter; pada masa yang sama dalaman menggunakan susun atur tujuh tempat duduk tiga baris, namun mengikut parameter, tempat duduk baris ketiga jelas lebih sesuai untuk kegunaan kecemasan.

Dari segi kuasa, kenderaan baharu akan memuatkan enjin diesel 2.4T, kuasa maksimum 204 hp, dipasangkan transmisi 8AT.

Penutup:

Berdasarkan maklumat semasa, siluet kenderaan baharu memang jelas, penentuan produk serta kecenderapan, jelas masih berarah ke arah satu kenderaan memuatkan "off-road dan keluarga", reka bentuk yang lebih baru lebih moden, teknologi, namun tiada rasa tenang sebelum ini, tidak tahu adakah anda semua masih boleh menerimanya?

The Mitsubishi Pajero, once dominant in the off-road community, has officially returned after five years of production halt. The fifth-generation model takes up the flagship SUV flag for Mitsubishi once again, not only adopting a traditional body-on-frame ladder chassis structure but also featuring the Super Select 4WD-II four-wheel drive system, a 2.4-liter diesel engine, and a three-row seven-seater layout. The name that once accompanied countless off-road enthusiasts traversing the wilderness now returns in a brand new form. The new vehicle will be produced in Thailand, while models previously produced at the same Thailand factory also include the Mitsubishi L200/Triton pickup.

After four generations of development, the previous generation model was officially discontinued in 2021. In the Japanese market, Pajero production ended even earlier, in 2019. Since its first launch in 1982, the Pajero has accumulated production of over 3.29 million units, and this model was once sold in more than 170 countries and regions worldwide. In the 1990s, the Pajero was one of the important representative models in the off-road vehicle field. Meanwhile, the Pajero has also left a significant mark in motorsports: Mitsubishi began participating in the Dakar Rally in 1983 and eventually won the championship 12 times, including the glorious feat of winning 7 consecutive titles.

The design of the all-new Pajero clearly references the historical heritage of this series. The body adopts a square and upright design style, making the whole vehicle appear heavier and more powerful. Mitsubishi has also incorporated some historically significant design details. For example, the striking C-pillar design is reportedly intended to pay homage to the roll cage elements on the open-top first-generation Pajero models.

The hexagonal shape of the tailgate symbolizes the spare tire mounted on the exterior of the rear end in the past. However, the new model will no longer continue to mount a spare tire on the tailgate.

In terms of interior, Mitsubishi adopted a wide, horizontally laid-out dashboard design; the high-spec model consists of two 14.3-inch screens, while the entry-level version uses a 12.3-inch display.

The digital dashboard draws upon the classic triple-gauge layout of past Pajero models, while adding more modern information displays, including: altitude, compass direction, outside temperature, vehicle climb angle, and vehicle lateral tilt angle.

The all-new Pajero offers three rows of seats, accommodating up to 7 passengers in total. The second-row seats support forward and backward sliding within a 150 mm range, which not only facilitates passengers entering the third row but also allows flexible adjustment of the interior space according to actual needs. For third-row passengers, Mitsubishi has further increased headroom and legroom.

From a technical perspective, the new generation Pajero has undergone significant upgrades compared to previous models. The fifth-generation model reintroduces a high-strength ladder chassis structure; by using special steel and increasing the chassis structure cross-sectional area, the overall torsional and bending rigidity of the body has been improved.

Regarding suspension, the new car's front suspension uses a double-wishbone independent setup, while the rear suspension features a solid axle connected via a five-link structure and is equipped with coil springs. This design provides larger suspension travel and achieves superior wheel traction and vehicle cross-axle capability in complex off-road environments.

In terms of powertrain, the all-new Pajero is equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder diesel engine, adopting variable geometry turbocharging technology, with the engine capable of outputting a maximum torque of 480 N·m. Currently, Mitsubishi has not yet announced specific power parameters. As a reference, the same diesel engine has a maximum power output of 204 hp in the Mitsubishi L200 pickup model. Regarding the transmission system, the new car matches a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission and offers a sport mode.

In terms of off-road capability, Mitsubishi equips the new Pajero with a further upgraded Super Select 4WD-II super-select four-wheel-drive system, offering four drive modes, and also features the S-AWC Super All-Wheel Control system, which integrates multiple technologies such as Active Yaw Control, Traction Control System, Vehicle Stability Control, and ABS Anti-lock Braking System. Among them, the Active Yaw Control system enhances vehicle stability in different driving environments by precisely controlling brake intervention and adjusting power distribution between the left and right wheels of the front axle.

For different road conditions, the new Pajero offers seven driving modes, which adjust the vehicle's powertrain and stability control system strategies accordingly based on different terrain environments. Meanwhile, another feature of the all-new Pajero is the 3D Multi-Angle Monitor System, which collects images through four cameras and combines them with a 3D vehicle model to achieve a panoramic display of the vehicle's surrounding environment.

Additionally, the vehicle also offers a front chassis transparency function. When the driver selects the 4HLc or 4LLc mode, this function automatically activates, displaying images of the area below the front bumper and ahead of the vehicle; this view helps the driver observe obstacles that cannot be directly seen from the driving position.

It is reported that the all-new Pajero will first be produced in Thailand and is planned to launch in the local market in fiscal year 2026. Subsequently, this model will enter the Japanese and Australian markets. Starting from fiscal year 2027, Mitsubishi plans to gradually promote the new Pajero to approximately 100 countries and regions. In some markets where Pajero was previously sold under different names, the new model will also reinstate the name "Montero", although official pricing information has not yet been released.

Mitsubishi Pajero yang pernah mendominasi dunia off-road kembali secara rasmi setelah dihentikan produksinya selama lima tahun. Model generasi kelima mengangkat semula bendera Mitsubishi SUV flagship, tidak hanya menggunakan struktur kerangka tangga tanpa beban tradisional, tetapi juga dilengkapi sistem 4WD Super Select 4WD-II, enjin diesel 2.4 liter dan susun atur tiga baris tujuh tempat duduk. Nama yang pernah mendampingi ramai peminat off-road di alam liar kini muncul semula dengan penampilan yang sepenuhnya baru. Kereta baru akan dihasilkan di Thailand, dan model yang sebelumnya dihasilkan di kilang Thailand yang sama termasuk pikap Mitsubishi L200/Triton.

Model generasi sebelum ini setelah melalui perkembangan empat generasi model secara rasmi dihentikan produksinya pada tahun 2021. Dan di pasaran Jepun, pengeluaran Pajero lebih awal lagi berakhir pada tahun 2019. Sejak pertama kali diperkenalkan pada tahun 1982, jumlah pengeluaran terkumpul Pajero melebihi 3.29 juta unit, model ini pernah dijual di lebih daripada 170 negara dan wilayah di seluruh dunia. Pada tahun 1990-an, Pajero merupakan salah satu model perwakilan penting dalam bidang kenderaan off-road. Sementara itu, Pajero juga meninggalkan jejak yang mendalam dalam sukan perlumbaan: Mitsubishi mula menyertai Rali Dakar pada tahun 1983 dan akhirnya meraih kejuaraan keseluruhan sebanyak 12 kali, termasuk pencapaian cemerlang menjuarai secara berturut-turut selama 7 kali.

Rekaan Pajero baharu jelas merujuk kepada warisan sejarah siri kenderaan ini. Badan kenderaan menggunakan gaya rekaan yang bersudut dan tegak lurus, menjadikan keseluruhan kenderaan kelihatan lebih berat dan mempunyai rasa kekuatan yang lebih kuat. Mitsubishi juga menggabungkan beberapa reka bentuk sejarah yang bermakna. Contohnya, reka bentuk tiang C yang menonjol, dikatakan bertujuan untuk menghormati elemen bingkai penggulung pada model Pajero terbuka generasi pertama.

Dan pintu belakang menggunakan bentuk heksagon melambangkan tayar simpanan eksternal yang dipasang di bahagian belakang kenderaan pada masa lalu. Namun, model baharu tidak akan terus menggunakan tayar simpanan eksternal pada pintu belakang.

Dari segi dalaman, Mitsubishi menggunakan reka bentuk dashboard yang lebar dan susun atur mendatar, model tahap tinggi terdiri daripada dua skrin bersaiz 14.3 inci, manakala model peringkat permulaan menggunakan paparan skrin 12.3 inci.

Panel meter digital mengamalkan susun atur panel meter tiga unit klasik Pajero pada masa lalu, sambil menambah lebih banyak maklumat paparan moden, termasuk: ketinggian dari paras laut, arah kompas, suhu luaran, sudut pendakian kenderaan, sudut condongan sisi kenderaan.

Pajero baharu menawarkan tiga baris tempat duduk, boleh menampung kesemuanya 7 penumpang. Kursi baris kedua menyokong gelincir hadapan dan belakang dalam julat 150 milimeter, ini bukan sahaja memudahkan penumpang masuk ke baris ketiga, juga boleh menyesuaikan ruang dalaman kenderaan secara fleksibel mengikut keperluan sebenar. Bagi penumpang baris ketiga, Mitsubishi telah menambah ruang kepala dan ruang kaki.

Dari sudut teknologi, Pajero generasi baharu berbanding model sebelum ini telah mengalami pengisian yang ketara. Model generasi kelima menggunakan semula struktur kerangka tangga berketegasan tinggi, dengan menggunakan keluli khas serta meningkatkan saiz keratan rentas struktur kerangka, kekakuan puntiran keseluruhan dan kekakuan lentur badan kenderaan telah ditingkatkan.

Dari segi suspensi, suspensi hadapan kereta baharu menggunakan suspensi bebas double wishbone, suspensi belakang menggunakan gandar penuh yang disambungkan dengan struktur lima link dan dilengkapi dengan spring spiral. Reka bentuk ini dapat memberikan laluan suspensi yang lebih besar dan mencapai keupayaan terekat pada tanah serta keupayaan menyeberangi gandar silang yang lebih cemerlang dalam persekitaran off-road yang kompleks.

Dari segi sistem kuasa, Pajero baharu dilengkapi dengan satu enjin diesel empat silinder 2.4 liter dan menggunakan teknologi penambah tekanan geometri boleh ubah, enjin maksimum boleh output 480 Newton-meter tork puncak. Semasa ini Mitsubishi belum mengumumkan parameter kuasa yang spesifik. Sebagai rujukan, enjin diesel yang sama pada model pikap Mitsubishi L200 mempunyai kuasa maksimum 204 kuasa kuda. Dari segi sistem transmisi, kereta baharu menyepadukan sebuah transmisi automatik 8 kelajuan yang dibangunkan sepenuhnya baharu dan menyediakan mod sukan.

Dari segi keupayaan off-road, Mitsubishi telah melengkapkan Pajero baharu dengan sistem 4WD pilihan super Super Select 4WD-II yang telah dinaik taraf lagi, menyediakan empat mod pemacu dan dilengkapi dengan sistem kawalan roda empat super S-AWC, sistem ini menggabungkan: kawalan yaw aktif, sistem kawalan cengkaman, sistem kawalan kestabilan kenderaan, serta sistem brek anti-kunci ABS dan teknologi lain. Diantaranya, sistem kawalan yaw aktif melalui kawalan tepat masuk brek, mengatur pembahagian kuasa antara roda kiri dan kanan gandar hadapan, dengan itu meningkatkan kestabilan kenderaan dalam persekitaran memandu yang berbeza.

Dan untuk situasi jalan raya yang berbeza, Pajero baharu menyediakan tujuh mod memandu, mod memandu ini akan melakukan penyesuaian yang sewajarnya terhadap strategi sistem kuasa dan sistem kawalan kestabilan kenderaan mengikut persekitaran tanah yang berbeza. Sementara itu, satu lagi ciri khas Pajero baharu adalah sistem pantauan 3D pelbagai sudut, sistem ini mengumpul gambar melalui empat kamera dan digabungkan dengan model kenderaan tiga dimensi, mewujudkan paparan panoramik sekitar kenderaan.

Selain itu, kenderaan juga menyediakan fungsi penglihatan terowong lantai hadapan. Apabila pemandu memilih mod 4HLc atau 4LLc, fungsi ini akan dibuka secara automatik dan memaparkan imej di bawah bemper hadapan kenderaan serta kawasan di hadapan, sudut pandangan ini dapat membantu pemandu melihat kawasan halangan yang tidak dapat dilihat secara langsung dari posisi memandu.

Diketahui, Pajero baharu akan dihasilkan di Thailand terlebih dahulu dan dijadualkan dilancarkan di pasaran tempatan pada tahun kewangan 2026. Seterusnya, model ini akan memasuki pasaran Jepun dan Australia. Memulakan dari tahun kewangan 2027, Mitsubishi merancang secara beransur-ansur untuk mengiklankan Pajero baharu ke kira-kira 100 negara dan wilayah. Dan di beberapa pasaran yang sebelum ini menjual Pajero dengan nama yang berbeza, model baharu akan menggunakan semula nama "Montero" ini, semasa ini maklumat harga rasmi belum diumumkan.

"Pajero" is the Spanish name for the Pampas cat in South America, and this is also the name of Mitsubishi's legendary off-road vehicle "Mountain Cat" Pajero.

This naming implies that the Pajero will have strong adaptability and wildness like this alpine feline animal. And just recently, the Mitsubishi Pajero officially welcomed its revival.

First, good news, the fifth-generation Pajero has returned to body-on-frame construction.

Friends familiar with the Mitsubishi Pajero series should know that starting from the third-generation model, Pajero used a semi-unibody construction with an integrated ladder frame focused on comfort.

But in fact, this is actually a unibody structure. The benefit of this is that the road driving quality of the vehicle can be improved. However, this also puts the Pajero in an awkward position in the hearts of off-road players.

On one hand, the "ladder frame" representing hardcore off-roading is gone, and on the other hand, the mechanical Super Select 4WD has become electronic Super Select 4WD, sounding less hardcore. So even though its off-road ability is obvious, the Pajero's status in the market never matched some competitors of the same period.

And twenty years have passed since the launch of the fourth-generation Pajero, after the fourth-generation Pajero officially stopped production several years ago, everyone once thought this car would leave quietly.

You know when it launched in 2006, many Chinese domestic car brands hadn't even been born yet. Even if everyone didn't like "fast cars", the update speed like Pajero was too slow......

So after returning to the body-on-frame structure, don't be too happy Pajero fans, because the new generation Pajero doesn't have much to do with the previous generations.

The car's platform actually comes from the Mitsubishi Triton pickup, that is, Mitsubishi L200, this instead makes its bloodline closer to the Pajero Sport.

When the news about Pajero revival first came out two years ago, there was news saying it might share the same platform with Infiniti QX80, now it seems they overestimated Mitsubishi.

Luckily in terms of design, Mitsubishi still has a good foundation.

The fifth-generation Pajero is positioned as a mid-to-large SUV,the overall length, width and height dimensions are 4920/1925/1910mm, and the wheelbase is 2870mm. Looking from the outside, the whole car feels substantial, still having the style of a tough guy and muscles.

The new Pajero's front face design inspiration comes from Japanese Kendo, will provide horizontal slat and blacked-out honeycomb two grille styles. And the upright and rugged body lines combined with powerful wheel arch shapes, also give the vehicle good visual tension.

The rear part is also a design full of layers, Mitsubishi used simple lines to outline a hard enough tail shape, front and back corresponding "T-shaped" headlights not only have good technology feel, but also have some retro style.

And some classic elements on the Pajero are also preserved on the new generation models. For example, the C-pillar shape pays tribute to the first generation's roll bar, and the hexagonal rear design reinterprets the spare tire on the back of the Pajero generations.

Entering the cabin, Mitsubishi changed the previous "minimalist style", with a big swing gave the new generation Pajero a linked screen design, the three-circle instrument is reinterpreted as Multi Meter multi-function display.

A large amount of leather material inside the car and stitching soft covering, also give this Mitsubishi current flagship SUV added a lot of luxury feel. And those thick handles in the car, are still telling this model is a hardcore off-road vehicle, in off-road crossing they can play an important role.

Since as a flagship SUV, then this car's space probably won't be disappointing. The new Pajero adopts three-row seven-seat layout, second-row seats have 150mm sliding travel and support folding, third-row passengers can also insert feet below the second-row seats.

At the same time front row and second-row seats are equipped with seat ventilation function, although compared to domestic brand "8 series", "9 series", Pajero in space and configuration there may not be advantages, but in the overseas market it still has competitiveness.

Of course, I believe everyone will be more concerned about its driving performance. The new car's frame is based on the current Triton, the front section and front floor share with Triton, the rest parts are re-designed and adjusted for Pajero.

So this car is not completely a pickup shell, in driving quality aspect expected to still continue the previous performance. Chassis structure aspect, the new Pajero uses front double-wishbone independent suspension, matching rear five-link solid axle non-independent suspension + coil spring design.

Compared to third, fourth generation four-wheel independent suspension, this structure is more suitable for bearing off-road torsion, impact and long-term heavy load, also easier to obtain larger suspension travel.

230mm ground clearance, 30.4 degree approach angle, 25.8 degree departure angle and 22.6 degree traverse angle, gives it good passability.

In terms of power, the new car will be equipped with 2.4T turbocharged diesel four-cylinder engine, matching 8-speed automatic transmission. The whole power system'smaximum power is 204Ps, maximum torque 480N·m.

As for Mitsubishi's home skill second-generation Super Select 4WD, that is Super Select 4WD-II four-wheel drive system of course will not be absent. In addition to providing 2H, 4H, 4HLc and 4LLc four modes, S-AWC vehicle dynamic control system also has seven driving modes to choose from.

No doubt, the new generation Pajero will be a good hand at hardcore off-roading.

It is understood, the new generation Pajero will take production base "Thailand" as the starting point, sequentially launch Japan, Australia market; and gradually promote to ASEAN, South and Central America and Middle East and other global about 100 countries and regions.

Will it enter the Chinese market? I think the probability is that it won't.

Admittedly compared to the fourth-generation model, the new generation Pajero, whether in hardcore degree or overall design sense, has had qualitative changes. But the fourth-generation model is after all a model that has been discontinued for several years, itself competitiveness is not that strong.

Now in China market among competitive, cost-effective products really too many. Many hardcore models in "motor" and "battery" support, off-road ability improved several grades, daily car use is also relatively more convenient.

New generation Pajero in China market competitiveness, really not strong.

Although I think official probability won't import,but parallel import car dealers perhaps will bring it into China market. Like previously "Tianjin Port" parallel import Middle East version Pajero, later inventory bare car price even reached 25-300,000 yuan around.

If parallel import merchants import the new generation model, then front period price might be relatively high,but after stabilizing expected price is still around 300,000-350,000 yuan.

Believe those have nostalgia for Pajero, and at same time themselves have ability big brothers, definitely will grab first hand the fifth-generation Pajero. So if this car really sells for 300,000+ like before, you think worth choosing?

(The above content represents personal opinion only)

"Pajero" adalah sebutan dalam Bahasa Sepanyol untuk Kucing Pampas Amerika Selatan, sekali gus ini adalah nama kereta laluan semua yang legendaris di bawah Mitsubishi "Kucing Gunung" Pajero.

Penamaan ini bermaksud kereta Pajero ini akan seperti Kucing Gunung ini, mempunyai daya tahan dan keliaran yang kuat. Dan baru-baru ini, Mitsubishi Pajero secara rasmi menyambut kebangkitan.

Pertama beritahu berita baik, generasi kelima Pajero kembali ke badan rangka berasingan.

Rakan yang biasa dengan siri Mitsubishi Pajero patut tahu, sejak dari model generasi ketiga Pajero telah menggunakan badan separa-bawaan dengan penekanan keselesaan yang terbenam.

Sebenarnya ini adalah struktur badan unibody, faedah cara ini adalah kualiti pemanduan jalan raya kenderaan dapat dinaikkan. Hanya ini juga membuatkan Pajero ini, dalam hati peminat off-road berada di posisi agak canggung.

Di satu pihak bermaksud "bingkai" keras tidak ada, di pihak lain Super Select 4WD mekanikal berubah jadi Super Select 4WD elektronik, terdengar tidak begitu "keras". Jadi walaupun keupayaan off-road jelas, kedudukan Pajero di pasaran tetap tidak setanding dengan sesetengah pesaing sezamannya.

Dan sejak pelancaran Pajero generasi keempat, sudah berlalu dua puluh tahun, beberapa tahun lalu setelah Pajero generasi keempat secara rasmi berhenti pengeluaran, ramai berpendapat kereta ini akan pergi dengan tenang.

Perlu diketahui pada masa ia dilancarkan pada tahun 2006, banyak syarikat kereta jenama China bahkan belum lahir. Walaupun ramai tidak suka "kereta kilang", seperti Pajero ini kelajuan kemas kini agak terlalu perlahan...

Jadi selepas kembali ke struktur badan rangka berasingan, peminat Pajero jangan gembira terlalu awal, kerana Pajero generasi baru, hubungan dengan model generasi sebelumnya tidak terlalu besar.

Platform kereta baru sebenarnya datang dari Mitsubishi Triton Pick-up, iaitu Mitsubishi L200, ini sebaliknya membuatkan ia lebih dekat dengan garis keturunan Pajero Sport.

Dua tahun lalu apabila khabar Pajero kebangkitan keluar, ada khabar ia mungkin menggunakan platform yang sama dengan Infiniti QX80, kini nampaknya Mitsubishi terlalu dihargai.

Syukurlah dalam bidang rekaan, Mitsubishi masih mempunyai asas yang baik.

Pajero generasi kelima diposisikan sebagai SUV saiz pertengahan besar,panjang, lebar, tinggi masing-masing 4920/1925/1910mm, jarak gandar pula 2870mm. Dari luar, keseluruhan kereta nampak berat, masih ada gaya kuat, berotot.

Rekaan muka hadapan Pajero baru ilham daripada Kendo Jepun, akan menyediakan dua jenis gril iaitu bar mendatar dan sarang lebah hitam. Garisan badan yang tegak dan keras dipadukan dengan lengkungan roda yang kuat, membuatkan kenderaan mempunyai ketegangan visual yang baik.

Bahagian belakang kereta juga rekaan berlapis, Mitsubishi menggunakan garisan mudah untuk melukis bentuk belakang yang cukup keras, lampu "T" depan belakang yang sepadan tidak sahaja mempunyai gaya teknologi yang baik, juga ada gaya retro.

Beberapa elemen klasik Pajero juga kekal pada model generasi baru. Contohnya rekaan Pillar C menghormati "Rangka Guling" model pertama, dan rekaan belakang heksagon mengulangi semula "Ban Simpanan Eksternal" Pajero历代.

Masuk ke dalam kenderaan, Mitsubishi ubah "gaya mudah" sebelumnya, besar guna untuk Pajero generasi baru menggunakan rekaan skrin bersepadu, tiga jam bundar diinterpretasikan semula sebagai Paparan Multifungsi Multi Meter.

Banyak penggunaan kulit di dalam kenderaan dan pembungkusan lembut jahitan, menambah keseriusan pada SUV kelas unggulan Mitsubishi ini. Pegangan kasar di dalam kenderaan, masih menceritakan model ini adalah kereta off-road keras, semasa meneroka off-road ia memainkan peranan penting.

Sebagai SUV kelas unggulan, ruang kereta ini kemungkinan besar tidak mengecewakan. Pajero baru menggunakan susun atur tujuh tempat duduk tiga baris, kerusi baris kedua mempunyai 150mm perjalanan selari dan menyokong lipat, penumpang baris ketiga boleh masukkan kaki di bawah kerusi baris kedua.

Kerusi baris pertama dan kedua dilengkapi fungsi pengudaraan, walaupun berbanding jenama tempatan "Siri 8", "Siri 9", Pajero dalam ruang dan konfigurasi mungkin tiada kelebihan, tetapi di pasaran luar negara ia masih kompetitif.

Tentu, saya percaya ramai akan lebih perhatikan prestasi memandunya. Rangka kereta baru berdasarkan Triton semasa, bahagian depan dan lantai depan berkongsi dengan Triton, baki bahagian direka dan diselaraskan untuk Pajero.

Jadi kereta ini bukan sepenuhnya model kerang pick-up, dalam kualiti memandu dijangka masih teruskan prestasi sebelum ini. Struktur baki, Pajero baru menggunakan suspensi depan berkemudi berganda bebas, dipadukan dengan suspensi belakang gandar padat lima batang non-independent + rekaan spring heliks.

Dibanding suspensi empat roda bebas generasi ketiga dan keempat, struktur ini lebih sesuai menahan putaran, hentakan dan beban berat lama semasa off-road, juga lebih mudah mendapatkan perjalanan suspensi besar.

Ketinggian tanah 230mm, sudut dekat 30.4, sudut keluar 25.8 dan sudut melintasi 22.6, membolehkannya mempunyai keupayaan melintasi yang baik.

Dari segi kuasa, kereta baru akan dilengkapi enjin diesel empat silin turbo 2.4T, sepadan transmisi automatik 8 kelajuan. Sistem kuasa keseluruhan,kuasa maksimum 204Ps, tork maksimum 480N·m.

Tentang Super Select 4WD-II sistem empat roda pilihan kedua Mitsubishi tentu tidak absen. Selain menyediakan empat mod 2H, 4H, 4HLc dan 4LLc, sistem kawalan dinamik kenderaan S-AWC juga mempunyai tujuh mod memandu untuk dipilih.

Tiada keraguan, Pajero generasi baru akan menjadi pakar off-road keras.

Menurut maklumat, Pajero generasi baru akan bermula dari tapak pengeluaran "Thailand", secara bergilir-gilir melancarkan ke pasaran Jepun, Australia; dan secara beransur-ansur dikemaskini ke ASEAN, Amerika Tengah dan Selatan, Timur Tengah dan kira-kira 100 negara di seluruh dunia.

Adakah ia akan memasuki pasaran China? Saya rasa kemungkinan besar tidak.

Memang Pajero generasi baru berbanding model keempat, sama ada tahap keras atau rekaan keseluruhan, ada perubahan kualiti. Tetapi model keempat pada asalnya adalah model yang berhenti beberapa tahun, kekuatan daya saing tidak kuat.

Masa ini pasaran China mempunyai produk kompetitif dan bernilai benar-benar terlalu banyak. Banyak model keras di bawah sokongan "motor" dan "bateri", keupayaan off-road meningkat beberapa peringkat, penggunaan harian juga lebih mudah.

Daya saing Pajero generasi baru di pasaran China, benar-benar tidak terlalu kuat.

Walaupun saya fikir rasmi kemungkinan besar tidak akan masukkan,tapi pemborong import seberang mungkin akan membawanya ke pasaran China. Seperti sebelum ini "Pelabuhan Tianjin" import seberang Pajero Timur Tengah, harga akhir stok kosong sehingga 250,000-300,000 sekitar.

Jika pemborong import memasukkan model generasi baru, maka harga jualan awal mungkin agak tinggi,tetapi setelah stabil dijangka harga masih sekitar 300,000-350,000.

Yakin ramai yang memiliki rasa cinta kepada Pajero, dan mempunyai kekuatan sendiri, pasti akan mendapatkan Pajero generasi kelima di saat pertama. Jika kereta ini benar-benar dijual 300,000 lebih seperti dulu, anda rasa berbalik memilihnya?

(Kandungan di atas hanya menunjukkan pandangan peribadi)

In 2021, the last Pajero quietly rolled off the line at the Gifu factory in Japan. At that time, almost everyone thought the era belonging to the Pajero had come to an end. This lone mountain cat from the South American wilderness now only lives in memories and the second-hand market. However, today, Mitsubishi Motors officially unveiled the all-new Pajero, a generation legend, to the world in Tokyo. With a full 20 years of accumulation, it returns in a high-profile manner.

This is the fifth-generation Pajero. The new car is manufactured at Mitsubishi Motors' Thailand production base and will debut in the Thai market first. In fiscal year 2026, it will be launched in Japan and Australia. Starting from fiscal year 2027, it is planned to go on sale in approximately 100 countries globally, covering ASEAN, Latin America, Middle East, and other markets.

Regarding power, the new Pajero is equipped with a 2.4-liter turbocharged diesel engine, matched with an 8AT transmission. Maximum power is 204 hp, maximum torque is 480 Nm. The new car features Mitsubishi Selectric 4WD-II (SS4-II) and S-AWC Super All-Wheel Control integrated dynamic control system. It offers four modes: 2H rear-wheel drive, 4H full-time four-wheel drive, 4HLc locking center differential, and 4LLc low-range four-wheel drive lock.

The new car reintroduces a ladder-frame body-on-frame chassis (the previous generation Pajero used a unibody). The suspension configuration features front double-wishbone independent suspension, paired with a newly developed rear five-link solid axle structure. Mitsubishi proposed a unique development indicator: "Off-Road Comfort". It does not just require the vehicle to pass complex obstacles, but also reduces bumps from bad roads, optimizes the body vibration isolation structure, filters excess vibrations, and achieves a two-way balance between off-road capability and on-road driving quality.

Regarding appearance, the fifth-generation Pajero is built based on the "Grand Charisma" design concept. The entire vehicle uses powerful horizontal lines. The upright and substantial body posture continues the classic design genes. The flared and raised wheel arches intuitively highlight the performance orientation. The sculptural body surfaces give the whole vehicle a strong visual presence. The full-LED lights at the front adopt a new generation T-shaped design.

The overall length is 4920 mm, width 1925 mm, height 1910 mm, and wheelbase is 2870 mm. The entire side focuses on a box-style shape, with approach angle 30.4°, ramp breakover angle 22.6°, departure angle 25.8°. The rear end cancels the external spare tire, switching to a liftback tailgate, while also selecting a through-light group design.

The interior continues the first-generation iconic horizontal dashboard layout, balancing functionality with luxurious texture. The dual-screen UI design replicates many classic Pajero elements. The former three-dial mechanical instrument cluster has evolved into a modernized multi-functional Multi-Meter display, which can show altitude, heading, body pitch and roll angles, and 4WD system status in real-time. Key information during off-road travel is at a glance. The dashboard and door panels are covered with large-area soft materials. Stitching draws on traditional Japanese craftsmanship, textures are layered, bringing the premium feel that a flagship should have down to every detail touchable by fingertips.

Cabin quietness is the focus of improvement for this generation. Except for the windshield, front and rear doors all use acoustic glass. Noise-reducing materials are arranged at multiple points on the body to suppress wind noise and engine noise. It is equipped with a 12-speaker Yamaha co-developed audio system inside.

In terms of space, the fifth-generation Pajero adopts a three-row seven-seat layout, equipped with a seat ventilation system for natural heat dissipation of the seats as a whole, and also features three-zone automatic air conditioning and independent temperature adjustment.

In terms of safety, the new car is equipped with active safety configurations such as collision warning, emergency lane assist, cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, the new car provides 8 airbags.

In the current market, off-road vehicles are constantly competing on refrigerators, TVs, and spacious sofas. The inclusion of motors further strengthens the performance of off-road models, yet gradually dilutes the most fundamental ability of "conquering roads". Adhering to the pure mechanics of "traditional methods", the all-new Pajero provides the answer for old-school off-road players: A truly excellent flagship off-road SUV should be able to commute safely on city roads and take the family out comfortably; and when needed, rush to unpaved remote destinations.

Regrettably, based on Mitsubishi's current product launch plans, this highly-anticipated hard-core flagship is temporarily unavailable in the domestic market, and domestic consumers currently have no way to experience this new Pajero through official channels. But this does not mean we lack quality hard-core choices. In recent years, local independent brands have risen rapidly in the hard-core off-road track, and a batch of powerful domestic hard-core off-road vehicles has emerged constantly. They also possess body-on-frame chassis, powerful 4WD capabilities, balancing home comfort and cross-country strength. They understand domestic consumers' yearning for outdoor exploration, and fully adapt to local road conditions and usage scenarios, providing a high-standard localized solution for off-road enthusiasts. However, for older generations of domestic consumers and users, the reliability, power, and stability brought by the names "Mountain Cat" or "Pajero" are deeply ingrained.

After fading from the market for many years, Mitsubishi has officially launched the all-new Pajero. The new car is positioned as a global flagship off-road SUV, based on a body-on-frame structure, equipped with a 2.4T diesel engine, and will be sold in 100 markets worldwide.

The new Pajero body is 4920mm long with a 2870mm wheelbase, dimensions directly competing with the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 series. The exterior adopts a boxy and rugged design language, the front face is a new family design, retaining the Mitsubishi three-diamond logo. A horizontal through-type LED daytime running light strip spans the entire front, with vertical LED light groups arranged on the left and right, highly recognizable. Large honeycomb-style black grille, paired with a heavy front bumper, with a black protective plate at the bottom. The front lines are straight and rugged, typical of hardcore off-road style.

The boxy and straight body profile features concave lines on the doors and a rugged body line. Doors are equipped with embedded steps for easy entry and exit; door handles are traditional pull-out type. Behind the windows are signature vertical decorative louvers, paying homage to the design of the old Pajero. Paired with large multi-spoke dual-tone off-road wheels, thick-walled tires, flared wheel arches, black fender flares, highlighting off-road attributes.

The rear is square and neat, with a through-type red taillight, vertical light groups on both sides, multi-layer bulb design inside the taillight. "PAJERO" lettering is printed in the middle of the taillight, with the Mitsubishi logo placed above. The rear bumper is thick, with a black bottom protective plate, and red reflectors embedded on both sides. The tailgate is an integrated design, no longer using the old spare tire mount solution.

Body colors available in Armor Copper Metallic and Phantom Blue Metallic (with gold accents).

In terms of interior, the new car adopts a three-row seven-seat layout, with significantly improved materials and craftsmanship, offering Camel leather with black inserts and fine stitching. In terms of tech configuration, high-spec models are equipped with dual 14.3-inch displays (low-spec is 12.3 inches), with 16 built-in theme backgrounds and the "Digital Tri-Gauge" paying homage to the old Pajero, which can display off-road data such as altitude, compass, temperature, pitch/roll angles. The audio system is from Yamaha, equipped with 12 speakers, dual amplifiers, and noise cancellation features.

In terms of sound insulation, measures such as acoustic glass are used, reportedly allowing normal conversation even at high speeds and in high-noise environments. Safety configurations include 8 airbags, MI-PILOT driving assistance kit, and 3D panoramic view (including transparent chassis function).

The chassis is based on the Triton ladder frame, but the suspension system has been exclusively tuned - front double wishbone independent suspension, rear five-link solid axle, tuning referenced Dakar Rally engineering experience. Ground clearance 230mm, approach angle 30.4 degrees, breakover angle 22.6 degrees, departure angle 25.8 degrees.

In terms of power, equipped with a 2.4-liter diesel engine (single variable geometry turbocharger), maximum torque 480 N·m (some specs are 470 N·m), matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive system, equipped with Mitsubishi S-AWC Super Select 4WD (including AYC Active Yaw Control and seven terrain modes). Electric power options will be launched in the future.

The new car will be manufactured in Thailand, launching in Thailand, Japan, and Australia before the end of March 2027, then expanding to 100 markets including Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Some markets will use the Montero name. Mitsubishi stated "have not decided whether to introduce to the US", but may enter North America in some form before 2030. In addition, the Pajero will become a sub-brand, and K-Car models and compact SUVs will also be launched in the future.

As for domestic Chinese brands, Hardcore SUVs such as the Fang Cheng Bao Titanium Series, Tank Series, and BYD Yangwang U8 have already secured a share in the Chinese market. If the Pajero has the opportunity to enter the Chinese market in the future, it will face not only the Toyota Land Cruiser and Ford Bronco, but also these Chinese brands with significant advantages in electrification and intelligence. However, the Pajero has deep roots in the global market, especially in the Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, and Australian markets, its brand appeal remains significant.