Upgrade for Pajero range

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

The Mitsubishi Pajero, the third-generation version of the vehicle that started the trend towards four-wheel-drives back in the 1980s, will get an all-new petrol engine and an upgrade in equipment later this year.

A new 3.8-litre V6 with a drive-by-wire electronic throttle for better off-road travel will replace the direct-injection 3.5-litre V6. The 3.2-litre diesel remains unchanged.

Mitsubishi New Zealand sales manager Peter Wilkins says the new engine and the new equipment levels will go on sale in December.

"Pricing for the new Pajero will be announced at that time," he said. "There are a number of exciting new safety and performance features on the 2004 model range that I am sure will prove attractive."

Mitsubishi has slashed the price of the 3.5-litre petrol and 3.2-litre diesel Pajeros by up to 15 per cent in a four-wheel-drive market littered with the lure of discounts and dominated by Toyota's new Prado.

The entry-level petrol Pajero came down 11 per cent to $59,990 and the top-range diesel almost 15 per cent to $69,990.

Wilkins said: "These price adjustments more accurately reflect the current market conditions and our wish to increase market share in this segment."

The new 24-valve 3.8-litre engine is expected to produce around 150kW at 5000rpm, similar to that of the 3.5-litre V6.

But its peak torque of about 320Nm is likely to be around 3200rpm instead of the present engine's 318Nm at 4000rpm.

The new engine will be a more efficient unit, says Mitsubishi, with larger intake and exhaust valves to improve breathing, lighter pistons, connecting rods and crankshaft for smoother performance, and a new variable intake manifold to improve low-to-mid-range speed and fuel economy.

The 3.2-litre direct-injection diesel produces 121kW of power at 3800rpm and 373Nm of torque at 2000rpm.

Improvements to the range will include interior changes and anti-corrosion treatment.