Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DI-D Intensive
Test Drive

Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DI-D Intensive

Pajero is another one of those Japanese names to look out for in the annals, especially since it's been around since it seems to have been here since time immemorial. In parallel with this, especially with such a three-door, there are not so many of them; only Land Cruiser and Patrol are possible in our market and in close proximity to the big seas. The three-door Range, if you remember it, hasn't been around in decades.

Even if you only look at this brand, there seems to be "confusion"; Pajerov such and such is a whole series. But this only means that Mitsubishi knows how to offer different SUVs in different markets, and that thanks to all this offering, they master the technology of all-wheel drive.

You can check how they have mastered it, for example, in sports; in rallies, and even better - in off-road racing in the desert. This year's Dakar ended perfectly. And? Of course, it's true that the demands of racing are quite different from those of personal use, and you might think that a racing Pajer won't help you in day-to-day traffic. But it still feels good, doesn't it?

And that is why there is now such a Pajero for European buyers. One big silhouette if you look at a parking lot at night, even though it has three doors and therefore the smaller of the two possible wheelbases. This also means that the outer length is about half a meter less. While the image, aspect ratio (including wheels) and the look of the parts promise three-dimensionality, it is skillfully focused on luxury and comfort at the same time.

Photos speak the most about the exterior, but comfort and luxury really only start on the inside. It is enough to sit on the appearance of high-quality leather to find that the driver's seat is generously adjusted (the passenger is adjusted only manually and only in the main directions, which does not reduce comfort on the road), if you accidentally turn the Key at night, sensors appear that are in size, color and the lighting is reminiscent of more expensive, upscale sedans than SUVs. In fact, this applies to the entire dashboard.

However, getting behind the wheel, one cannot fail to notice that the Pajero is an SUV; levers are rigidly fixed on the front pillars (on the inside, of course), in case the body sways awkwardly in the field, between the large sensors there is a screen with a logical color scheme of the drive (which also shows which wheel is idling), and with With a typically long gear lever, it is even shorter, allowing all-wheel drive and a gearbox to be used.

One big height at the entrance is the first, where the voice of the better half can rise, first already during the entrance, and even more so after the exit, if the Pajero stepped on something muddy while driving. But with other SUVs, nothing special - and here she will have to forget about negligence. It is also inconvenient to crawl on the back bench, which, of course, in this case must be done through the only side door. This is best done through the right side, where the seat quickly retracts (and its backrest folds down), leaving an unwanted step to a greater height.

On the left side, things are a lot more complicated as the power seat does not have a retract button, which means retracting takes longer and even less retracting than the left. Much better, of course, in the middle. Ahem, that is, between the entrance and exit. At least the front seats are almost as comfortable as in passenger cars, if we mean the shaking of the buttocks.

In fact, in some cases (shock pits) it turns out even better, since the large diameter wheels and tall tires absorb shock very well. There is nothing more internal drive noise and vibration than sedans, indicating that the body is aerodynamically well thought out (or well soundproofed) and all mechanics are commendably integrated into the base frame.

It would be pointless to list the equipment, but it still indicates petty nonsense: with electric folding exterior mirrors, automatic dimming of the interior mirror, illuminated mirrors in the sun blinds, tinted xenon headlights, automatic air conditioning, six airbags, stabilization on the ESP audio system and cruise control, heated seats and so on, it would be logical to expect a depth-adjustable steering wheel. Oh no. Speaking of ergonomics, the left knee of drivers who like to sit closer to the dash (too) quickly meets the dash. Allegedly not pleasant.

When the driver gets a job, he will be comfortable. Most of the controls are logical and always at hand, Pajero is also one of the few where the driver can easily predict the front end of the body, the exterior mirrors are huge, the visibility around is excellent (except for the interior mirror, as the outer head restraints in the rear seat are very large). with good steering mechanics, however, the ride is easy and the Pajero is manageable. Much more than you think.

One big headroom is available for the Pajer's four-cylinder 3-liter turbodiesel. The mechanical reasons are clear; First, four cylinders means large pistons, and large pistons (usually) long strokes and (often) high inertia; and secondly, turbo diesels by definition offer torque rather than power. Despite about two tons of dry weight, there was always enough torque. Is always. Even when you need power, but there is not much of it, there is torque.

In each of the five gears, the engine runs perfectly at 1.000 rpm; as a last resort, in fifth gear, that is, about 50 kilometers per hour, this is our good city limit, and when the sign of the end of the settlement appears, there is no need to go down, but the Pajero still starts well with the added gas. The engine then actually starts at 2.000 rpm, which again in fifth gear means about 100 kilometers per hour, which is close to our good limit for out-of-town driving and if you have to overtake. ...

Yes, you're right, you don't need to scroll down. If not very tight. Then you are interested in climbing; you are driving along the highway past Vrhniki towards Primorsk at 160 kilometers per hour and you hit a once so unpleasant slope (no, there is no kankars, but many cars today still have a sore throat) and you want to continue at the same speed - you just need to slight increase on the gas pedal.

The engine, I tell you, is really beautiful. He is completely happy with the five gears and there is no way to find a hole for him unless perhaps you want to pointlessly compete with passenger cars at speeds above 160 kilometers per hour. Oh yes, Pajero can do a lot too, but for some reason he is not designed for this kind of adventure. So the battle will be lost and you will be amazed at the calm and quiet running all the way to maximum speed.

Based on the same mechanical reasons mentioned above, the joy of the engine ends at around 3.500 rpm, although it rotates all the way to the red square on the tachometer. And what is perhaps the most interesting and surprising thing: while driving, it seems that he even likes high revs more - in fifth gear! But still, after all the praise, another thought arose, which has a basis in mechanical engineering: from the point of view of fuel consumption, it would undoubtedly be known if the gearbox had six gears. Of course, just in case if you mostly traveled on the highway.

You know, all this luxury (and comfort) can be conscious. Pajero is one big field carcass - in the good sense of the word. To the average mortal, as always when we talk about SUVs, the limitations must be known: tires (traction) and belly height from the ground. Tires like they were on the test Pajero didn't perform particularly well in the heaviest mud and snow, but they held up well on all roads (tarmac and gravel) as well as tracks that would have scared them. foot - because of the slope and because of the rough stones on them. Engine torque is further boosted by the gearbox, which is great for steep climbs (and descents!) that often happen at idle. The drive select lever is still much more reliable than the button and the electricity behind it, with the Pajer taking a little longer to turn off the entire drive.

Concern for safety is always a commendable gesture, even in SUVs like the Pajero, but in our case, it turned out that the stabilization electronics and all the “old-fashioned” drive mechanics in extreme cases (the worst conditions under the wheels: mud, snow) are not well understood . The ASC drive is switchable, but anyone who wants to play with body slip will have to give up on that idea.

But who else is doing it, you deny it, and it's probably true. However, a Pajero like this is a great toy for discovering areas you wouldn't otherwise venture into with a private car or change your mind before wanting such a thing. You can also take a Saturday ride with Payer through the Notrany Hills, where the stone forest wagon trail is more common than the tarmac, where a sign warns of a bear. A wide chapter opens here, where the Pajero looks like one big toy. Whether the goal is just "immature" circling the muddy paths, or a perfectly laid-back family trip topped off with sightseeing tours that are not in travel brochures due to their remoteness.

In such a Pajero, it is especially pleasant that you can get to the starting point alone or with your family, wild or calm, with full dignity, quickly and comfortably. More comfortable in the front, slightly less comfortable in the back, but a sufficiently precise steering wheel and a powerful engine will be able to test perfectly controlled wheels and tires on them. The diesel engine sound is recognizable, but pleasantly muffled and unobtrusive. The gear lever shifts are longer than in passenger cars, the gearbox is also a little stiff but still unobtrusive, but the shifts are crisp (good lever feedback) and the lever movements are fairly precise. If the ride is still (too) long, you can also be distracted by the on-board computer, which offers some interesting information (such as altitude, outside temperature, average consumption and air pressure over the last four hours of driving), but if by any chance this thing bothers you. can also be turned off completely. If you're not driving directly from Munich to Hamburg, you probably won't get bored.

Without demand, there would almost certainly be no supply. I mean, of course, a three-door body, but no matter how we turn it, in our edition we are one: one big mistake - this Pajero does not have five doors. But - because they also sell such. Recommended with five!

Vinko Kernc

Aleш Pavleti.

Mazda Pajero 3.2 DI-D Intense (3-door)

Basic data

Sales: AC KONIM doo
Base model price: 40.700 €
Test model cost: 43.570 €
Power:118kW (160


KM)
Acceleration (0-100 km / h): 13,1 with
Maximum speed: 177 km / h
Mixed flow ECE: 9,2l / 100km
Guarantee: (3 years or 100.000 km general and mobile warranty, 12 years rust warranty)

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Regular services, works, materials: 642 €
Fuel: 11.974 €
Tires (1) 816 €
Loss of value (within 5 years): 13.643 €
Compulsory insurance: 3.190 €
CASCO INSURANCE (+ B, K), AO, AO +5.750


(
Calculate the cost of auto insurance
Buy up € 31.235 0,31 (km cost: XNUMX


€)

Technical information

engine: 4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - direct injection diesel - front mounted transversely - bore and stroke 98,5 × 105,0 mm - displacement 3.200 cm3 - compression ratio 17,0:1 - maximum power 118 kW ( 160 hp) at 3.800 rpm – average piston speed at maximum power 13,3 m/s – power density 36,8 kW/l (50 hp/l) – maximum torque 381 Nm at 2.000 rpm - 2 camshafts in the head) - 4 valves per cylinder - common rail fuel injection - exhaust gas turbocharger - charge air cooler.
Energy transfer: the engine drives the rear wheels (all-wheel drive) - 5-speed manual transmission - gear ratio I. 4,23; II. 2,24; III. 1,40; IV. 1,00; V. 0,76; reverse gear 3,55 – differential 4,10 – rims 7,5J × 18 – tires 265/60 R 18 H, rolling range 2,54 m – speed in 1.000th gear 48,9 / min XNUMX km / h.
Capacity: top speed 177 km / h - acceleration 0-100 km / h in 13,1 s - fuel consumption (ECE) 11,4 / 7,9 / 9,2 l / 100 km. Off-Road Capabilities: 35° Climbing - 45° Side Slope Allowance - Approach Angle 36,7°, Transition Angle 25,2°, Departure Angle 34,8° - Allowable Water Depth 700mm - Ground Clearance 260mm.
Transportation and suspension: off-road van - 3 doors, 5 seats - self-supporting body - front single suspension, spring struts, double wishbones, stabilizer - rear multi-link axle, coil springs, stabilizer - front disc brakes (forced cooling), rear disc brakes, mechanical parking brake on rear wheels (lever between seats) - rack and pinion steering wheel, electric power steering, 3,75 turns between extreme points.
Mass: empty vehicle 2160 kg - permissible total weight 2665 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake 2.800 kg, without brake 750 kg - permissible roof load 100 kg.
External dimensions: vehicle width 1.875 mm - front track 1.560 mm - rear track 1.570 mm - ground clearance 5,3 m.
Inner dimensions: front width 1.490 mm, rear 1420 - front seat length 500 mm, rear seat 430 - steering wheel diameter 370 mm - fuel tank 69 l.
Box: Trunk volume measured using AM standard set of 5 Samsonite suitcases (total volume 278,5 L): 1 backpack (20 L); 1 × aviation suitcase (36 l); 1 × suitcase (85,5 l)

Our measurements

T = 5 ° C / p = 1011 mbar / rel. Owner: 60% / Tires: Bridgestone Dueler H / T 840 265/60 R18 H / Meter reading: 4470 km
Acceleration 0-100km:13,1s
402m from the city: 18,8 years (


121 km / h)
1000m from the city: 34,3 years (


151 km / h)
Flexibility 50-90km / h: 8,9 (IV.) S
Flexibility 80-120km / h: 14,3 (W) p
Maximum speed: 177km / h


(V. and VI.)
Minimum consumption: 10,1l / 100km
Maximum consumption: 17,1l / 100km
test consumption: 13,5 l / 100km
Braking distance at 130 km / h: 70,6m
Braking distance at 100 km / h: 41,8m
AM table: 43m
Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear58dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear56dB
Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear55dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear66dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear64dB
Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear62dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear70dB
Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear68dB
Idling noise: 38dB
Test errors: unmistakable

Overall rating (336/420)

  • Pajero remains true to its philosophy: even with an increasingly clear focus on comfort and prestige, it refuses to give up the rigidity of the drivetrain and chassis. This, of course, is his greatest asset. Buy a five-door!

  • Exterior (13/15)

    The Pajero is a very well-engineered SUV that evokes thoughts of off-road agility, comfort and luxury.

  • Interior (114/140)

    The biggest drawback is access to the rear bench, otherwise it is one of the first places in the ranking.

  • Engine, transmission (35


    / 40)

    Worst of all, the gearbox works and even here it scored very good.

  • Driving performance (74


    / 95)

    Despite its size and weight, it is easy to ride, the bikes handle well and the road position is very good for an SUV.

  • Performance (24/35)

    Because it is a school turbo diesel, more torque and less power are known: weaker acceleration and top speed, but excellent flexibility.

  • Security (37/45)

    Quotes are very high: all airbags, ESP, huge outside mirrors, clean body, very good fit ...

  • Economy

    It is not among the most consumer-friendly, but the two-ton case cannot do otherwise. A very good guarantee.

We praise and reproach

exterior and interior

ease of use

engine (torque!)

shoulder strap

comfort and luxury

visibility

turn on off-road transmission

on-board computer data

the clumsiness of the three-door body

only height adjustable steering wheel

off-road transmission off time

back bench comfort

fuel consumption on the highway

Add a comment