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Posted on: Jun 08 2007

Mitsubishi-Pajero 2.8

The poor man’s Pajero (for the poor man with about Rs 20 lakh to spare, that is) has been struggling in the market, but for now, it soldiers on. A traditional, no-nonsense SUV, it has a great reputation for its off-road abilities, and used to command great respect on the road, but has the ‘cut-price Pajero’ tag messed up its chances? :

Design, Engineering and Interiors:
The Pajero 2.8, released in India to provide a cheaper alternative to the Rs 35 lakh new Paj, is a very familiar shape, having been around for over eight years.

It's very recognisably Japanese, and still quite handsome and well proportioned, with a tough stance, though the square lines have really started to look old now. The steel wheels don't do the car any favours, because they’re what really make it look like a cut-price version, as does the shiny, cheap-looking body cladding.

It’s substantially smaller than the new car, about the same size as the Safari. This version is a very traditional SUV, with body-on-ladder-frame construction, built of high-tensile steel and weighing over two tonnes; it has double wishbones and coil springs all round, the rear suspension being non-independent. There is no option of ABS, which is pretty poor going at this price.

The 2.8 has a decidedly utilitarian interior, a clearly dated design that also uses low-grade plastics to ensure you don't want to sit in it too long. It’s well designed and practical, with good ergonomics and plenty of storage space, but it lacks the prestige feel you’d expect at this price. The design of the instruments and steering wheel is quite interesting though, as it is in the 3.2, but here, the Pajero's traditional ‘multi-meter,’ with its altimeter, compass and horizontal level has been deleted, which Pajero lovers will really miss.

The seats are well contoured and bolstered, and comfort is of a very high level, with supportive seats and plenty of available adjustment. It does feel quite cosy, especially in the rear, but most passengers should be able to get fairly comfy. The jump seats at the rear are best left for children. One problem is a lack of width, accentuated by the intrusive door-pads.

Performance, Fuel Economy and Handling:  
Pajero’s have always been known for ultra-reliable and strong engines, and this motor doesn't disappoint.
The 2.8-litre turbo-diesel is an old-school engine with only a single overhead camshaft, eight valves and indirect injection, but it works really well. Generous capacity and a well-matched turbo mean it pushes out a healthy peak of 29.8kgm of torque between 1600 and 2100rpm, with 118.6bhp available at 4000rpm. It may weigh two tonnes, but it goes well, and with silent indirect injection, it is very refined too. Short gearing makes it very punchy to drive, both in the city and on the highway.

Fuel economy is not too bad, the two-tonne weight, indirect injection and short gearing conspiring to drive it down to 7.5kpl in the city, but not hampering it too much on the highway, where it returned a fair 10.5kpl.

The solid chassis and well-tuned suspension have been perfected over the years, so it drives very well for an SUV. The steering is very crisp and direct, ride quality is brilliant, and it goes exactly where you want it to. With talent more than equal to Indian roads, it’ll keep you comfy on the worst of our roads. However, it’s best to drive sedately and not push too hard, as there is plenty of body roll while cornering at high speeds.

The 2.8 GLX, equipped for mud-plugging with Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD system, is a God once off-road, and can go practically anywhere, with the added psychological advantage of knowing it won't break down in the middle of climbing a slope.

Verdict:
It’s massively capable and well worth a look, despite its obvious age, but the Pajero 2.8 has suffered from the company’s marketing strategy. A vehicle worth Rs 20 lakh means nothing if your neighbours know you can’t afford something bigger. The Pajero 2.8 is still available off the shelf, but we believe a replacement is on its way. For now, you can get up to half a lakh chopped off.
Source: autocarindia.com