Skips archive - Launch of the 2000 Pajero

Skip's 4x4

Launch of the 2000 Pajero at Wanneroo Mitsubishi, 23 May 2000
I had the pleasure of attending the launch of the new 2000 model Mitsubishi Pajero. It was put on by Wanneroo Mitsubishi, who did a great job, with food, drinks, a video presentation, vehicle inspection, and then finally test drives, both on and off-road!

Under the bonnet - 3.5L V6. Note the huge air ram above the radiator! Dcp_0228.jpg (74.7KB)	Being "shown the ropes", and explains about it's chassis-less design, which is stronger that the previous model! Dcp_0229.jpg (63.7KB)	A nice white one! All models now feature fully independent suspension with longer travel. Dcp_0230.jpg (53.2KB)
The new front grill and carbon-fibre headlights are very nice! Dcp_0231.jpg (67.4KB)	The back room is good, and the third row seat folds down and away under a flap in the floor! The rear passengers even get a reading light and drink holders! Dcp_0232.jpg (68.6KB)	The dash has a computerised colour display showing compass, time, inside and outside temperature with 4 hour history graph, individual wheel speeds, and other information. Dcp_0233.jpg (18.3KB)
Very nice interior! The automatic has conventional and sports sequential shifting mode. Dcp_0234.jpg (64KB)	The new shape complete with very curvy wheel arches! Dcp_0235.jpg (51.1KB)	Side profile showing rear body flare. Dcp_0236.jpg (43.5KB)
The rear tyre is now mounted lower. Dcp_0237.jpg (55.8KB)	The 2000 Pajero is available also in a 2.8L, 4cyl, turbo diesel motor with intercooler. The new Pajero is 20% lighter than the last model, has more headroom, more legroom, more ground clearance, more suspension travel, has a lower centre of gravity, wider track, better turning circle, and greater approach angle. It is also many times stronger despite having no chassis!	TEST DRIVE: I found it to be very quite, smooth, and car like in it's drive. The V6 has no lack of power either, as it's power to weight ratio is increased over the last model. It's instruments were great, and interior was outstanding. The auto transmission was very smooth, and a lot of fun in sequential mode! Although the off road test was just a sand patch, it had no trouble at all, and never felt like bogging down.