Read why NZ 4WD magazine voted Pajero their 2009 4WD wagon of the year:

“The Pajero is one of the iconic models of the 4WD world, but in its latest iteration it has become more than just an offroader, with features for the rest of the family, too, including a built-in DVD player and screens. However it still maintains its legendary off-road ability, even better with new engines and gearboxes.

The Mitsubishi Pajero is a bit of an enigma. On the one hand, in short wheelbase guise, it’s one of the best off-roaders around.

Nippy, manoeuvrable, eminently capable. On the other side of the coin, the long wheelbase version has become a family package, complete with, in the case of the Exceed version tested here, a drop-down DVD player and Wifi earphones for rear seat passengers.

However the best news we’ve kept until last – the four cylinder intercooled common rain turbo-diesel engine has come in for a big power and torque boost. This assured braked towing ability of 3,300kg.

But does all this mean it’s gone soft in the other most important department for a 4WD – its off-road ability? And how good is that new engine, and how much quieter is it than the previous one?

Well, it’s a LOT more powerful. Four cylinders and 3.2-litres capacity has always got to equate to a lot of low-down torque, and this latest Pajero doesn’t disappoint – it’s 18 percent more powerful, with 23 percent more torque.

And just to top it off, the Pajero is one of very few off-roaders to come with a locking rear diff as standard – ideal for when you want maximum traction at the back in serious conditions – although you must always remember a locked diff DOES limit your ability to steer!

All-in-all, to answer the most important question, the Pajero certainly hasn’t lost it when it comes to off roading, and it can keep its head high among its opposition. But oh for hill descent control.!”

Article reproduced courtesy of NZ 4WD magazine www.nz4wd.co.nz