IN THE Courier Mail 2002 Car Of The Year awards, Mitsubishi’s Pajero 4x4 won the Most Outstanding 4WD category.

Some of Australia's best-known drivers tested the vehicles over 48 hours, on a route that passed through the gamut of Queensland terrain and conditions. In the final analysis, Mitsubishi’s 3.2 litre direct injection turbocharged diesel Pajero outclassed Toyota’s LandCruiser 100 series, making Pajero a winner for the second year running.

“[The Pajero] runs through the revs like a willing petrol motor, yet retains plenty of torque for lugging, at either highway speeds or across the paddock,” the judges said. “Like the Toyota, it can be mated to either a five-speed manual or five-speed tiptronic style automatic transmission. Both are good gearboxes.

“Pajero’s sophisticated diesel sits in a proven package that’s easy to drive and operate,” the judges added. “The grip and handling are very good for a full-sized wagon.” – Mitsubishi.