THE MITSUBISHI NP Pajero now offers fresh new exterior body styling, improved interior styling and comfort, and a host of additional safety features.

The big safety news is the availability of Active Traction Control on petrol variants, and Active Stability Control (ASC, which also incorporates ATC) on diesel variants. The introduction of traction and stability control replaces the limited slip differential (when fitted) that was previously available.

Active Traction Control applies braking to any wheel that is spinning or slipping because of lost traction, and transfers torque to the opposing wheel.

Active Stability Control gives a quick response in an emergency because of high pressure from the Hydraulic Brake Booster, and is optimised for all driving situations and each transfer position ASC operates by increasing or decreasing the brake force on diagonally opposite wheels, depending on whether the car is understeering or oversteering, to bring it back in line.

Mitsubishi first launched the Pajero in the early 1980s. The current generation, with its monocoque body construction, independent suspension and five-speed tiptronic-style INVECS II ‘Sports Mode’ automatic transmission, was released in mid-2000. An engine upgrade, with the introduction of the 3.2-litre turbocharged, intercooled Direct Injection Diesel engine was made earlier this year.

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NP PAJERO PRICING

GLX

3.5 litre V6 SOHC Petrol: 5-speed manual – $45,790; 5-speed auto – $48,790

3.2 litre Di-D DOHC turbo diesel: 5-speed manual – $50,290; 5-speed auto – $53,290

Options

Petrol: ABS/Passenger Airbag/Traction Control (petrol) – $2300

Diesel: ABS/Passenger Airbag/Stability Control (diesel) – $2800

GLS

3.5 litre V6 SOHC Petrol: 5-speed manual – $52,590; 5-speed auto – $55,590

3.2 litre Di-D DOHC turbo diesel: 5-speed manual – $56,410; 5-speed auto – $59,410

Options

ABS/In-dash 6-CD stacker – $2000

ABS/In-dash 6-CD stacker/Side airbags/ATC (petrol) – $2800

ABS/In-dash 6-CD stacker/Side airbags/ASC (diesel) – $3300

EXCEED

3.5 litre V6 SOHC Petrol 5-speed auto: $60,990

3.2-litre Di-D DOHC turbo diesel: 5-speed manual – $62,990; 5-speed auto – $65,990

Option

Sunroof $2000