KATHMANDU: Mitsubishi has unveiled the all-new Pajero, bringing back the iconic SUV in its fifth-generation avatar.
The new Pajero will initially go on sale in Thailand, Japan and Australia by the end of March 2027. The SUV is also known as the Montero in some markets.
The new Pajero is built on a ladder-frame chassis shared with the Mitsubishi Triton pickup. It measures 4,920mm in length, 1,925mm in width and 1,910mm in height. It has a 2,870mm wheelbase and 230mm ground clearance.
The SUV gets a bold design with a large grille, T-shaped LED headlights and matching LED taillights. It also features a flat roofline, squared-off wheel arches and chunky bumpers.
The new Pajero offers seating for seven passengers. The cabin features dual 14.3-inch screens and a four-spoke steering wheel.
Mitsubishi has retained several physical controls along with a rotary controller for the 4WD system. Power comes from a 2.4-liter turbocharged diesel engine. It produces 201 BHP and 480Nm of torque.
The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system.
Strong legacy in Nepal
The Pajero has a strong legacy in Nepal. The name is also associated with the controversial Pajero scandal in Nepali political history.
In 1996 AD, the government led by then-Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba provided a tax exemption on the import of Pajero vehicles for personal use by lawmakers. The facility was widely criticized after several parliamentarians were accused of misusing it by importing Pajeros in their names and subsequently selling them to traders and intermediaries.
The controversy made the Pajero name particularly familiar in Nepal, beyond its reputation as an off-road SUV.
With sales of the new-generation Pajero set to begin in international markets, the SUV could eventually make its way into Nepal as well. Its strong brand recognition and historical popularity could make it an interesting addition to Nepal’s premium SUV market.
