Test drive Mitsubishi Pajero (Montero, Shogun) LWB 2000 - 2003 SUV

The burden of the winner

In this car, the crew of Hiroshi Matsuoki won a brilliant victory in the rally Paris-Dakar-2002. We are going to wind up the same 9500 km on the speedometer of our Pajero.
We will not go to the real route of the famous rally, but over the next six months, Mitsubishi Pajero will be at the disposal of the autopilot.
 
We chose an SUV to our fleet, guided by the following considerations. First of all, economical - therefore, with a diesel engine. Secondly, quite powerful-therefore, with an engine volume of at least 3 liters. Thirdly, spacious-therefore, long-hard, five-door. Given the permanent city traffic jams - with an automatic gearbox. Given the editorial temperament - a sequential type box, that is, with the possibility of forced selection of gears manually. And, finally, with the Super Select 4WD II system all -wheel drive, which allows you not to switch to the rear -wheel drive mode on a dry road surface - taking into account its own forgetfulness.
The principle of operation of the system in general and the off -road qualities of Pajero in particular will be devoted to a separate article. In the meantime, the first impressions.
+ On the same day when the test began, we learned that the guarantee for Mitsubishi SUVs increased from one to two years without limiting a run. It is worth thinking about whether to redeem our Pajero after the end of the test.

 
+ For comfort in the Pajero salon, many business class sedans can shut up for the belt. The seats are finished with thin solid skin, equipped with a heated, excellent set of adjustments and lumbar support. A driver of any complexion will be able to get a job with maximum comfort. You can configure the workplace in the present-resistant, vertically, or you can sit like in a regular sedan-with your legs stretch out and leaning back.
 
For small things, there is a lot of space - two glove compartment in front of the front passenger, a box on the central console, pockets in the doorway.
The central display was very conveniently designed, replacing an analog block with a compass, a rollometer in the third -generation Pajero? and an altimeter. Now information about the audio system, the work of the climatic installation, time and date, as well as the virtual compass are displayed on a bright color display. The latter is rather cool than really useful.
 
- It is not very convenient to reach for the radio to remove/add the volume or change the radio station. We offer control of the cruise control that is located on the steering wheel, change to control of the audio system. In Russian conditions, this will bring more benefit and pleasure.
+ The rear passengers are very satisfied: a separate climate control unit is provided for them.
- There is no curtain covering the luggage compartment in the standard configuration. All so necessary little things (an electric pump, a new first -aid kit, etc.) have to be hidden on numerous pockets and glove compartment so that they do not become a bait for small thieves.
 
+ The third, the folding series of seats is convenient and functional. If desired, the entire correspondent corps of the editorial office climbs into Pajero. In addition, the box under the floor (serves to clean the third sofa in it) can be used as a trunk - the issue of the absence of the rear curtain disappears, but the seats of the third row occupy the useful volume of the trunk.
+/- Dimensions. The editors are located in the narrowest place of Petrovka Street, and it is quite difficult to maneuver in a traffic jam. But from a height, it is clearly visible where this damned cork ends and who is to blame for the next bang.
+/- diesel fuel is a plus. The tank capacity is 90 liters, and you can fall to the life -giving source at the gas station once a week. The minus refers not to Pajero, but to the activities of our fuel magnates. In three weeks, we found out that the desired crane must be sought - diesel fuel is more likely an exception than the necessary assortment of most gas stations. But the price of fuel causes an attack of healthy optimism and faith in its own bright future.
Text Nikolay Kachurin, photo Alexey Ilyin
The car is provided for a long-term test by Rolf Center, (095) 785-1955.
Model/Modification Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 Di-D GLS
Manufacturer/country Mitsubishi Motors Corporation/Japan
BODY
Type station wagon
Number of doors/places 7/5
ENGINE
Type diesel, with direct fuel injection, high pressure turbine and intermediate cooler
Front location, transversely
Working volume (cubic cub) 3200
Number/location of cylinders 4/row
Power, kW (L.S.) at about./Min. 122 (165) at 3800
Moment (nm at about./Min.) 373 at 2000
TRANSMISSION
The rear drive, connected front, locking of the rear differential
Automatic gearbox 5-speed, such as STEPTRONIC
Super Select 4WD II hand -boxed box
Line/reducing gear ratio 1/1.900
SUSPENSION
The front/rear is independent, on double transverse levers, a reptile stabilizer/independent multi -link, reptile stabilizer
STEERING
Type gear rack with a hydraulic booster
Min. The diameter of the turn (m) 11.4
Brakes
Front/rear circular ventilated/disk ventilated with a built -in parking brake drum
ABS 4-channel, with the SCS course stability control system
Dimensions/volumes/weight
Length/width/height (mm) 4775/1875/1855
Wheel base (mm) 2780
Equipped mass (kg) 2000
Tires/discs 265/70 R16/7JJ
Dynamic characteristics
Maximum speed (km/h) 170
Acceleration to 100 km/h (sec.) 13.2
Economy
Fuel consumption (l/100 km, city/highway) 13.3/8.8
Price in Moscow $ 49 590
Our costs (March 1--20)
Mileage around the city is 1000 km. Fuel consumption - 140 liters
Complete annual insurance $ 6155
Civil liability for $ 20 thousand $ 273
Diesel fuel ($ 0.2) $ 32
Fluid for the washer of glasses and headlights $ 18
Nokian's studded wheels $ 1150
Only $ 7628
 

A source: "Autopilot"