Mitsubishi Pajero VRX Review

FamilyCar Rating: Model Reviewed: Pajero VRX Diesel 5 speed auto $59,890* Other models priced from: GLX Manual Diesel $51,390* 3 Word Summary: Rugged Family 4WD

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Review

The Mitsubishi Pajero is available with 3 doors or 5 doors with a choice of petrol or diesel engines. The 3 door has 2 models to choose from, the R and X; both are automatic. The 5 door has 3 models to choose from including the most affordable GLX, the VRX, and the top of the line Exceed. All 5 doors are 7 seaters and the GLX and VRX are available in manual or automatic. The model reviewed is the 5 door VRX auto diesel. The Pajero is a more rugged vehicle than the Territory and Captiva. It is bigger, looks chunkier and feels more solid. It’s a true 4WD while others don’t offer good off road capability. The diesel engine is obvious when accelerating (noise and power) but settles down really well in the higher gears and on the freeway.

Driver Comfort & Visibility

Driver visibility is good out of the front and side windows with the oversized side mirrors assisting with blind spots. The rear vision is good, except for when the 3rd row seat is up, as they have very large futuristic looking headrests - great for passenger safety in the event of a collision, but not so good when checking what’s out the back.

The driver’s seat can be adjusted automatically with 8 options which make it easy to get the perfect seating position, and your toosh will never be cold again as both the front passenger and driver seats are heated! All instruments are easy to read and controls are within easy reach. For added convenience and safety, the audio and cruise controls are mounted on the steering wheel. There are power windows for the front and middle row, as well as power steering and power door mirrors. Access into the car is easy with remote central locking that also locks/unlocks the rear door.

Safety

The VRX has some good safety features as standard including front passenger and driver front airbags. Side airbags and curtain airbags** are only offered as an option on this model, but they are standard on the top of the line Exceed. ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Traction Control and Active Stability Control are standard, while reverse parking sensors are available as an accessory.

Comfort

Climate control air conditioning is standard as is a 6 disc CD player with MP3 compatibility. The 6 speakers deliver a good sound in both the front and rear. There are 3 x 12 volt sockets located in the front and rear.

Seating

The 5 door Pajero offers the versatility of 7 seats with a 3rd row that folds flat into the boot floor. It can also be removed completely to provide for more luggage space. The 3rd row only has enough room for 2 small people (i.e. kids). Whilst Mitsubishi advise that each 3rd row passenger must not exceed 70kgs in weight, this is a bit ambitious. The middle row seat is 60/40 split fold, allowing for longer luggage to be carried in the boot. The left hand side is the smaller seat and tumble folds to allow easy access into the 3rd row. All passengers have good visibility out of the side windows because the seats in all of the rows are “elevated” while the windows are large.

The seat trim is predominantly black with a stylish, contemporary design. All seats have 3 point seat belts for maximum safety.

Storage

There are a number of storage options including a lockable illuminated glovebox with a shelf, a large centre console box with 2 compartments, front door pockets, a sunglasses holder, pockets on the back of the front passenger and driver seat, a storage compartment in the 3rd row and 6 drink holders. With all 3 rows in play, the boot space is very limited. When the 3rd row is folded into the floor there’s a good amount of space which is further improved when the 3rd row is removed completely.

Kids’ Comfort and Safety

There are 3 child restraint anchor points to secure seats in the 2nd row and child locks on the rear doors. The 2nd row has enough space for 2 child seats, but not quite enough for 3 (depending on your style of child seats). The middle row has a centre armrest with 2 cup holders, while the 3rd row offers 2 cup holders and a storage container on the left hand side. There are air vents in all 3 rows and an air conditioning control dial in the 2nd row.

Green Factor

The auto diesel is more fuel efficient than the petrol consuming 10.5 litres per 100kms (versus 13.5 for the petrol). While the diesel emits lower carbon dioxide (which contributes to the greenhouse effect) than the petrol, the petrol emits less gases that contribute to air pollution. If you want to be greener, your best choice is the manual diesel.

Towing Capacity?

The maximum towing capacity where trailer brakes are fitted is 2,500kgs. This reduces to 750kgs when there are no trailer brakes fitted. The tow ball download maximum is 250kgs.

Overall View

The Pajero VRX is a solid car that has a quality finish. It has a good list of standard features and offers the flexibility of seven seats. It has good off road capabilities and has sufficient towing power. It would make a good family car for those who prefer a more rugged appearance and for those who love exploring the great outdoors. It also has one of the best new car warranties: 5 year/130,000km with 5 years roadside assistance.

Features of Model Reviewed

Airbags:	Yes, driver and front passenger airbags
Seats:	7
ABS:	Yes
EBD:	Yes
ESP:	Yes, Active Stability Program
Driver visibility:
Storage compartments:
Drink holders:	6
CD player:	Yes, 6 disc CD with MP3
Air conditioning:	Yes, climate control
Power windows:	Yes
Power steering:	Yes
Power door mirrors:	Yes
Child restraint anchorage points:	3
Transmission:	5 speed auto
Engine capacity:	3.2 litre
Fuel type:	Diesel
Fuel consumption:	10.5 litres/100kms
Greenhouse rating#:	6/10
Green Vehicle Guide rating:
Warranty:	5 year/130,000km, with 5 years roadside assistance
Price:	$59,890

 

* Excludes on road costs
** Side and curtain airbags cannot be combined with rear differential lock option on VRX.
# All new vehicles sold in Australia (up to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass) are tested to determine the level of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (Greenhouse rating), which are displayed on the fuel consumption label attached to the windscreen of the car. The Green Vehicle Guide rating combines the Greenhouse Rating and Air Pollution Rating and awards a star. 5 stars is the best rating.  For more information, click here.
Information is correct at the time of the review. Please check with your local Mitsubishi dealer for the most recent information.

Date Reviewed: May 2008