Posting review in the Pakwheels mag here as many would not be able to download PDF and get hard copy from book shop.
Mitsubishi Mini Pajero
The “Mitsubishi Pajero Mini” is a kei car ( vehicles having engine capicity below 660 cc and less than 65 bhp are classified as “Kai Cars” and have special lower taxes an duty rates in Japan ) produced by “Mitsubishi Motors” since December 1994. Based on the platform of the “Minica”, but styled as a scale down version of the company’s successful “Pajero” SUV, was introduced as response to the SUV craze as “Mitsubishi Pajero Mini”. The platform was modified to accommodate; shorter wheelbase, four wheel drive, and a choice of available four cylinder engines.
The popularity of the vehicle inspired “Mitsubishi Motor Company” to create several limited editions, including the “Pajero Mini Iron Cross”, “Pajero Mini Desert Cruiser”, “Pajero Mini White Skipper” and “Pajero Mini Duke”. In October, 1998 the kei car regulations in Japan were again updated, and the length and breath was increased.
Brought to you by the maker of the machine that has conquered the Paris-Dakar Rally many times, the “Pajero Mini” is not to be underestimated, just because of its small size and engine. “Mitsubishi” did not build the “Pajero Mini” to explore and destroy flower gardens. It can do better than that. (Just visit Creek Inn on a Sunday and many have been tempted to buy one after seeing what the amazing Mini can do in those sand dunes) The popularity of “Pajero Mini” is due to many reasons; one is the price, it is dirt cheap in Japan; second, very easy to maintain, and drive. In addition, there are other positives. Like excellent mileage due to sub-liter engine, annual road taxes are only ¥7,200, as opposed to ¥39,000 for a normal white-plated car.
Insurance premiums are also lower, and highway tolls are 20 percent lower than normal cars. Plus you don’t need to worry about the parking.(getting parking is
a big issue in “Japan”). So given the above reasons, it is worth getting in “Japan” and many people do buy these 660 cc cars and jeeps because of the lower taxes and no parking fees. Styling-wise, the “Pajero Mini” has the right looks from all angles: tall body, angular lines, over-fenders, long-travel shock absorbers, tailgate-mounted spare wheel and all the goodies required for a “Jeep”. The bonnet scoop is unique to the VR-II, directing airflow onto the turbo’s intercooler. If it’s not there, you’re looking at the naturally-aspirated XR-II “Pajero Mini”, which is just as cute, but decidedly more ordinary under the bonnet.
Driving on normal roads, it feels like an old-school SUV. The steering is uncommunicative and it is not responsive quickly to your input. The seating position is rather high and the car seems to tiptoe around corners. Ride quality
could have been better, it’s not all that comfortable, but then this isn’t exactly made for comfort.
Inside, the “Pajero Mini” is not a full four seater, but rather a 2+2 and can Production: 1994–present
Class: Kei car Body style: Mini-SUV Engine: 4A30 659 cc I4
4A30 659 cc I4 MVV 4A30T 659 cc I4 turbo Wheelbase: 2200 mm Length: 3295 mm Width: 1395 mm Height: 1630 mm Curb weight: 850 kg Fuel capacity: 35 L
17 www.pakwheels.com October 2006 accommodate four, although it is a bit of a squeeze at the back due to limited legroom. Ironically, the boot space is insufficient, but CNG can be installed, and you can have the option to install a storage box on the top.
Space is a problem, but then it’s a 2 door, leg room is a major problem and hardly any space in the boot for grocery. Its 660cc and hence we assume that It will be
great on fuel, but don’t be fooled, it’s a gas guzzler. One reason, it needs 4000 rpm to stay at 60 km/hour and hence it needs more fuel.
In Pakistan, “Pajero Mini” is cheap, a 95-96 manual, 4x4,Inter-cooler turbo is around Rs. 350k which is not much for such a vehicle. Because of the price, it’s a bargain. Its nice and small, no problem in finding parking space. It has air bags, power windows, power steering, and also available with automatic transmission. And
these options are not available in local assembled cars, not even the XLI models which costs more than twice; and you can only dream about having these options
in the “Suzuki Mehran” or even in “Alto”. (but this car is at least 10 years old) So far so good, now let discuss the other side of the coin. Major issue: Fuel, ok so
we can have the CNG. Parts ? Nope! not available and the ones which are available are very expensive. Some might say this is a problem with all imported cars, but
that’s not true, “Vitz” parts are available and same with most Toyota Imports.
Resale value is another problem, buy a car today, register it and try to sell it after a week you will end up losing 80k easily, and that too if you find someone willing
to buy it. It is not fun to drive: Its under power and poor fuel efficiency.
The owners have mixed feeling they either love it or hate it. And mostly did not recommend for buy one. Mainly due to resale value and the non-availability of parts.
It’s definitely not a family car, so if you have a family, and this will be your only car then it’s not an ideal buy.
If you are going to use it as a second car, thinking of keeping it for a few years and if your office pays for the fuel (or get CNG) then the 95/96 model is worth getting
due the price.
At the end of the day, it’s all about the price and what it offers it’s cheap and has more options than your local cars in the same price range and size. It is a fun
car at the end of the day, it doesn’t offer much but then it doesn’t ask for much either.
The typical asking prices are:
95/96 Manual Rs. 350,000
95/96 Auto Rs. 325,000
97/98 Manual Rs. 425,000
97/98 Auto Rs. 400,000
99/00 Manual Rs. 550,000
99/00 Auto Rs. 500,000
02/03 Manual Rs. 700,000
02/03 Auto Rs. 650,000
*Prices may differ due to options, Grade of the car. Prices are a rough estimate of
market price as of 18th Sep 2006
Written by Altamash Murad