Mitsubishi Motors’ light SUV “Pajero Mini” is expected to undergo a full model change and be released in 2025. This model debuted in 1994 and ended production in 2012, but it will be revived for the first time in 13 years. In this article, we will take a closer look at the features of this new model.
Mitsubishi’s new “Pajero Mini” full model change
The new Pajero Mini adopts Mitsubishi’s latest design language “Dynamic Shield” , and features a powerful, three-dimensional front grille and fenders. LED lamps are used for the daytime running lamps. The body size is just within the limits of the minicar standard, and while the previous model was a two-door model, the new model is the first to be a four-door model.
The platform is the same as the eK series, CMF-A. It also uses a “mild hybrid” system that is not available in the rival Suzuki Jimny, and has very good WLTC mode fuel economy. It also has an electric parking brake and auto hold function, and a digital inner mirror.
In terms of safety equipment, the car also comes with the preventive safety technology “e-Assist” as well as the “MI-PILOT system.”
The predicted CG image design of the Pajero Mini suggests that it will have Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield and will be a four-door type.
Mitsubishi’s new “Pajero Mini” full model change: Safety features
The new Pajero Mini is equipped with MyPilot, a single lane driving assistance function for expressways. This is a combination of radar cruise control (LCC) with full speed tracking and lane keeping assist (LKA). The driving assistance function e-Assist is also included.
“e-Assist” includes the following eight functions:
- Collision mitigation brake system (FCM, with pedestrian detection)
- Pedal Misapplication Prevention Assist (EAPM)
- Automatic High Beam (AHB)
- Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
- Leading vehicle departure notification (LCDN)
- Lane Departure Warning System (LDW) & Lane Departure Prevention Assist System (LDP)
- Laziness Alarm (LDA)
- Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW)
In addition, the car is equipped with a multi-around view monitor with moving object detection function. When the luggage space is full and it is difficult to see behind, or at night or in the rain, the digital rearview mirror that displays the image from the rearview camera on the rearview mirror is convenient (standard equipment or manufacturer option depending on the grade).
It also features Active Stability Control (ASC) to improve vehicle stability, and Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) that adjust the illumination range so as not to shine high beams on oncoming or preceding vehicles (ALH is a manufacturer’s option on some grades).
There are a total of seven airbags: driver, passenger, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags.
Mitsubishi’s new “Pajero Mini” full model change: expected specs
The new Pajero Mini is based on Nissan’s Roox, eK Space, and Delica Mini, and therefore adopts a mild hybrid system that its rival Jimny does not have. This makes it extremely fuel efficient in the WLTC mode compared to other companies’ cars.
| Specifications | Pajero Mini Turbo Car |
Pajero Mini NA |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,395mm | 3,395mm |
| Width | 1,475mm | 1,475mm |
| Height | 1,645mm | 1,645mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,445mm | 2,445mm |
| engine | 660cc water-cooled inline 3-cylinder DOHC intercooler turbo + motor |
660cc water-cooled inline 3-cylinder DOHC + motor |
| Maximum power | 47kW (64hp) / 5,600rpm |
38kW (52hp) / 6,400rpm |
| Maximum torque | 100Nm (10.2kgm) / 2,400rpm~4,000rpm |
60Nm (6.1kgm) / 3,600rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
2.0kW (2.7hp) / 1,200rpm |
– |
| Motor Max Torque |
40Nm (4.1kgm) / 100rpm |
– |
| transmission | CVT (Xtronic) / 5-speed MT |
CVT (Xtronic) / 5-speed MT |
| Drive system | FF/4WD | FF/4WD |
Mitsubishi’s new “Pajero Mini” full model change: expected price
The price of the new Pajero Mini is likely to be set with an eye on its biggest rival, the Suzuki Jimny light SUV. For reference, the price of the 2024 Jimny model is between 1,654,400 yen and 2,002,000 yen. Therefore, the Pajero Mini is expected to be in a similar price range.
Rumors of a full model change for the new Mitsubishi Pajero Mini
While there are rumors that Mitsubishi’s Pajero Mini will be redesigned and revived, it seems that the development of the Pajero Mini is delayed because other models are given priority for redesign. In particular, new models such as the Delica Mini and Triton have been released one after another recently, so it seems that there is a priority. However, Suzuki’s Jimny has been a big hit since its full model change, and it seems that the rival model, the Pajero Mini, is also aiming to redesign and launch it on the market.
Is the new Mitsubishi Pajero Mini a possibility?
On March 10, 2023, Mitsubishi Motors announced its new mid-term management plan, “Challenge 2025,” revealing that it plans to launch a total of 16 models (including nine electrified vehicles) over the next five years. This will allow the company to aggressively launch new models.
Naturally, some people are wondering whether it is acceptable considering the recently released ” Delica Mini ,” but by positioning it as a compact version of Mitsubishi’s most popular SUV, the “Pajero Mini” will be a model that has its own unique demand.
History of the Pajero Mini
This is a light SUV produced and sold by Mitsubishi Motors. The chassis uses a built-in monocoque structure that combines a monocoque body with a ladder frame. When it was announced, it attracted attention because it was a “younger brother of the popular Pajero” and the name was open to the public.
Released in December 1994
The company released a minicar that embodies the full range of Pajero technology. The body is a built-in frame monocoque structure, with pressed parts like a ladder frame welded to the floor pan.
Released on October 6, 1998
It underwent a full model change in response to changes in the minicar standard. Based on its unique high-rigidity monocoque body, it adopted a “crushable body structure” that absorbs and mitigates the energy of a collision, and was equipped with a “brake assist mechanism” that supports braking in an emergency. This can also be seen from the existence of derived models such as the “Duke” with a large vertical front grille and the “Lynx” with four round headlights. A minor change was made in the early hours of September 2003. The front grille was changed to a chrome-plated type, and the equipment and body color were also revised.
Production ended in June 2012. After that, only the remaining stock will be sold. The product was removed from the website in January 2013.
to be decided
2025 seems a good possibility.
A word from the editorial department
The global popularity of SUVs continues to this day, with various new vehicles being released by various manufacturers. Mitsubishi has also been focusing on crossover SUVs recently, offering models such as the Outlander PHEV, Eclipse Cross, and RVR. In addition, the company has released outdoor models such as the Delica D:5 and Delica Mini, as well as the Triton in 2024. However, the only thing missing from this lineup is a full-fledged light SUV model.
In particular, the Delica Mini has been selling well, with about 9,000 units sold in the three months since its launch. Therefore, there is every reason to revive the famous Pajero Mini. One way to differentiate it from other models is to have high off-road performance.
The Jimny, which underwent a full model change for the first time in 18 years in the same category , has few rivals in the same genre, and is so popular that there is a backlog of deliveries from the time of its release to the present day. There is no reason why Mitsubishi would not enter this market.
Mitsubishi Motors