Mitsubishi Pajero upgrades to five-star safety

A MINOR update to Mitsubishi's Pajero has seen the SUV gain a five-star ANCAP safety rating after initially only receiving a four-star rating when it was released in late 2006.

The maximum five-star rating brings it into line with its main competitor, the Toyota LandCruiser 200, while the recently-released Nissan Patrol is yet to be tested by ANCAP. The 16-year old Y61 series diesel Patrol that sells alongside the new petrol model has a three-star rating.

The lift in safety rating to five stars came after Mitsubishi fitted the 2013 model with passenger seat-belt reminders and improved steering column energy absorbing characteristics over the 2012 version.

All Pajeros are fitted with front, passenger, side and curtain airbags, the Japanese car-maker's Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body design, reversing camera and, from July, Isofix child restraints.

As a part of the 2013 update, the Pajero is now a diesel-only proposition with Mitsubishi ditching the sole remaining petrol variant – the 3.8-litre Exceed.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited corporate communications manager Caitlin Beale said the petrol model was discontinued due to low volume, with that particular variant shifting just 41 units out of the Pajero's 6297 overall sales last year.

The manual version of the mid-spec VRX has also been dropped in favour of a five-speed automatic transmission which brings the price up from $60,990 to $63,990, while prices remain static for the rest of the Pajero range.

Ms Beale was unable to comment on timing for a Pajero replacement, but speculation of a 2015 launch date seems likely for the aging off-roader.

There are no changes to standard equipment for the updated Pajero with the range still kicking off with the five-seat only GLX from $50,990 plus on-roads in five-speed manual guise or $53,990 for the auto.

GLX models are powered by the 3.2-litre common-rail turbo-diesel that is now standard across the range and features 17-inch alloy wheels, rear fog lamps, roof rails and a front skid plate.

The cabin gets a leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, climate control, auto-dimming mirror with reversing camera, a six-speaker stereo with USB and auxiliary outlets and Bluetooth.

GLXR variants are essentially seven-seat versions of the entry-level GLX, but also include front fog lamps, tail-gate spoiler and colour-coded exterior door mirrors for $55,990 for the manual and $58,990 for the auto.

The mid-spec auto-only VRX starts at $63,990 and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass and puddle lamps while the cabin features partial leather seat trim and power adjustable, heated front seats.

Range-topping Exceed models start at $73,990 and include chrome flourishes on the mirrors and door handles and premium head-lamps, while the interior features full leather seat trim, wood print on the steering wheel and panels, a 12-speaker Rockford audio system and a rear-seat nine-inch DVD entertainment system.

2013 Mitsubishi Pajero pricing*

GLX	$50,990
GLX (a)	$53,990
GLX-R	$55,990
GLX-R (a)	$58,990
VRX (a)	$63,990
Exceed (a)	$73,990

* Excludes on-road costs.