Mitsubishi Pajero automatic launch imminent

The second generation Mitsubishi Pajero has been in our market for a while now though the Japanese brand has endevoured to keep it fresh through minor updates. Since July this year, there have been reports of Mitsubishi launching an automatic version of the Pajero Sport, and TOD can reveal that the SUV will launch on November 14, 2014.

The 2.5-litre 16-valve intercooled turbocharged DOHC common rail diesel engine of the current Pajero, developing 176bhp at 4000rpm and 400Nm of peak torque between 2000rpm and 2500rpm, will be retained, but paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. The current version is sold with a five-speed manual ‘box that allows for a claimed fuel efficiency of 12.8kmpl, though expect that to drop slightly due to the automatic transmission.

Both the manual and automatic versions wil be assembled locally at Hindustan Motor’s plant in Tiruvallur, near Chennai. Expect the auto ‘box variant to cost about Rs 1.5–2 lakh more than the current Pajero that is priced at Rs 23.5 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi. Bookings ave not begun as yet.

The Pajero’s rivals in India, the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour, are already available with an automatic gearbox, though not in conjunction with the some 4x4 trims. Depending on the price, this slightly aging SUV may bring in the sales for Mitsubishi, for a short while.