Mitsubishi Pajero 35 Automatic

Powering the entire Pajero range is a 3.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 147kW of power and 441Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox that can be manually shifted on the fly. Mitsubishi claims that it consumes 9L/100km on the combined cycle. Much like its Pajero Sport sibling, the Pajero operates primarily as a rear-wheel drive vehicle, but can be transitioned to a four-wheel drive high-range mode at the push of a lever. Unlike some of its competitors, activating the Pajero’s high-range four-wheel drive leaves the differential open so that the car can be driven on all surfaces. Many other vehicles in this segment that don’t operate as full-time four-wheel drives will lock the centre differential on four-wheel drive activation.

A cluster above the infotainment system offers a dot matrix display that incorporates the trip computer and four-wheel drive information. The speedometer and tachometer cluster features drivetrain information, along with the vehicle’s vital running status. Leg and headroom up front is excellent thanks to comfy seats and masses of room. Getting in and out requires a decent step up from terra firma, but once inside the driving position offers a commanding view over traffic and the road ahead. The second row is equally as impressive, offering both adults and kids enough room to stretch out.