Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
The majestic Mitsubishi Pajero is a beautiful beast on and off the road.
The more adventurous of us may like the fact that it can cut through bumpy desert terrain like a hot knife slicing butter. However, for women on-the-go, like me, this sport utility vehicle (SUV) is more of a life-saver that oozes comfort and safety as well as being large enough to lug around my large canine family of four (giant mum and dad, plus two puppies) as well as my future in-laws.
This fourth generation mid-size machine holds its head up high in the 4x4 ‘heavy duty’ segment and is one of those icons of the motoring world that seems to have been with us forever and only gets better.
Over the years, its Japanese creators have produced a tough, reliable and capable SUV that can handle just about anything a large family can throw at it.
At first glance, the 5-door GLS looked rugged in size but cool too with its silver metallic paint job. The interior was sleek and modern in design with soft leather seats, a stylish sunroof and ample head and leg room.
After settling into the driver’s seat, it didn’t take long to figure out what all the shiny buttons on the dashboard did. In the hope that I do not come across as too much of an old lady, I often find that the entertainment section in new vehicles can get a bit complicated.
Fortunately, I found navigating through radio stations and settings in Pajero’s powerful Rokford Acoustic Design premium system a breeze. The touch screen was an added bonus along with the DVD option. There even was a hidden SD card port and an auxiliary cable in the glove compartment.
Pulling out of Zayani Motors’ showroom in Sitra, the reverse camera displayed a clear view of what was coming up behind me, a feature that is quite handy when reverse parking as well.
And, just on the off chance I missed something, the sensors at the back beep frantically to alert me of oncoming cars.
It’s obvious Mitsubishi takes safety very seriously to give drivers peace of mind with systems such as the Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC). It utilises a network of control units and intelligent sensors to monitor vehicle status as well as the driver’s steering.
As road and vehicle conditions change, the ASTC manages the forces on all wheels by precisely controlling engine torque and braking force going to each one, providing improved control, traceability and traction in all driving conditions.
The 3.8-litre engine ensured that the high-performance Pajero was never short of power. The new MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control) system varies the inlet valve timing and lift to optimise engine output across more of the rev range. The result is enjoyment of the full potential that this powerhouse has to offer, with quicker starting response and sure, confident cruising performance.
The drive was smooth and handled beautifully along the highway and navigating those giant roundabouts in Sitra.
My friends and I love to go camping; it’s a hobby for many residents on the island. I imagine that the Pajero would be ideal for that as the SUV already has a great passenger carrying capacity, being able to seat seven quite comfortably.
If storage was an issue, then the third row can be stowed away to create plenty of room in the boot. Also the first two rows can be laid flat creating a comfortable sleeping area. The sunroof adds just the right touch allowing passengers to gaze upon the stars while listening to music from the 12 speakers, including tweeters, woofers and subwoofers positioned throughout.
Shifting back into reality, I picked up my fiancé, his mother and teenage brother on a trip to Durrat Al Bahrain. The journey was pleasant and relaxing as I set the SUV on cruise control, a button mounted on the steering wheel, and let it cruise whilst the entire family soaked in the sun.
My future brother-in-law took advantage of the space in the back and even found a hidden mobile phone charger. Meanwhile, his mum admired the details of the interior and commented on how powerful and cooling its air conditioning was. She also confessed that she always wanted a Pajero and that the new model was more beautiful than ever.
The Pajero is available (on the road) at BD16,500.
For more information contact Zayani Motors on 17703703.
