Mitsubishi Pajero Junior

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Mitsubishi Pajero Junior
File:Mitsubishi Pajero Jr.jpg
Overview
Manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors
Production 1995 - 1998
Assembly Nagoya Plant, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
Body and chassis
Body style Mini SUV
Powertrain
Engine 4A31 1094 cc SOHC 16v I4
Transmission 5 speed / 3 speed auto
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,200 mm (86.6 in)
Length 3,500 mm (137.8 in)
Width 1,545 mm (60.8 in)
Height 1,660 mm (65.4 in)
Curb weight 980 kg (2,160 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor N/A
Successor Mitsubishi Pajero iO

The Mitsubishi Pajero Junior is a mini SUV produced by Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors between October 1995 and June 1998 for the Japanese domestic market only. Based on a lengthened Minica platform, it was a larger version of the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini, though unlike that car it was too big to qualify for the kei car classification. The biggest visual difference from the Pajero Mini is the wide fender trims and wider tyres, giving it a more purposeful appearance.

For normal use, a basic rear wheel drive configuration is used for road performance and fuel consumption purposes. However, it also has a selectable (which Mitsubishi called "Easy-Select 4WD") four wheel drive system (low and high gear ratios) for off-road driving. Unlike many other mini SUV's, the Pajero Junior is said to be a very capable off-road vehicle with a decent amount of ground clearance.

The 1094cc engine block is the same as used in the Mitsubishi Colt, developing 80 hp at 6500 rpm and giving the vehicle a top speed of 135 km/h. The steering is a traditional rack and pinion setup, with power assistance. The front suspension is double wishbone, and the rear is helical spring.

The Mitsubishi Pajero Junior was discontinued in June 1998 due to the launch of its replacement, the Mitsubishi Pajero iO (known in Europe as the "Pinin"). By that time, Mitsubishi were aware that many Pajero Junior's were being unofficially exported to other countries, so an entirely new model was designed to take the vehicle away from its kei car roots and to support larger engine sizes for the international market.

Pajero Jr. ZR-I

The first vehicles rolled off the production line on 26 October 1995. The "ZR-I" was the only model available until it was superseded by the "ZR-II" in January 1997.

It was equipped with a range of amenities as standard such as air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes (ABS), SRS airbag (drivers side), electric front windows, electric door mirrors and keyless entry. A small selection of optional extras were available such as six-spoked aluminium wheels, bull bars, roof rails and privacy glass. The functional interior design included cup holders, quarter pockets, and split rear seats which fold completely flat providing a surprisingly large carrying capacity for such a small vehicle.

Pajero Jr. ZR-II

The "ZR-II" was built from January 1997 to June 1998 and had the same specification as the "ZR-I", plus an additional cluster of digital instruments which included an altometer, compass, outside temperature gauge and a clock.

Pajero Jr. McTwist & Pajero Jr. Lynx

The popularity of the vehicle inspired Mitsubishi to create three limited editions (with the intention to build up to 1000 units of each limited edition), two of which were named the "Pajero Jr. McTwist", and "Pajero Jr. Lynx", which were exhibited at the 32nd Tokyo Motor Show in 1997.[1]

Both of these limited edition models shared the same base specification as the ZR-II, with the addition of a wood-effect insert on the dashboard and upgraded interior trim (grey on the "McTwist", beige on the "Lynx"). External differences were that the "McTwist" model (built from October 1996 to June 1998) sported a plastic A-frame bullbar with 6" (15 cm) spotlights, and the "Lynx" model (built from May 1997 to July 1997) sported a stainless steel bar upon which two small 5" (12 cm) spotlights were mounted. The yellow lensed spotlights on both of these models were sourced from Robert Bosch GmbH and were supplied with black removable grilles displaying "BOSCH" in white text.

Both models also had a rear roof-level spoiler with integrated LED third brakelight, roof rails, privacy glass, and six-spoke alloy wheels fitted as standard.

Pajero Jr. Flying Pug

The third limited edition which was launched in 1997, was the "Pajero Jr. Flying Pug". Mitsubishi was responding to the rise in the popularity of old British cars at the time in Japan, so they decided that the Pajero Jr. would be a good platform to experiment with a "retro-look" bodywork restyle. It is understood that this rise in retro-styled cars in Japan was started by the success of the Mitsuoka Viewt, which was a collaboration with Nissan and based on the Nissan Micra.

Similarly to the other two limited edition models which were announced in 1997, Mitsubishi had originally planned to build 1000 examples but, as the bodywork was heavily criticised by the motoring press as being ugly, this variant was a such a sales flop that only 139 were ever made (built from September 1997 to June 1998). Mitsubishi's rather ambitious sales literature for the "Flying Pug" indicated that the vehicle "sported the classic looks of a London taxi".

Despite the controversial exterior styling and lack of sales, this limited edition actually had the highest specification of the entire "Junior" range, and sported a full leather interior as standard in addition to unique cross-spoked aluminium wheels. The "Flying Pug" also shared the wood-effect dashboard insert as on the "Lynx" and "McTwist" models, and had an additional wood-effect surround for the gear lever.

Recalls

In February 2001, all Pajero Juniors (Mitsubishi Motors recall notice 710[2]) were recalled to replace the airbag unit in the centre of the steering wheel. This was due to reports of a small number of airbags being deployed upon starting the engine.

Annual production and sales

Year Production
1995 30,605
1996 24,690
1997 13,934
1998 149

(Sources: Facts & Figures 2000,[3] Mitsubishi Motors website)

Other Photos:

  • CA7YLLNQ.jpg
  • Mitsubishi-Pajerojr-1st-rear.jpg

References

  1. ↑ "Mitsubishi Motors 32nd Tokyo Motor Show Exhibits", Mitsubishi Motors press release, October 15, 1997
  2. ↑ Mitsubishi Motors recall notice 710
  3. ↑ Facts & Figures 2000

External links

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