Mitsubishi Pajero Legend makes a return

The Legend II builds on the success of its predecessor - the Pajero Legend 30-Years LWB Special Edition which was introduced in 2012 as part of the global celebration of Pajero's successes since its introduction in 1982.

For the Legend II, Mitsubishi has again added a host of extras to the Pajero. This time round, however, the Legend II can be ordered with a range of additional extras that are sourced, subsidised and fitted by Mitsubishi South Africa. The range of off-road accessories is sourced from Australian overland specialists, Opposite Lock, and from Front Runner South Africa, while cosmetic accessories are sourced from Mitsubishi's own parts catalogue.

Additional value

The Pajero Legend II LWB is based on the top-spec Exceed derivative. Customers get an additional R50,000 worth of extras as part of the purchase price of R759,900. This includes a heavy-duty protection plate fitted below the engine and another below the gearbox assembly as well as heavy-duty rock sliders. It is also fitted with Yokohama Geolander dual-purpose tyres with a 265/60 R18 profile.

The Pajero Legend II SWB offers all the luxuries fitted to its long-wheel base sibling. Customers get an additional R40,000 worth of extras as part of the purchase price of R659,900 which also includes heavy-duty protection plates fitted below the engine and gearbox assembly and Yokohama Geolander dual-purpose tyres with a 265/65 R17 profile.

Other additions to both the LWB and SWB Legend II derivatives include a heavy-duty tow bar from Bosal, a Pajero-stamped chrome nudge bar and auto-locking and unlocking modules.

Inside the cabin the Pajero Legend II offers a high-end Garmin nüviCam with magnetic mount and built-in dash cam, a Tracks4Africa off-road map set for Southern Africa and a full set of hard-wearing rubber mats. The range of additional accessories caters for specialist off-roaders and includes 41mm big bore front and rear heavy-duty shock absorbers from Tough Dog, a slim line roof rack from Front Runner and high-impact discharge spotlights from the adventure specialists, Light Force.

Enthusiasts can also select other off-road ready equipment from the Legend II's list of customised extras, including an air compressor, snatch recovery kit, dash Caska D306LT Navigation unit and entertainment system, clear headlight protectors, bonnet guard and - for those treks through the Namib Desert - a cooler fridge.

Creature comforts

Adding to the creature comforts in Mitsubishi's flagship model are standard luxury features such as heated leather seats that are electrically adjustable for the driver (and front passenger on the LWB model), a multi-function wood and leather steering wheel, a touch-screen infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB modules, a reverse camera with rear parking sensors, a double volume glass sunroof and privacy glass for rear passengers.

Safety is taken care of with the fitment of six airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), BAS (Brake Assist System), Active Traction and Stability Control (ATSC) and Mitsubishi's patented high-strength Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body shell. The range is fitted with ISO-FIX Child Seat Anchors as well.

Under the imposing bonnet is Mitsubishi's 3.2 litre DI-D turbo-diesel engine, which uses a high-pressure common rail direct injection system to deliver 140 kW at 3,800 rpm and 441 Nm of torque in a wide band that delivers peak power from a low 2,000 rpm. Mitsubishi says the wide torque spread makes the Pajero ideal for technical off-roading, as does the fact that the brand has retained its support for 500 ppm diesel.

Super-Select II 4WD system

Engine power is delivered in normal driving to the rear wheels through a five-speed automatic gearbox, with self-shifting option. The gearbox is mated to Mitsubishi's Super-Select II 4WD system. Super-Select 4WD II offers four driving options, with each mode making changes to the transfer case and vehicle electronics. Under normal driving conditions, the gearbox transfers all power to the rear wheels, while in 4H mode power is split 33% front and 67% rear, maintaining the rear wheel driving dynamics, while ensuring improved road holding in slippery conditions. This mode, which is ideal on high-speed dirt roads or in rainy conditions, can be selected while driving at speeds of up to 100 km/h.

Once in the bush, the Pajero Legend II offers two distinct off-road driving modes. In 4HLc, the power delivery between front and rear wheels are locked at 50:50. When the going gets really tough, the driver can select 4LLc. In this mode the transfer case slows the lowest gears down to a crawl, traction control is switched off and drivers are given mechanical freedom to traverse rocks, mud, water and any other off-road obstacle. The rear differential can be locked and unlocked from inside the cabin.

The Pajero's off-road credentials also include lass-leading ground clearance of 235 mm, an approach angle of 36.7° on the SWB model and 36.6° on the LWB model and a very impressive departure angle of 25°. The break-over angle of 25.2° for the SWB makes it virtually unstoppable.

Pricing of the Pajero Legend II is at R759,900 for the LWB and R659,900 for the SWB. All Pajero Legend II models are sold with a three-year/100,000 km warranty and a five-year/100,000 km maintenance plan. Service intervals are 10,000 km.