The Mitsubishi Pajero IV 3.2 Di-DC is a five-door sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Mitsubishi Motors between 2008 and 2010. While not widely sold in the United States, the Pajero has a long and respected history as a capable off-road vehicle, particularly in markets like Australia, Europe, and Asia. The fourth-generation Pajero, represented by this 3.2 Di-DC model, aimed to blend off-road prowess with improved on-road comfort and refinement, catering to a broader customer base seeking a versatile family vehicle. This model occupied the mid-size SUV segment, competing with vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Nissan Patrol.
Mitsubishi Pajero IV: An Overview
The Pajero IV represented a significant evolution for the Pajero lineage. Introduced in 2006, it moved towards a more car-like driving experience while retaining the robust four-wheel-drive system that defined the Pajero’s reputation. The 3.2 Di-DC variant, equipped with a diesel engine, was a popular choice in many markets due to its balance of power, fuel efficiency, and torque – essential for both on and off-road driving. The vehicle’s seven-seat configuration further enhanced its practicality, making it suitable for families and those requiring additional passenger capacity.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Pajero IV 3.2 Di-DC is a 3.2-liter inline-four cylinder diesel engine, designated the 4M41. This engine produces 165 horsepower at 3500 rpm and 381 Nm (281.01 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2000 rpm. The engine utilizes a diesel commonrail fuel injection system and is turbocharged with an intercooler, contributing to its improved efficiency and power output. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout and a five-speed automatic transmission deliver power to all four wheels via a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 14 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in 13.3 seconds. The Pajero IV 3.2 Di-DC has a maximum speed of 177 km/h (109.98 mph). The weight-to-power ratio is 14 kg/Hp, and the weight-to-torque ratio is 6.1 kg/Nm, indicating a reasonable balance between weight and performance.
Design & Features
The Pajero IV 3.2 Di-DC features a traditional SUV body style with a five-door configuration and a spacious interior capable of accommodating up to seven passengers. The design emphasizes practicality and robustness, with a relatively high ground clearance and a sturdy chassis. Key features include a double wishbone front suspension and a transverse stabilizer rear suspension, designed to provide a comfortable ride both on and off-road. Safety features, typical for vehicles of this era, include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The interior is designed with functionality in mind, offering ample cargo space that ranges from a minimum of 215 liters (7.59 cu. ft.) with all seats in use to a maximum of 1790 liters (63.21 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle rides on 265/65 R17 tires mounted on 7.5J x 17 inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Pajero |
| Generation | Pajero IV |
| Type (Engine) | 3.2 Di-DC (165 Hp) 5-doors |
| Start of production | October, 2008 |
| End of production | September, 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.1 l/100 km (18 US mpg, 21.6 UK mpg, 7.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 9.1 l/100 km (25.8 US mpg, 31 UK mpg, 11 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.6 l/100 km (22.2 US mpg, 26.6 UK mpg, 9.4 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 14 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 177 km/h (109.98 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.1 kg/Nm |
| Power | 165 Hp @ 3500 rpm |
| Torque | 381 Nm @ 2000 rpm (281.01 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 4M41 |
| Engine displacement | 3200 cm3 (195.28 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 98.5 mm (3.88 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 105 mm (4.13 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 17:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 9.8 l (10.36 US qt | 8.62 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9 l (9.51 US qt | 7.92 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2310 kg (5092.68 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 3030 kg (6680.01 lbs.) |
| Max load | 720 kg (1587.33 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 215 l (7.59 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1790 l (63.21 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 88 l (23.25 US gal | 19.36 UK gal) |
| Length | 4900 mm (192.91 in.) |
| Width | 1875 mm (73.82 in.) |
| Height | 1870 mm (73.62 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2780 mm (109.45 in.) |
| Front overhang | 765 mm (30.12 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1355 mm (53.35 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 265/65 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J X 17 |
The Mitsubishi Pajero IV 3.2 Di-DC, while not a common sight on American roads, represents a capable and versatile SUV that found success in numerous international markets. Its blend of off-road capability, on-road comfort, and practicality made it a popular choice for families and adventurers alike.
