The Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin (H60) is a compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) produced by Mitsubishi Motors between 2001 and 2006. Positioned as a smaller, more affordable alternative to the full-size Pajero, the Pinin was primarily aimed at the European market, where demand for smaller, versatile SUVs was growing. While not officially sold in the United States, it represents a significant part of Mitsubishi’s global SUV strategy during the early 2000s. The “Pinin” name itself is derived from the Italian word for pine, reflecting a connection to outdoor adventure and ruggedness. This generation, the H60, offered a blend of practicality, off-road capability, and a relatively compact footprint, making it a popular choice for urban drivers and those seeking a weekend adventure vehicle.
Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin (H60): Overview
The Pajero Pinin (H60) occupied a unique niche in the European SUV landscape. It bridged the gap between small, city-focused hatchbacks and larger, more expensive off-road vehicles. Its three-door configuration, combined with available four-wheel drive, made it particularly appealing to buyers who wanted a vehicle capable of handling both daily commutes and occasional off-road excursions. The H60 series was a facelift of the original Pajero Mini, expanding its appeal to a broader audience with a more mature design and improved features. It competed with vehicles like the Suzuki Jimny and the Fiat Panda 4×4, offering a similar combination of affordability and capability.
Engine & Performance
The 1.8 i 16V variant of the Pajero Pinin (H60) is powered by Mitsubishi’s 4G93 inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 114 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 160 Nm (118.01 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. While not a powerhouse, the engine provides adequate performance for everyday driving and light off-road use. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio of 11 kg/Hp and torque-to-weight ratio of 7.8 kg/Nm contribute to a reasonably responsive driving experience. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 11.9 seconds, and it achieves a maximum speed of 155 km/h (96.31 mph). Fuel economy is rated at 9.3 liters per 100 kilometers combined (25.3 US mpg, 30.4 UK mpg), with figures varying depending on driving conditions. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain for improved efficiency and performance.
Design & Features
The Pajero Pinin (H60) features a classic SUV body style with a three-door configuration and seating for five passengers. Its compact dimensions – 3735 mm (147.05 in) in length and 1695 mm (66.73 in) in width – make it relatively easy to maneuver in urban environments. The vehicle’s design is characterized by its boxy shape, high ground clearance, and prominent wheel arches, giving it a rugged and capable appearance. Inside, the Pinin offers a functional and practical interior, although it prioritizes utility over luxury. Key features include a standard anti-lock braking system (ABS) for enhanced safety, hydraulic power steering for ease of handling, and a manual five-speed transmission. The rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo space, which ranges from 166 liters (5.86 cu. ft.) with all seats up to 801 liters (28.29 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded. The fuel tank capacity is 53 liters (14 US gal).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Pajero |
| Generation | Pajero Pinin (H60) |
| Type | 1.8 i 16V (114 Hp) 3dr |
| Start of production | November, 2001 |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.6 l/100 km (20.3 US mpg, 24.4 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.9 l/100 km (29.8 US mpg, 35.8 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 9.3 l/100 km (25.3 US mpg, 30.4 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 155 km/h (96.31 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.8 kg/Nm |
| Power | 114 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 4000 rpm (118.01 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 4G93 |
| Engine displacement | 1834 cm3 (111.92 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 89 mm (3.5 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6 l (6.34 US qt | 5.28 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1250 kg (2755.78 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1680 kg (3703.77 lbs.) |
| Max load | 430 kg (947.99 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 166 l (5.86 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 801 l (28.29 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 53 l (14 US gal | 11.66 UK gal) |
| Length | 3735 mm (147.05 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1735 mm (68.31 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2280 mm (89.76 in.) |
| Front track | 1435 mm (56.5 in.) |
| Rear track | 1445 mm (56.89 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.8 m (32.15 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16 |
The Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin (H60) 1.8 i 16V represents a practical and versatile option for those seeking a compact SUV with four-wheel drive capability. While not a high-performance vehicle, its blend of affordability, functionality, and off-road potential made it a popular choice in its target market.
