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 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 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 versatile vehicle for both on and off-road adventures.
Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin (H60): An Overview
The Pajero Pinin, designated as the H60 series, was designed to appeal to a broader customer base than its larger sibling. It offered a more accessible price point and a more manageable size, making it suitable for city driving and tighter parking spaces. The vehicle was offered with a range of engine options depending on the market, but the 1.8-liter inline-four engine, producing 114 horsepower, was a common configuration, particularly in Europe. The Pinin’s design incorporated styling cues from the larger Pajero, giving it a recognizable Mitsubishi SUV aesthetic. It was available exclusively as a five-door model.
Engine & Performance
The 1.8 i 16V variant of the Pajero Pinin is powered by Mitsubishi’s 4G93 inline-four cylinder engine, displacing 1834 cubic centimeters (111.92 cubic inches). This naturally aspirated engine produces 114 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 160 Newton-meters (118.01 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. While not a performance-oriented engine, it provided adequate power for everyday driving and light off-road use. The engine features a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its relatively efficient operation. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 13.8 seconds, and it achieves a maximum speed of 150 km/h (93.21 mph). The 0-60 mph time is calculated at 13.1 seconds. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 11.8 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 8.4 kg/Nm. Fuel economy is rated at 10 liters per 100 kilometers (23.5 US mpg) combined, with 12.4 l/100km (19 US mpg) in urban settings and 8.6 l/100km (27.4 US mpg) on the open road.
Design & Features
The Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin H60 is a five-door SUV with a body-on-frame construction, providing a robust and durable platform. Its exterior design is characterized by a relatively boxy shape, typical of SUVs from the early 2000s. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4035 mm (158.86 in) in length, 1695 mm (66.73 in) in width, and 1735 mm (68.31 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 2450 mm (96.46 in). Inside, the Pinin offers seating for five passengers and a practical interior layout. The trunk space is versatile, ranging from a minimum of 358 liters (12.64 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1158 liters (40.89 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. Safety features for the era included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The Pinin utilizes a hydraulic power steering system and a steering rack and pinion for responsive handling. It rides on 215/65 R16 tires. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1340 kg (2954.19 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 1840 kg (4056.51 lbs) and a maximum load capacity of 500 kg (1102.31 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Pajero |
| Generation | Pajero Pinin (H60) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.8 i 16V (114 Hp) 5dr |
| Start of production | November, 2001 |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 8.6 l/100 km (27.4 US mpg, 32.8 UK mpg, 11.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg, 28.2 UK mpg, 10 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 150 km/h (93.21 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 8.4 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 | 1340 kg (2954.19 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1840 kg (4056.51 lbs.) |
| Max load | 500 kg (1102.31 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 358 l (12.64 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1158 l (40.89 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 53 l (14 US gal | 11.66 UK gal) |
| Length | 4035 mm (158.86 in.) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.73 in.) |
| Height | 1735 mm (68.31 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2450 mm (96.46 in.) |
| Front track | 1435 mm (56.5 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1445 mm (56.89 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 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) represented a significant offering in the compact SUV segment, particularly in Europe. While not known for blistering performance, it provided a practical, reliable, and capable vehicle for a variety of driving needs.
