October 1999 Volume 80 Number 10
"serving the protectors"
| October 1999 Volume 80 Number 10 "serving the protectors" |
|
| New Pajero iO | |
| By
Jim Barnett |
The new Mitsubishi Pajero iO is fun to drive, very capable off-road and comprehensively equipped. While its on-road dynamics are not class-leading, the five-door model tested by the Police Journal was smooth, light and nimble around town. And on the highway it’s a pleasant vehicle to drive.
Although not the most powerful in its class, the engine is strong, flexible and economical. To maintain 110km/h, it’s fairly busy, spinning at 3600rpm. But it remains reasonably quiet and revs freely enough to have plenty in reserve.
Off-road, this smart looking iO is capable of tackling quite difficult terrain, thanks to its Super Select 4WD system with Hi/Low transfer case. It has 205mm of ground clearance, a wading depth of 500mm, and good approach, departure and ramp over angles.
Changes between 2H and 4H can be made at speeds up to 100km/h and 4H to 2H at any speed on any surface. For really tough going, a centre diff lock operates in 4H and 4L. The five-door model has a limited-slip differential as standard.
The three-door model - fitted with a 1.6-litre SOHC engine developing 75kW - has a five-speed manual transmission and retails at $26,990.
The five-door features a 1.8-litre SOHC, multi-valve unit that develops 86kW at 5500rpm and 165 Nm of torque at 4000rpm. In manual form, the five-door sells for $29,890 - the optional four-speed automatic transmission adds $2,000.
Inside, iO features generous headroom, large windows and comfortable front seats trimmed in modern fabrics. Although the steering column has no adjustment, the driver’s seat offers height and plenty of forward and rearward adjustment. The rear seat has a 50/50 split-fold design and is reasonably comfortable. For adults, however, leg room is limited.
The dashboard is well laid out with clear gauges. Audio and ventilation system controls are located high in the centre facia. Storage areas include:
- A reasonable glove box.
- Trays in the console and dashboard.
- Bins on both front doors.
Standard features on both models include:
- Air conditioning.
- Sixteen-inch alloy wheels.
- Driver’s airbag.
- Remote central locking.
- Anti-theft immobiliser.
- Power windows and mirrors.
The rear cargo floor area is not huge, but with it’s height - and a suitable cargo barrier - it would swallow a fair amount of correctly packed gear. More thought to rear seat design would have provided better storage space, with a larger floor area when the rear seat is folded. The rear compartment features some light-duty, tie-down hooks and a handy 12-volt accessory socket.
Unlike most larger four-wheel drives which feature a rugged ladder chassis, iO utilises monocoque construction with car-like front and rear crumple zones. Two sizeable chassis rails form part of the floor pan and run the length of the vehicle giving it a solid platform.
Suspension consists of McPherson struts with coil springs up front and a five-link rigid rear axle with coil springs. Long suspension travel ensures off-road efficiency. The suspension soaks up corrugations and pot holes with no sign of the vehicle deviating from a straight line. The ride is smooth, supple and confident on most surfaces. However, the rear suspension does have a tendency to bottom out on larger bumps with four adults on board.
Some critics have labelled the 1.8-litre engine as not up to the task. But when tested, the iO - with fuel consumption around 10 litres/100km - did everything with relative ease. Its off-road ability certainly makes up for any perceived lack of power.
Test vehicle from Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd.
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