SUV = MITSUBISHI

Expanding a niche into a full-scale market

A major trend-setter in the Japanese market, Mitsubishi Motors started and then nurtured the SUV boom that has become a major vehicle theme from the middle 90s. The release of the Pajero (Montero), a go-anywhere 4WD, in the early 80s set the stage by changing the popular thinking of what a 4WD had to offer the average driver. The Chariot (Space Wagon), a new concept people carrier with high versatility, helped popularize leisure-oriented family vehicles in Japan. In the early 90s, the Japanese public was increasingly re-examining the meaning of lifestyle with the pursuit of leisure activities taking an important role. Outdoor life was seen as a healthy way to relax but unfortunately only a basic infrastructure existed. Mitsubishi Motors helped popularize auto camping and other outdoor activities with the establishment of its annual "Star Camp Grounds" event as well as many other auto camping opportunities for the general public.

SUV lineup

Pajero (Montero)

The go-anywhere Pajero (Montero) was released in 1982. In many respects it ushered in the SUV boom in Japan by changing the average motorists' perception of 4WD vehicles. The Pajero combined excellent performance characteristics with smooth styling and passenger car-like appointment and ride for both driver and passengers. The Pajero underwent a full-model change in 1991.

The internationally acclaimed Pajero underwent another full-model change in 1999 to become the 3rd generation Pajero. The all new Pajero incorporates the latest breakthroughs in vehicle technology to significantly improve its overall 4WD performance characteristics as well as enhancing its styling, passenger car-like interior appointments and riding comfort.

Pajero iO (Montero iO / Pajero Pinin)

Launched in Japan in 1998 as the replacement for the Pajero Jr the Pajero iO is smaller than the full-sized Pajero but larger than the Pajero Mini. In addition to the award-winning GDI engine which melds high performance in an environment-friendly package, the sporty Pajero iO boasts the newly developed SS4-i technology.

Pajero Jr.

When the Pajero Mini was launched iin 1994 it was well received but many hoped for a nore powerful version but with its compactness. In 1995, the Pajero Jr. was launched to address these desires for a model that performed between the full-sized Pajero and the compact Pajero Mini. The Pajero Jr. model was discontinued in 1998 with the launch of the Pajero iO

Pajero Mini

To take advantage of the excellent reputation built by the Pajero while addressing the more modest needs and budgets, Mitsubishi began production of the Pajero Mini in 1994. As the name suggests, the Pajero Mini falls within Japan's smallest car category, with an engine capacity of 660cc. 1998 saw a full-model change for the Pajero Mini.

Challenger (Pajero Sport / Montero Sport)

The Challenger was launched in 1996. Like the Pajero, it offers superior performance in a lower, stylish package. The Challenger was entered in the 1997 and 1998 Dakar Rally events and proved its pedigree on both occasions by finishing an excellent 4th overall, the first three places being taken by Pajeros.

Strada (L200)

Perception of the pickup for applications other than utility changed in Japan in 1991 with the release of the Strada 4WD pickup. Mechanically based on the L200 marketed outside of Japan, the Strada featured a host of accessories to complement its recreational role in an attractive crew cab and short-bed form. The newest generation Strada was designed in Japan and is produced in Thailand.

Delica Star Wagon (L300)

A stalwart of the Delica line originally lauched in 1968, the reliable performance, versatility and excellent ride characteristics of the Delica Star Wagon helped Mitsubishi change the popular perception of this vehicle class from that of a basic people carrying van to that of the of a leisure oriented vehicle for the family. The Delica Star Wagon is one of the most popular choices for auto-camping.

Delica Space Gear (Space Gear)

Launched in 1994, the Delica Space Gear was excellently received by the general public. The newest addition to the Delica line offers a walk-through cabin, versatile seating arrangements and the proven performance that people have come to expect from Mitsubishi.

Chariot (Space Wagon)

The Chariot, known as the Space Wagon in markets outside of Japan, was first launched in 1983. Full-model changes were introduced in 1991 and 1997. The Chariot, a new breed people mover, offers fully flexible seating arrangements for seven and excellent ride characteristics. It is an ideal vehicle for the family of the 90s on the go.

RVR (Space Runner)

Building on the established popularity of the Chariot, Mitsubishi released the RVR in 1991. The RVR offers seating for five but with a new degree of flexibility in configuration. The rear seat slide was made extremely long to offer an incomparable amount of leg room. An excellent addition to Mitsubishi's lineup, the RVR underwent its first major model change in 1997.

Mirage Dingo

Launched on the Japanese market in January 1999, the new Mirage Dingo is the first in the new SUW (Smart Utility Wagon) series. Fitted with the GDI engine, it provides the performance which consumers expect while also offering environment-friendly operation. The Mirage Dingo features a convenient and comfortable space for today's on-the-go families.

Bravo (L100)

1991 saw the release of the Bravo when the existing Minicab line underwent a full-model change. The people-oriented Bravo offers all the extras that Japan's SUV buying public have come to expect in a mini recreational van: Great performance, an excellent ride, high maneuverability, flexibility in application and of course built-in reliability and durability.

Minica Toppo

1990 saw the release of the Minica Toppo, a new addition to the existing Minica lineup. To meet the demands of an emerging SUV trend in Japan, the Toppo was conceived as a mini-recreational vehicle sporting a tall box cabin for greater convenience and wide ranging applications. The Toppo underwent full-model changes in 1993 and 1998.