Reports of the Mitsubishi Pajero making a stunning comeback are incorrect, with an all-new model thought to be well and truly off the table in Japan.
The news, first reported by Japanese scoop site Spyder7, had Mitsubishi in Japan working on an all-new Pajero that would launch in “late 2021 or 2022”, effectively rejuvenating the nameplate in its home market following its axing there in 2019.
According to the site, the Pajero was to adopt a new-generation ladder-frame chassis and adopt plug-in hybrid power, paring a 2.4-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with a pair of electric motors.
But CarsGuide understands there is little truth to the rumours, with no plan to reintroduce the Pajero nameplate in Japan, and no decision being made to launch an all-new model once the current Pajero is removed from sale.
The off-road icon - last fully updated in 2006 - remains on sale in Australia. In fact, it was just updated for 2020 here, with Mitsubishi trimming the line-up from three to two models, and adding extra equipment.
Mitsubishi has today told us the production of that model will continue for the “forseeable” future, but CarsGuide understands that is where the Pajero story will end.
Which does lead us neatly to what vehicle is coming next year with plug-in hybrid power? Based on the model description, the evidence points to the new Outlander, which is expected to grow in size when its replaced, and to be powered by PHEV powertrains.
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Andrew Chesterton
Contributing Journalist
Andrew Chesterton should probably hate cars. From his hail-damaged Camira that looked like it had spent a hard life parked at the end of Tiger Woods' personal driving range, to the Nissan Pulsar Reebok that shook like it was possessed by a particularly mean-spirited demon every time he dared push past 40km/h, his personal car history isn't exactly littered with gold.
But that seemingly endless procession of rust-savaged hate machines taught him something even more important; that cars are more than a collection of nuts, bolts and petrol. They're your ticket to freedom, a way to unlock incredible experiences, rolling invitations to incredible adventures. They have soul.
And so, somehow, the car bug still bit. And it bit hard.
When "Chesto" started his journalism career with News Ltd's Sunday and Daily Telegraph newspapers, he covered just about everything, from business to real estate, courts to crime, before settling into state political reporting at NSW Parliament House.
But the automotive world's siren song soon sounded again, and he begged anyone who would listen for the opportunity to write about cars. Eventually they listened, and his career since has seen him filing car news, reviews and features for TopGear, Wheels, Motor and, of course, CarsGuide, as well as many, many others.
More than a decade later, and the car bug is yet to relinquish its toothy grip. And if you ask Chesto, he thinks it never will.
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