The Legend Returns: Pajero Legend II

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Mitsubishi SA launches Pajero Legend II with innovative value-added accessory package.
Pajero Legend II caters for specialist off-roaders.
Legacy model will remain a mainstay of the brand’s product offering.
For the Legend II, Mitsubishi has again added a host of extras to the Pajero without
significantly increasing the retail price. This time round, however, the Legend II
can be ordered with a range of additional extras that are sourced, subsidised and
fitted by Mitsubishi South Africa.

“The Pajero has become synonymous with an adventure lifestyle and it remains unique,
thanks to its combination of modern luxuries and tried-and-trusted mechanics. It is
Mitsubishi’s legacy model and it will remain a mainstay of the brand’s product
offering to off-road and adventure enthusiasts,” says Braam Faul, Marketing Manager
of Mitsubishi South Africa.

“Recent international media reports that Pajero will not be the main focus of future
development plans at Mitsubishi created the wrong impression with some of our loyal
Pajero customers. I need to make it very clear that the Pajero is still a
top-selling model for Mitsubishi and will continue to form part of the product range
for many years to come”, Faul adds.

The range of off-road accessories is sourced from the well-known Australian overland
specialists, Opposite Lock, and from Front Runner South Africa, while cosmetic
accessories are sourced from Mitsubishi’s own parts catalogue.

Up to R50 000 of additional value

The Pajero Legend II LWB is based on the top-spec Exceed derivative. Customers get
an additional R50 000 worth of extras as part of the purchase price of R759 900.
This includes a heavy-duty protection plate fitted below the engine and another
below the gearbox assembly as well as heavy-duty rock sliders. It is also fitted
with Yokohama Geolander dual-purpose tyres with a 265/60 R18 profile.

Other additions to both the LWB and SWB Legend II derivatives include a heavy-duty
tow bar from Bosal, a Pajero-stamped chrome nudge bar and auto-locking and unlocking
modules.

“The standard Legend II package should be more than sufficient for any off-road
enthusiasts or lover of the great outdoors. Customers that would like to add further
customisation can choose to do so from an additional list of Mitsubishi approved
extras that can be fitted at a subsidised cost,” says Faul.

The range of additional accessories clearly caters for specialist off-roaders and
includes 41mm big bore front and rear heavy-duty shock absorbers from Tough Dog, a
slim line roof rack from Front Runner and high-impact discharge spotlights from the
adventure specialists, Light Force.

Enthusiasts can also select other off-road ready equipment from the Legend II’s list
of customised extras, including an air compressor, snatch recovery kit, dash Caska
D306LT Navigation unit and entertainment system, clear headlight protectors, bonnet
guard and – for those treks through the Namib Desert – a cooler fridge.

Optional extras chosen from the Legend II’s list will be fitted by
Mitsubishi-trained technicians, will carry the respective brands’ warranty and will
not compromise the Pajero’s 3-year or 100 000 km mechanical warranty. This is a
welcome relief to any enthusiast who would like to custom fit their Pajero with
off-road equipment, but is worried that the non-factory fitted extras will void his
manufacturer’s warranty.

Most loved Pajero features retained

The additional equipment has also been tested to work perfectly with the Pajero and
not impair the SUV’s exemplary road manners. The Mitsubishi Pajero is the most
affordable competitor in the luxury SUV-segment that offers full independent rear
suspension, making it an ideal choice for owners who use the vehicle for their daily
commute and are looking for a soft and comfortable car-like drive.

Also adding to the creature comforts in Mitsubishi’s flagship model are standard
luxury features such as heated leather seats that are electrically adjustable for
the driver (and front passenger on the LWB model), a multi-function wood and leather
steering wheel, a touch-screen infotainment system with Bluetooth and USB modules, a
reverse camera with rear parking sensors, a double volume glass sunroof and privacy
glass for rear passengers.

Safety is well taken care of with the fitment of 6 airbags, ABS (Anti-lock Braking
System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), BAS (Brake Assist System),
Active Traction and Stability Control (ATSC) and Mitsubishi’s patented high-strength
Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body shell. The range is fitted with
ISO-FIX Child Seat Anchors as well.

Under the imposing bonnet is Mitsubishi’s well proven 3.2 litre DI-D turbo-diesel
engine, which uses a high-pressure common rail direct injection system to deliver
140 kW at 3 800 rpm and 441 Nm of torque in a wide band that delivers peak power
from a low 2 000 rpm.

The wide torque spread makes the Pajero ideal for technical off-roading, as does the
fact that Mitsubishi has retained its support for 500 ppm diesel. This allows
overland enthusiasts the freedom to travel through Africa unhindered.

Unique Super-Select II 4WD system standard

Engine power is delivered in normal driving to the rear wheels through a five-speed
automatic gearbox, with self-shifting option. The gearbox is mated to Mitsubishi’s
unique Super-Select II 4WD system, which allows an unmatched level of control in all
conditions.

Super-Select 4WD II offers four driving options, with each mode making changes to
the transfer case and vehicle electronics. Under normal driving conditions, the
gearbox transfers all power to the rear wheels, while in 4H mode power is split 33%
front and 67% rear, maintaining the rear wheel driving dynamics, while ensuring
improved road holding in slippery conditions. This mode, which is ideal on
high-speed dirt roads or in rainy conditions, can be selected while driving at
speeds of up to 100 km/h.

Once in the bush, the Pajero Legend II offers two distinct off-road driving modes.
In 4HLc, the power delivery between front and rear wheels are locked at 50:50. When
the going gets really tough, a favourite terrain for Pajero enthusiasts, the driver
can select 4LLc. In this mode the transfer case slows the lowest gears down to a
crawl, traction control is switched off and drivers are given pure mechanical
freedom to traverse rocks, mud, water and any other off-road obstacle. The rear
differential can be locked and unlocked from inside the cabin.

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