Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
The Mitsubishi Challenger is a mid-size SUV built by Mitsubishi Motors.
First generation (1996–2008)
| Mitsubishi Challenger | |
|---|---|
_wagon_02.jpg) | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors |
| Also called | Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Mitsubishi Montero Sport Mitsubishi Nativa Mitsubishi Shogun Sport Mitsubishi G-Wagon |
| Production | 1996–2008 1997–2010 (Middle East)[1] |
| Assembly | Nagoya, Aichi Japan (1996–2010) Beijing, China (2003–2008) Catalão, Brazil (2006–2010) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size SUV |
| Body style | 4-door SUV |
| Layout | Front engine, rear- or four-wheel drive |
| Related | Mitsubishi Triton |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 6G72 3.0 L V6 6G74 3.5 L V6 4D56 2.5 L I4 TD 4M40 2.8 L I4 TD 4M41 3.2 L l4 TD |
| Transmission | Super Select 4WD • 4-speed auto • 5-speed semi-auto • 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,725 mm (107.3 in) |
| Length | 4,620 mm (181.9 in) |
| Width | 1,775 mm (69.9 in) |
| Height | 1,735 mm (68.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,845–1,920 kg (4,070–4,230 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Mitsubishi Endeavor (North America) |
Production began in Japan in 1996, and was available for most export markets by 1997, where it was variously known as the Challenger, Pajero Sport in Europe, Montero Sport in North America, South America and The Philippines, Nativa in parts of Central America and the Middle East, Shogun Sport in the United Kingdom, and G-Wagon in Thailand.[2] The first generation Challenger was built on the second generation Pajero wheelbase. Like the Pajero, it featured independent front suspension with torsion bars and a live rear axle. In addition to numerous face lifts over the years, there was a major suspension change from rear leaf to coil springs in late 2000. As its popularity increased, local assembly for foreign markets was introduced in China in 2003,[3] and Brazil in 2006.[4] Sales were discontinued in Japan in 2003, in North America in 2004 (where it was superseded by the Endeavor),[5] and central and western Europe in 2008.[6] In Japan, it was sold at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza. The 3-liter V6 is the most commonly used engine; it produces 188 hp (140 kW; 191 PS) at 5,000 rpm.[7]
-
1998–2000 Mitsubishi Challenger (Australia) -
MY2001–2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport (US)
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Second generation (2008–present)
| Mitsubishi Challenger | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors |
| Also called | Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (International) Mitsubishi Montero Sport (Philippines and Latin America) Mitsubishi Nativa (Latin America and Middle East) Mitsubishi Pajero Dakar (Latin America) Challenger (Australia) |
| Production | 2008–present |
| Assembly | Laem Chabang, Thailand Catalão, Brazil Cainta, Rizal, Philippines Chittagong, Bangladesh |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Mid-size SUV |
| Body style | 4-door SUV |
| Layout | Front engine, rear- or four-wheel drive |
| Related | Mitsubishi Triton |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4G69 2.4 L I4 6B31 3.0 L V6 6G74 3.5 L V6 4D56 2.5 L I4 TD 4D56 2.5 L I4 VGT 2011-MY (4D56 2.5 L I4 DI-D Hyper Common rail VGT w/ Intercoller, I4 DOHC 4 Cylinder, 16 Valve) 4M41 3.2 L l4 TD |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 4,695 mm (184.8 in) |
| Width | 1,815 mm (71.5 in) |
| Height | 1,800 mm (70.9 in) |
The second generation of the vehicle, based on the ladder frame chassis of the Mitsubishi Triton,[8] was gradually introduced to selected markets (Russia, south-east Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa, and Oceania) through the autumn of 2008, following its debut at the Moscow Auto Salon. 2.5 or 3.2 litre diesel and 3.0 or 3.5 litre V6 petrol engines are available as before, while five- or seven-seat interior configurations are offered.[6][9] As with the Triton pick-up on which it is based, production of the new Pajero Sport for all markets is concentrated in Thailand.[10]
In the Philippines, Mitsubishi Challenger is officially named as Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Its success overtook its rival, Toyota Fortuner in terms of sales. Mitsubishi Montero Sport is available in seven variants: GLX-V 4x2 (5-speed Manual), GLS-V 4x2 (5-speed Automatic), GLS-V 4x4 (5-speed Manual), GT-V 4x4 (5-speed Automatic) all equipped with Variable geometry turbocharger giving maximum output of 178 hp and 350 Nm (Automatic) or 400 Nm (Manual) of Torque. Also offered are non-VGT variants GLX 4x2 (5-speed Manual), GLX 4x2 (5-speed Automatic) & GLS 3.0 V6 Gasoline (5-speed Automatic).
Annual production
| Year | Production | |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Brazil | |
| 1996 | 35,561 | - |
| 1997 | 51,594 | - |
| 1998 | 71,562 | - |
| 1999 | 95,914 | - |
| 2000 | 92,475 | - |
| 2001 | 78,337 | - |
| 2002 | 69,001 | - |
| 2003 | 34,258 | - |
| 2004 | 30,515 | - |
| 2005 | 23,773 | 600 |
| 2006 | 17,455 | 5,370 |
| 2007 | 19,349 | 6,120 |
| 2008 | 9,210 | 4,470 |
| 2009 | 2,364 | 4,560 |
(Sources: Facts & Figures 2000, Facts & Figures 2005, Facts & Figures 2008, Facts & Figures 2010, Mitsubishi Motors website)
References
- ^ Tromans, Phill (2010-07-18). "2010 Mitsubishi Nativa". AutoMiddleEast. Retrieved 2010-11-09.
- ^ Facts & Figures 2001, p.23, Mitsubishi Motors website
- ^ "Locally Produced Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Launches in China", Mitsubishi Motors press release, March 14, 2003
- ^ "Mitsubishi launches locally-made Pajero Sport", Just Auto, April 18, 2006
- ^ "Mitsubishi Motors Announces "Project America" – First product Is Next Generation SUV", Mitsubishi Motors press release, February 14, 2000
- ^ a b "New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV to be unveiled at 2008 Moscow Motor Show", Mitsubishi Motors press release, July 17, 2008
- ^ "Nativa GLS - Specification". Bahrain: Mitsubishi Motors. 2003. Archived from the original on 2008-02-14.
- ^ "New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport based on Triton platform", Paultan.org, July 17, 2008
- ^ "Mitsubishi Motors Russia". Mitsubishi-motors.ru. Retrieved 2012-05-21.
- ^ "Mitsubishi Pajero Sport the “Stylish Riding –On-Demand SUV”", Mitsubishi Motors press release, AutoinCar.com, August 27, 2008