Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

The Mitsubishi Challenger is a mid-size SUV built by Mitsubishi Motors.

First generation (1996–2008)

Mitsubishi Challenger
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)
Assembly	Okazaki, Japan (1997–2008) 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	1,890–1,920 kg (4,170–4,230 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 and South America, Nativa in parts of Central America and the Middle East, Shogun Sport in the United Kingdom, and G-Wagon in Thailand. 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, and Brazil in 2006. Sales were discontinued in Japan in 2003, in North America in 2004 (where it was superseded by the Endeavor), and central and western Europe in 2008.

• 
  1998–2000 Mitsubishi Challenger (Australia)
• 
  MY2001–2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport (US)
• 
  2010 Mitsubishi Montero Sport 3.0 GLS as a police vehicle in Chile

Second generation (2008–present)

Mitsubishi Challenger
Overview
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Also called	Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Mitsubishi Montero Sport Mitsubishi Nativa Mitsubishi Pajero Dakar
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	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

The second generation of the vehicle, based on the ladder frame chassis of the Mitsubishi Triton, 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. As with the Triton pick-up on which it is based, production of the new Pajero Sport for all markets is concentrated in Thailand.

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

(Sources: Facts & Figures 2000, Facts & Figures 2005, Facts & Figures 2008, Mitsubishi Motors website)