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By
EWAN KENNEDY
15 August 2005
Mitsubishi Challenger tends to be overshadowed by its big brother
the Pajero, so is sometimes forgotten by those looking to buy a 4WD. Yet
Challenger is a tough operator at a relatively moderate price. It
appeals to those looking for a genuine off-roader, not just a people
mover with macho lines.
Challenger has just received a minor upgrade to
try and make itself felt in this increasing crowded market
segment. Chiefly the changes are to the choice of colours: the red
is now a metallic hue and replaces the old mica shade; conversely
the deep blue has gone to a solid colour; finally there's an
interesting two-tone setup based on the new blue, which is now
combined with a pale beige. There's nothing really striking there,
Mitsubishi in Australia is deeply into fine tuning its new family
car, the Mitsubishi 380 in preparation for its launch in October.
The 4WD Challenger is a good-looking vehicle of
the old school. No pretty curves and sexy wheels here, Challenger
has a bold grille with an egg-crate style that sitting over a
deep, well-sculpted front bumper. Purposefully styled wide wheels
are exhibited under big flared guards.
These days the Challenger is (almost) a purpose
designed vehicle – it’s no longer a Triton ute with a
different body. It now has reasonable comfort from front
coil-springs and a three-link rear end. Ride and handling are
improved out of sight on that ute-based original. A passenger car
it’s not, but the $39,990 ($41,990 with auto) Challenger is more
than acceptable in the way it looks after its occupants’
comfort.
The base model Mitsubishi Challenger comes with
air conditioning, electric door mirrors and power windows. There's
what Mitsubishi calls a titanium-look instrument panel. The audio
system is a four-speaker unit with a single CD layout. Tube-style
side steps have a rugged look that works well in this dinkum
offroader. Safety is improved by ABS brakes with EBD and there are
airbags for both front occupants.
The upmarket $48,990 ($49,490 auto) Challenger
LS has leather seats and the steering wheel, handbrake and gear
lever also gain this luxurious material. Imitation woodgrain
complements the leather trim, though we have to say it doesn’t
quite suit the character of the Challenger to our eyes. The LS
model also has alloy wheels, a rear wing, front foglamps, stylish
side steps and chromed mirror housings and door handles. The audio
is upgraded to six speakers and the CD changer can hold six discs.
Mitsubishi Challenger is powered by a 3.0-litre,
single-camshaft, 136 kW V6 engine with 265Nm at a highish 4500rpm.
It’s teamed to a part-time 4WD system that normally uses 2WD on
sealed roads. The automatic transmission on Challenger is still a
four-speed unit but now comes with Mitsubishi’s intelligent
change.
Off-road the Challenger is a competent
performer, though not to the high standards of the Pajero with its
clever Super Select 4WD system. Take a Challenger onto the usual
weekend drivers’ forest trails and it will cope with ease, it’s
only when you want to challenge rocky shelves and really steep
slopes that it can struggle at times.
On soft surfaces Challenger’s ABS, like that
in many other 4WDs, is inclined to work too soon and does little
to minimise stopping distances. What it does do is let the driver
retain control over the steering.
On-road the Challenger makes a good people
mover, though it only has five passenger seats. The luggage area
is a decent size but the loading lip is rather high.
If you are in the market for a medium-large
off-road 4WD that’s aimed more at real life work than at simply
being a poseur Mitsubishi's Challenger may be just the thing for
you.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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