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By
EWAN KENNEDY
17 July 2006
The introduction of the new Mitsubishi Triton has caused an upsurge in
interest in the Challenger 4WD. That’s because the Challenger is
heavily based on the Triton pickup, borrowing quite a few of its
underbody components. Buyers who want their 4WDs to be genuine off-road
vehicles, not simply people movers with a couple of extra diffs, are
keen on vehicles like Challenger.
That’s the good news, the bad news is that the
new Challenger is unlikely to be released for at least another 12
months, maybe even 18 months. Mitsubishi is naturally not going to
tell us anything about its future model programs, but has hinted
the Challenger will follow a similar styling theme to that of the
radical new Triton.
In the meantime, let's look at Challenger as it
stands today, presumably approaching its run-out phase. This is a
good-looking vehicle of the old 4WD school. No pretty curves and
sexy wheels here, Challenger has a bold grille with an egg-crate
style that sits over a deep, well-sculpted front bumper.
Purposefully styled wide wheels are exhibited under flared guards
that make a statement on the tough side of the equation.
Mitsubishi Challenger has reasonable on-road
comfort thanks to its use of front coil-springs and a three-link
rear end. Ride and handling are improved out of sight on that ute-based
original and owners of these are often trading up to the latest
version. A passenger car it’s not, but the Challenger is more
than acceptable in the way it looks after its occupants’
comfort.
The base model Challenger comes with air
conditioning, electric door mirrors and power windows. 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. Pricing is very reasonable at
just $39,990.
The upmarket $48,990 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 265 Nm at a high 4500 rpm.
However, torque is reasonably well spread across the range so the
4500 rpm figure isn’t as unreasonable as it seems.
The V6 powerplant is mated to a part-time 4WD
system that normally uses 2WD on sealed roads (this being the
biggest difference between it and big brother Pajero). The
automatic transmission on Challenger is still a four-speed unit
but now comes with Mitsubishi’s semi-intelligent change system
and can be used as a sequential manual with little effort.
On-road the Challenger makes a good people
mover, though it only has five passenger seats. The luggage area
is a decent size although the loading lip is rather high.
Off-road the Challenger is a competent
performer. Take it to forest trails and it will cope with ease,
same at the beach. It’s only when you want to challenge rocky
shelves and really steep slopes that it can struggle at times.
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Marque Publishing Company
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