Mitsubishi Pajero Junior
| Mitsubishi Pajero Junior | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors |
| Production | 1995 - 1998 |
| Assembly | Nagoya Plant, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | Mini SUV |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4A31 1094 cc SOHC 16v I4 |
| Transmission | 5 speed / 3 speed auto |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,200 mm (86.6 in) |
| Length | 3,500 mm (137.8 in) |
| Width | 1,545 mm (60.8 in) |
| Height | 1,660 mm (65.4 in) |
| Curb weight | 980 kg (2,160 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Mitsubishi Pajero iO |
The Mitsubishi Pajero Junior is a mini SUV produced by Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors between October 1995 and June 1998 for the Japanese domestic market only. Based on a lengthened Minica platform, it was a larger version of the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini, though unlike that car it was too big to qualify for the kei car classification. The biggest visual difference from the Pajero Mini is the wide fender trims and wider tyres, giving it a more purposeful appearance.
For normal use, a basic rear wheel drive configuration is used for road performance and fuel consumption purposes. However, it also has a selectable (which Mitsubishi called "Easy-Select 4WD") four wheel drive system (low and high gear ratios) for off-road driving. Unlike many other mini SUVs, the Pajero Junior is said to be a very capable off-road vehicle with a decent amount of ground clearance.
The 1094cc engine block is the same as used in the Mitsubishi Colt, developing 80 hp at 6500 rpm and giving the vehicle a top speed of 135 km/h. The steering is a traditional rack and pinion setup, with power assistance. The front suspension is double wishbone, and the rear is helical spring.
The Mitsubishi Pajero Junior was discontinued in June 1998 due to the launch of its replacement, the Mitsubishi Pajero iO (known in Europe as the "Pinin"). By that time, Mitsubishi were aware that many Pajero Juniors were being unofficially exported to other countries, so an entirely new model was designed to take the vehicle away from its kei car roots and to support larger engine sizes for the international market.
Pajero Jr. ZR-I
The first vehicles rolled off the production line on 26 October 1995. The "ZR-I" was the only model available until it was superseded by the "ZR-II" in January 1997.
It was equipped with a range of amenities as standard such as air-conditioning, anti-lock brakes (ABS), SRS airbag (driver's side), electric front windows, electric door mirrors and keyless entry. A small selection of optional extras were available such as six-spoked aluminium wheels, bull bars, roof rails and privacy glass. The functional interior design included cup holders, quarter pockets, and split rear seats which fold completely flat providing a surprisingly large carrying capacity for such a small vehicle.
Pajero Jr. ZR-II
The "ZR-II" was built from January 1997 to June 1998 and had the same specification as the "ZR-I", plus an additional cluster of digital instruments which included an altometer, compass, outside temperature gauge and a clock.
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