(first posted 1/5/2018) The odd thing about the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini is that it does not look all that small until you get close to it or compare it to a more full sized SUV. All the normal Pajero styling cues are there but just at 2/3 scale. Even the wheels and tires, which are often a giveaway in pint sized vehicles, seem to be in direct proportion to the rest of the vehicle. But make no mistake the Pajero Mini is in fact miniature with an overall size comparable to a Suzuki Samurai.
Below are the dimensions compared to the Suzuki Samurai. Only width is significantly different.
Mitsubishi Pajero Mini vs Suzuki Samurai
Wheelbase: 86.6″ vs 79.9″
Length: 129.7″ vs 135″
Width: 54.9″ vs 60.6″
Height: 64.2″ vs 64.4″
Weight: 1874lbs vs 2059lbs
Based on the Minica Kei class car the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini is a true Kei class vehicle as it is equipped with a 659cc four cylinder engine. The base engine is an SOHC design with four valves per cylinder developing 55hp. An optional DOHC engine with five valves per cylinder and a turbocharger boosts power to 64hp. The Pajero Mini features an “Easy Select” four wheel drive system with both high and low range four wheel drives modes as well as two wheel drive. Suspension consists of MacPherson struts at the front and an independent five link at the back.
The non-flush headlights peg this one as a Nineties example but despite the age the interior looks to be in remarkable shape This one is equipped with an automatic gearbox which could be either a three or four speed unit.
Built from 1994 to 2012 the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini was built to capitalize on the SUV boom but offer frugal fuel economy and ease of parking associated with the Kei class in Japan. A refresh in 1998 added some extra width, length and flush mounted headlights. While the Pajero Mini was not sold here new thanks to Canada’s import laws we get to see the occasional well preserved example.
I want one.
with an LS.
High center of gravity on a short wheelbase. Please no sudden changes in directions.
Don’t forget the Snoopy Edition Pajero Mini.
Thanks for the article! Did you by chance photograph this one in Calgary? (looks like Husky Building is in the background of the 3rd pic)
Yes – Calgary just outside downtown.
I’m a Calgarian! I wonder how many CC readers are from Alberta?
That’s a lot of complex tech for 9 hp! Maybe the torque increase or a better torque curve made it worthwhile.
It’s all about Kei class regulations; can’t surpass 64 hp per law. I’d also point out it likely should be stated as “64 hp”.
WE have em here ex JDM, why nobody seems to know but someone bought them as fresh imports.
The Pajero Jr version was sold new in New Zealand by Mitsubishi NZ, I consider them almost the same vehicle as both have the 2.2m wheelbase.
The Jr is 200mm longer which is a fraction more than the width of a standard iPad.
I guessing the front sheet metal is extended to fit the 1094cc 4A31 engine.
I recall in the late 90’s I happened to mention that my brothers then girlfriend was an extra on Xena warrior princess on LOADED magazines webpage and got called a liar by a local english reader. (F ing POME)
So just in case another New Zealander calls me a liar I have photographic proof!
I went and double checked it was NZ new and shot a photo half an hour ago.
The Pajero Mini had a slightly bigger sister called the Pajero Jr., which is probably closer in size to the Pajero Mini. There was also what I think was a rebadged version of this car called the Nissan Kix.
The Pajero Mini had a slightly bigger sister called the Pajero Jr., which is probably closer in size to the Samurai. There was also what I think was a rebadged version of this car called the Nissan Kix.
Samurai is the US badging but there were others including Mazda who sold them new Holden and Vauxhall spring to mind lots of model sharing going on back then most of it unknown until the tsunami of used JDM imports began landing traffic has a fantastic mixture some days.