Mitsubishi Challenger Moscow debut
July 17, 2008 by George Skentzos
Update: Mitsubishi Challenger Review.
Mitsubishi is planning to unveil a new sport SUV based on the Triton Ute at this year’s Moscow Motor Show.
This new model is dubbed the Pajero Sport in overseas markets, however will carry the Challenger nameplate when it arrives in Australian showrooms by the end of 2008.
It features a choice of three engines in its line-up – a 2.5-litre and 3.2-litre common rail direct injection diesel units and a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine.
The Challenger will also use Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD system born from the Dakar Rally which delivers drive torque effectively to all four wheels on all types of surface.
The cabin is available in with 2-row (5-passenger) and 3-row (7-passenger) seating arrangements, featuring water-repellent seats and luggage compartments.
The Moscow debut of the new Challenger is a strategic move on Mitsubishi’s behalf – with the Russian market accounting for over 100,000 sales each year.
The new Challenger will be the third SUV in Mitsubishi’s Australian line-up, joining the Pajero and Outlander.
Print it: 
Is it trying to challenge the Toyota LandCruiser now?
Ha! Challenge, you now challenge, you get it!…….no I mean it, is it?
Front definetley has styling cues from the Mitsubishi Triton.
^Derrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!!!!!!!!, geeeeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzzz………..I didn’t read the post it looks similar to the Triton because thats what it’s based on!
*****PRIMO!*****
I dont do passenger vehicles based on commercial origins.
Cheers
F-0
Yup, this is the new Challenger alright. Based on the new Triton just like the old one was based on the old Triton. And no doubt the new one will drive like a truck because it’s based on a truck. Just like the old one drove like a truck because it was also based on a truck. So if it’s a truck with lots of doors you want, buy a Challenger. Otherwise, buy a car.
i dont know why but the front looks a little sad
is this thing larger then a pajero
Um that’d be a no. if I was to go out on a limb it’d be as big as a triton.
The triton is probably the best handler of the current dual cab range. Not sure if they’ll put coils on the rear which would give it a good ride.
Add stability control, keep the price around the 40k mark. dont bother with the petrol and they might just sell a few.
O the whole thing looks sad. Just like its predecessor.
from the rear i see hints of tribeca and even new forester.id much rather a triton with all the trimmings please
i’m pretty sure the rear end is a coil sprung live axle. So it’ll actually have the exact same suspension configuration as a prado, so it won’t necessarily drive like a truck as being suggested by others. Also, the triton on which it is based is generally considered to be the most “car like” of the current crop of dual cabs..
It will be an interesting model for mitsubishi, only marginally smaller then pajero/pathfinder/prado but at a very much cheaper price… if done properly it could well steal alot of sales off the above mentioned three!
This will be a winner for Mitsubishi if they keep the price right.
Why? Because the only vehicles in this segment (cheap end 4Wd with low range) currently are Korean.
The front styling disaster will be easily fixed with the bull bar which will be a factory option.
If it’s coil rear end they won’t be able to keep up with demand.
Might even be tempted to trade the Jack on one.
Agree, there is room in the market for one of these. The previous Challenger adopted a coil rear end half way through its model cycle, so this one would nodoubt use the same setup. And good to see that Mitsubushi will finally sell a diesel challenger here as the last model was V6 only.
the more i think about this car the more it makes sense for people who are after a largeish 4WD wagon that is actually a bit capable offroad, but cannot afford the stretch to the likes of the pajero, prado and pathfinder… like ME! It’s built off the triton that is already quite a capable offroader, plus it will be considerable better then the triton because of the coil rear end (the leaf rear end on the triton is fairly limiting off road).
If it gets the pajero’s 5 speed auto with the 3.2 diesel over the tritons 4 speed then it’ll be a real winner!
Hey Richo, if it gets the Pajero 3.2 and auto combo, it will indeed be a good combo, but, buyer beware, – Mitsubishi has been unable to rectify the bodgy DPF installation on said automatic Pajeros. Check the pajeroclub.com forums for the longest threads in history about DPF woes. The manuals don’t have a DPF in Pajero, not to say this one won’t get it, though.
I reckon the manual 2.5 will be the pick, and if it comes in at something like $35,000 it will sorely tempt me :)
i bet people wouldnt slag off the 4runner, which is basically the toyota version of this.
This is not different to what nissan do wit the Navara/Pathinder Prado/Hilux and to what Mitsu did previously with the Triton /Challenger. Will be interesting to see what the equipment levels are like.
Richo you been in a Prado lately…..it drives like a truck too!!!!
Reckless1…..whats DPF?
Diesel Particulate Filter.
Captures soot particles, and periodically incinerates them to clean itself.
Engine requires ultra low ash oil = very expensive oil, or the DPF will clog up in no time.
Burnoff is achieved by richening mixture to generate sufficient heat in the filter to perform the incineration.
The Mitsubishi implementation in the Auto NS Pajero is an absolute dog. Nearly all other manufacturers don’t have the problem, so it’s just a Japanese trait resulting from their very poor high tech diesel competence. Initially Mitsubishi denied a problem, then they blamed the problem on Aussie fuel, then they released at least 3 ECU software updates to address the issue. Last I read, there were still problems being reported, but fewer than before.
It’s a major issue because when it rears its head, the engine goes into limp mode, which would be great if you were on the Big Red sand dune or a similarly remote place where these vehicles are designed to go. It has to be towed/trucked back to the dealer for a “forced regen” which involves replacing engine oil and filter, and then revving the t!ts off it for a scary time to achieve the burnoff.
it wouldn’t surprise me if it did have something to do with aussie Diesel tho, we really do get horrible quality diesel fuel in this country, it has been a reason behind alot of the european only diesel models not coming to australia, particularly those with particulate filters, its only in recent times that some are now starting to come over here. It’s actually the reason why the TDi in the VW golf and Jetta don’t have particulate filters in Australia whereas they do in europe
Testing
The facts are that the four cylinder diesel engines in the Pajero, soon to be released Challenger and the Prado, when compared to the V6 offerings in Jeep and the European 4WD’s are antiquated boat anchors.
Spitfire, The 4cyl D4d which has already been released on the prado back in 2006, might not have the same power as the merc v6 diesel, as found in the jeep, but has better fuel economy!! The Merc v6 is a brilliant engine, too bad they didn’t put it into the rubicon!!
spitfire, these engines aren’t car engines though mate, they are light truck engines basically, there IS a difference between engineering an engine for a 4WD and one for a car. And yes i know audi and BMW and so forth put their V6td’s and so forth in their SUV’s but again, big difference between an SUV and a rugged 4WD
well i have an ‘02 challenger and if the new one is even half the car of mine im buying one, they are very roomy, not as big and bulky as a prados and other 4wds alike but still perform very well off road. Its got my vote as long as i can have a bullbar on the front :-)
We haven’t had the Challenger in Oz for about 3 years and yes I own a 2002 LS which has cost me nothing in repairs gets about 11.5 to 13.2 L/P hundred and is a capable 4WD.
Mitsubishi has a winner here if it can market it right at a reasonable price petrol or Diesel. If it’s still based on the Triton that may not be that bad as the Triton is susposed to have a high crash test rating of 4.
I am with Jeff and Bec. We have a 2005 LS Challenger and having owned Honda’s and other Japanese built vehicles, have been delighted in the build quality, absolute reliability, efficiency and ride quality in our current model. Priced correctly, I will definitely be in the market for a new Challenger. I think we will see many Prado, Kluger and Korean 4WD buyers coming across.
Absolutley with Bec & Jeff & Keith. Have had my ‘02LS from new, tows a 2100ish Kg van 5000 – 7000k every year, as well as city/suburban. Still best seat folding for max interior space, total parts other than scheduled maintenace, 2 A/c belts and 3 tyres. Japanese build though, presumably the new one will come from Thailand so wait & see.
yea I think it would be a good thing for the aust market, but at the same time one would hope they dont depreciate as bad as the earlier models…but at the end of the day that seem to be the case as with most mitsubishi models…the challanger especially…..
Just bought the GLX-r Triton and think Ita another brilliant 4×4 from Mitsubishi,seats could be a bit better but what a brilliant machine,Nissan,mazdas got nothing!
… I love my Challenger …
I agree with all the challenger lovers. I like the triton as a hard working ute with good off road, and to have it available as a wagon for the family its even better. I love my 03 challeger, its on gas and i can travel 400km for $45. If we get this one in Aus I will be updating with another challenger further down the track.
I have a 2003/MYO4 manual Challenger that has completed its 214,000 kls and is still going well. Turning circle 11 mtrs that is smaller than the Triton of the Day. Ride is better than the EFII Fairmont that I had and the very best milage I have had was 8.8klms per hundred but it averages 10 to 12 dependending on load etc and 16 to 18 with 1.8ton of caravan behind it. It has cost me very little over the years and still my only vehicle. Look forward to the new one, they are tough durable 4X4s that perform in the sand, gravel,water crossings quite well. What more doe you want. A new one please, in the 2.5 or 3.2 diesel motors with the 5 speed auto. PS most people on the road tell me that diesel is better in Dawin as it is sourced from Singapore
I own a 2000LS auto Challenger, best car I have ever had, good off road & towing trailer but does NOT feel like a truck on the road, had LPG dual fuel fitted a couple of years ago, still plenty of power & really cheap to run, 17l/100k, 350km on 60l of LPG at 0.55cpl, its pretty cheap motoring, On unleaded I get around 13l/100k. Friends in Perth just told me that they they saw a new model challenger yesterday but still nothing on Mitsubishi’s web site, will be tempted to upgrade if the price is right!
I have a 2000 Challenger. Just ticked over 110.000k. Great on road vehicle. Never been off road. I just love the look and comfort, and the seat is the same height as my bum. Easy to get in and out. (Very handy when you are over 60). I am a definite punter on a new one provided there is a “de-luxe” model suitable for an old fart.
I emailed Mitsubishi Motors a few days ago and the reply was that the new model will not be available in Australia until mid 2010. Not happy Jan!
Can’t believe MM are letting the grass grow under their feet like this – eg. new Sorento out soon – are they waiting for everyine else to pgrade first?
Have a 2002 Challenger, just ticked over 175,000 klms, has towed a 2000kg + van around oz. Have just put on its 4th set of tyres and just about to have it’s 2nd timing belt fitted. Has had 1 fan belt and adjuster fitted and nearly ALL of the electronic switches for the 4wd – fellow owners please take note – if you don’t use your 4wd on a reg basis – the switches will die.
Bring on a diesel.
OK, here we go…… Just because it is “Based” on a Triton doesn’t mean that they lift off the Triton body and just drop a Challenger body on. It will share the ladder frame chassis but……wait for it……it will run rear coils that are softer rate springs (because it is a passenger vehicle, not a commercial) therefore will not drive like a truck. Engine could be interesting as there is 2 diesel possibilities, the 2.5ltr t/d that the 2010 Triton will have or the 3.2ltr t/d out of Pajero. Either way it will have a 5 speed auto, just as both Pajero and the 2010 GLXR Triton. My thoughts will be 2.5ltr to keep Pajero safe from losing sales. ASC, Side and Curtain Airbags, EBD and all the other safety goodies will be a definate as, once again, the 2010 Triton will have. Yes, that’s correct ASC on a Triton!!! Anyway, can’t wait for this to be released which should be late ‘09 from all whispers.