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2016 Mitsubishi Pajero drops manual, gains Apple Carplay, Android Auto and Digital Radio

An updated 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero has touched down in the Australian market this week, less than a year since the big off-roading SUV was last revised.


September last year saw the Pajero upgraded with lightly refreshed looks, tweaked features and new pricing for some models, but this week’s upgrade brings exciting news for tech-heads: the addition of Apple Carplay, Android Auto and DAB+ digital radio.

The updated range brings a loss for a shrinking number of enthusiasts, however: for the 2016 model year, the Pajero can no longer be had with a manual transmission.

Even as recently as the September 2014 update, the Pajero could be had with a manual shifter in entry-level GLX form at $50,990 plus on-road costs.

This update means that while pricing is otherwise unchanged, the cost of entry into the Pajero range now begins at $53,990 for the GLX automatic, ranging up to $58,990 for the GLS auto and $65,990 for the Exceed auto.

Mitsubishi says the deletion of the manual option came down to a lack of interest among consumers.

But, for those obsessed with the latest and greatest in infotainment, this week's update will be a welcome one.

The Carplay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity platforms have been slowly making their way into Australian showrooms over the past year, with brands like Volkswagen, Skoda and Hyundai among the first to offer the technologies.

But, while those brands are installing the systems into brand-new and relatively recent models, the Pajero is not only the first Mitsubishi to pick up the future-focused Carplay and Android Auto platforms - it’s also the oldest car in Australia to get the tech.

Mitsubishi Australia has confirmed it will roll both Apple Carplay and Android Auto out to other “future models” in the near future, but it has yet to confirm which.

Speaking with CarAdvice today, Mitsubishi Australia communications manager Shayna Welsh could not offer any hints on which models will gain the tech next, however she was also unable to rule out a connectivity update to the ageing Lancer small car.

Features built into Apple Carplay include an overview of the iPhone’s features, along with automotive-specific access to Apple Maps, Phone, Messages, Music and the voice-activated Siri assistance system.

For Android Auto, features include a similar overview via the Home screen, along with Google Maps, Music, Voice (Google Now) and a range of Google and third-party apps developed specifically for use in the car.

As with other brands, Mitsubishi notes that Android Auto requires at least Android 5.0 (‘Lollipop’) to operate, while Carplay requires at least iOS 8.

2015 Mitsubishi Pajero pricing (plus on-road costs):

Pajero GLX automatic - $53,990
Pajero GLS automatic - $58,990
Exceed automatic - $65,990

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