Mitsubishi Challenger Review

Pros:

Cons:

By Alborz Fallah | December 03rd, 2009

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Price: $25,740 to $41,280

Our Rating:

Performance, Ride & Handling	2
Comfort and Interior	3
Quality & Design	3
Value & Features	2.5
Green	2.5

Update: 2010 Mitsubishi Challenger Review

The brand new Mitsubishi Challenger is now available in Australia from a starting price of $44,490 and to celebrate the launch of the new medium-sized SUV, Mitsubishi Motors Australia invited the motoring press to Queensland to experience the Challenger range first hand.

The original Mitsubishi Challenger launched in Australia in 1998 and was dropped from the company’s showrooms in 2006. During its eight years on the market over 14,000 Australians took a Challenger home and a quick search online will tell you that there are still many happy owners out there enjoying their reliable and trusty Mitsubishi.

According to Robert McEniry, Mitsubishi Australia president and CEO, the previous model was more regarded for its off-road ability than its on-road comfort. The new 2010 Mitsubishi Challenger however, is designed from the ground up to sit between the Outlander and the Pajero, offering all the best soft-roader bits of the Outlander and all the off-road performance of the Pajero. But does it?

To find out we started our journey from Brisbane airport heading towards Albert River Wines vineyard through Beaudesert and the Mount Lindsay highway. As an on-road medium sized SUV, you can be forgiven for thinking it’s a little rugged looking.

From the outside, it doesn’t look like a typical soft-roader or something you’d drive around the city everyday. With a 215mm ground clearance it sits relatively high and the black rear bumpers give it an even more prominent and aggressive stance.

Although it’s not entirely based on the Mitsubishi Triton design, it shares the same engine, transmissions, front end and some suspension. Hence there is only so much sophistication you can build into a workhorse turned medium-SUV.

Nonetheless as far as Japanese SUVs go, it’s one of the better looking ones. Mitsubishi says it has blended seemingly contradictory elements to create an exterior look that is both cool and hot or tough and smart. And it works. In some ways it looks like a car that you’d only take off-road whilst in many ways it doesn’t look out of place in a city environment either.

Mitsubishi has adopted the family design for the Challenger which looks very similar to the Outlander and Lancer from both the front and rear, which is a good thing as the Lancer is the most attractive model in Mitsubishi showrooms.

A lot of thought has gone into the design, for example the front is built to allow high-speed off-roading (more on this later) by protecting against flying debris.

Exterior design aside, from the inside the Challenger is more modern than you may think. The high-end variants come with reversing camera, satellite navigation, bluetooth and a pretty darn good sound system.

There is ample headroom and storage compartments and you can pick either a five-seat or seven-seat setup with the ability to fold away the second and third rows for more storage capacity.

My main complaint with the interior was the “leather-look” insert in the door trims and around the centre console of the high-end variants. It looks a little out of place and unnecessary, the Challenger base-model interior which makes do with shiny plastic (but no leather seats) has a more classy feel to it as a result.

As far as the optional third row goes, having sat in the seventh seat for about 10 minutes, I’d say they are pretty good for children or small adults, however if you’re 180cm or taller you’ll still fit but you’ll be hoping it’s a short journey.

Driving feel on-road is exactly what you’d probably expect, leave the transmission in 2H (which means the power is being directed to the rear-wheels only) and you’ll get around the city just fine. Although the car measures nearly 4.7M long it has a turning circle of 11.2m (kerb-kerb) so getting in and out of places isn’t all that difficult. Front suspension is double wishbone type and the rear comes with a three-link design utilising coil springs.

After a two hour on-road drive we arrived at Scenic Rim Adventure Park which is designed primarily to test the ability of four-wheel drive vehicles. Usually when car companies invite the media to test their cars in an off-road environment it always feels rather controlled and a tad too easy. Not this time. After about 30 minutes of heavy rain we were all excited to tackle what seemed like a reasonably difficult course.

The Challenger has a 36 degree approach angle (25 degree departure angle) which makes it very useful off-road, but just how useful left us all amazed. As much of a city car this Challenger wants to be, when in its native environment it’s an even more impressive machine. We spent four hours climbing and navigating our way around the four-wheel drive course which was certainly not made for the faint-hearted.

One of the better programs of the day was being taken around the 4WD course by Hiroshi Masuoka at extremely high-speed. Now if you can only imagine how someone who has won the Dakar rally outright two years in a row would drive around a 4WD course, you may understand what I mean by the Challenger being capable off-road.

My initial thought was the car he’d be driving was going to a specially prepared Challenger, but it wasn’t, it was just a basic Challenger that you can buy today.

Driving through a 4WD course at more than 100km/h, jumping on the brakes, sliding sideways around a corner and then climbing a ridiculously difficult hills was all part of the 15 minute drive. At one stage the Challenger was sliding at what must have felt like a 30 degree angle through a corner with trees on both sides. I wasn’t sure if Masuoka thought he was in an Lancer Evolution or a Challenger!

Most of us came out of the car with giant smiles on our faces. Some of us came out a little blue.

The point of the exercise was to experience just how great the Challenger can be when driven by someone with more driving ability than all of us Journalists put together.

As far as off-roading goes, the Challenger will be able to climb and cross almost anything (and I can confirm, it can generally do it drifting sideways).

Powering the beast is the same 2.5-litre four-cylinder 16 vavle turbo diesel engine from the Triton.

Producing 131kW of power and 400Nm of torque when coupled with a five-speed manual (350Nm with five-speed auto). For off-roading the power delivery is smooth and more than adequate, however on the highway it does seem to want a little more grunt for overtaking.

Both the manual and five speed transmissions come with the company’s Super Select four-wheel drive system which has four different driving modes. As mentioned already, the 2H mode is best used for general driving around town on good surfaces, 4H puts the Challenger in full-time four-wheel drive for when its a little wet or the surface quality is getting rough.

For off-roading you can select 4HLC which will lock the centre differential and distribute power equally to all four-wheels. This is a must for those slippery or daunting 4WD tracks. The last and final mode is 4LLC, which is the lower range of gears, and should only be used if you’re climbing or departing steep hills.

All these four modes are selectable using the transfer lever located to the right of the transmission gear shift. The first three can be selected on the fly at speeds of up to 100km/h, you’ll have to come to a stop to engage 4LLC.

Fuel economy is best delivered in 2H and with a manual transmission, official figures put the Challenger manual at 8.3L/100km for the combined city and highway cycle whilst the automatic is a little thirstier using 9.8L/100km for the same cycle.

Both around the city and out in the bush tackling rough terrain the new Challenger is a proper all-rounder, even if it doesn’t look it. It’s worth noting that even whilst the car was driving around the 4WD course at high speed there was never any big bumps or uncomfort felt inside the cabin, it was just as comfortable on-road as it was off-road.

The new 2010 Mitsubishi Challenger is available in five variants. The manual transmission is only offered in base model LS five-seater which starts at $44,490. Moving up from there the LS five-speed automatic variant retails for $46,990. If you want seven-seats in LS trim you’ll be looking at $48,890 (with auto).

The LS variants come standard with 17″ alloy wheels (with full sized alloy spare); side steps, chrome exterior door handls and mirrors, roof rails, air-con, steering-wheel mountain cruise control, single CD-player with 6 speaker sound system (auxiliary support), leather bound steering wheel, gear shift, park brake and transfer lever.

Additionally all variants come with six airbags and Mitsubishi’s All Terrain Technology which encompasses active stability and traction control, ABS with EBD and diff lock.

XLS variants start from $56,990 for the five seater autonatic and the range tops at $58,890 for the seven seat XLS automatic. The extra $10,000 will get you a chrome grille, leather seat trim, power drivers seat with slide, dual height and recline movement, colour keyed side protection mouldings, privacy glass, wood-trim console and centre panel as well as cargo blind and cargo room net. Mitsubishi’s Multi Communication System (MMCS) with satellite navigation, reverse camera (a must for a car this tall), video jack and bluetooth phone connectivity is also available.

From the outside, fog lamps, headlamp washers and reversing sensors complete the package. The Challenger is available in eight colours: White Solid, Charcoal, Cool Silver, Platoon Pearlescent, Terra Rossa, Champagne, Deep Blue and Black.

The new Mitsubishi Challenger will sit between the Outlander and Pajero and appeal to customers looking for a car that is at home both on and off-road. CarAdvice will soon spend a week with the new medium-SUV and bring you a comprehensive road test.

Reader reviews of the MITSUBISHI CHALLENGER

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Jake02

I like it, but it is just a Triton front on a Pajero body with different taillights. Compared to rivals like the CX-9, Kluger and Territory it seems priced well enough to be competitive. Should sell well, despite making the Pajero irrelevant…

jojo

Mitsubishi have a winner here. It’s main rival though is the Nissan Pathfinder and not the soccer mums CX-9/Kluger, Territory which lack off road cred and no low range gearing or ability to lock the centre diff.

C/A I was wondering what is the boot litre capacity on both the 5 & 7 seaters….great review.
Ben

No its a Triton front with a Challenger wagon back on a Triton body on a Triton ladder frame chassis. Nothing like the Pajero’s monocoque body. And the CX-9, Kluger and Territory are different market segments altogether, namly the soccer mum segment who do not need low range or rear diff locks.

Jake02

I said it looks like the Pajero body. Nothing mentioned about the chassis…

Suzy

Doesn’t the Pajero have the spare tyre on the back door?
Doesn’t the Challenger have a lift up tail gate?
Looks like you don’t know what u r talking about.

DD

See this is the problem with the Medium SUV segment. It doesn’t separate the true 4WD’s from the wannabe’s.

This is clearly a true 4WD, and unlike the last time the Challenger was offered here it finally has a diesel engine. Vehicles like the Territory, Kluger, and CX whatever, are wannabe’s. They have no true all round ability, but do provide some benefits on dirt roads in the bush.

Sammy

I have a feeling this will be very popular! But where is the sunroof on the top of the line version..?

http://www.caradvice.com.au/ Alborz Fallah

I wondered that too, but appears to be no option for sunroof unfortunately, the roof has a peculiar design and on the inside if you look at it might be difficult to place a sunroof.

Reckless1

One of the major problems of the previous Challenger was the lack of headroom, which has carried over to this one.

You can’t drive one of these wearing a hat, like many people who buy true 4WDs do.

That’s why there’s no sunroof option – the headromm isn’t there.

I’m sure that when bouncing over 4WD tracks, you’d have to be a short person to enjoy this car.

Alex

Why does the Mitsubishi webpage show the outlander with a sunroof on the accessories page? I think the Mitsu website is full of errors, it says the Challenger has IRS its has coil solid axel with trailing arms, it says the tank is 70L it is 80L, and it shows pictures of the sunroof but no mention of it in the features.
Borg

About time this was delivered. Looks good, especially the dark grey. We have a 2001 Challenger which we love. Great in bush and beach although a bit thirsty when you stomp on it. Old model probably not the most luxurious vehicle but then that is reflected in the price, but has rescued the odd 80 Series and Patrol on the beach. This should be a good seller for Mitsu.
We are up to 240K so are up for an update. Headroom is older model not an issue and I’m 6ft. Never understood why anyone would wear a hat in a vehicle anyway unless you are trying to make a fashion statement.
Classic

So why didn’t any of the journalists who accompanied Hiroshi Masuoka complain about a lack of headroom? I reckon doing a 4WD course at 100 km/hr would have pretty much highlighted any lack of headroom issues. But hey, everybody here knows that Reckless1 is the only true expert

agro-nup

Well I am still waiting for the delivery of our Great Wall X 240, which I am looking forward to.
I adore the old Challenger, its’ shape still looks great to me, and would happily buy one. Good luck to this new model, it sounds terrific.
I cannot help but realise that I can buy 2 X240 s for the price of 1 of these, I dare say it might not be quite as refined or capable off road, only time will tell, but for half the price I will not be complaining.
If anyone can justify paying twice the price for one of these then good luck to you.

Our car should be in our hands next week, wish us luck eh !

Sammy

The X240 looks to be one of the better deals out there, a Prado sized proper 4wd for the price of a Corolla!
Minnow

I wish you all the best mate! Got to admit your brave buying an unknown brand. The value of it is unbelievable, leather seats, electric everything, 4wd all for the price of a little base model small car even though the motor looks like its been put together with bolts from Bunnings. I consider GW as the new centuries LADA. It cant be worse than a Lada Niva though if its half as good you’ll be right.
t

i seriously cannot understand anyone putting their families in these sub standard tinfoil machines (GW). People picking the $ over safety these days is just retarded! dont you watch crash tests on youtube?

“not as refined, or capable off road, or ON ROAD, or in a roll over, or in any crash”

D

Totally agree, it gets a huge 2 star crash rating and is packed with 2 whole airbags!
Car Fanatic

Funny you should say that, Fifth gear did several tests, one a rollover 4×4 vs sedan, they tried so hard to roll the sedan it wasn’t funny, the 4×4 went over very easily ( approx 50km/h). They also did a head on between an MPV (Renault Espace)and 4×4 ( Land rover Disco) to see if 4×4′s really are safe. Both vehicles were propelled at 40 mph ( 80mph impact). The crash test dummies used showed the MPV driver and child would have most likely walked away from the crash with minor injuries. The 4×4 driver and child dummies would have had very serious injuries, particularly leg injuries. Guess the soccer mums can feel safe until they crash and need a wheelchair.

Evolution

If you crash you will need more than luck! I’d consider renewing your faith and hoping for divine intervention.
The Oracle

So, did you buy two of them, so you can have something to drive while one is in for repair? Seriously though, do a google search for the ANCAP tests on these GWM deathtraps. There is no way I would be happy with my family driving one of them, particularly in the wet. THe Challenger or some of the other vehicles mentioned has to be a safer and more refined alternative to a GWM bomb.

john

You are right to a point, you fail understand the whole picture with regards to safety.
The best form of crash safety is crash prevention, which means paying attention whilst driving & the modern 4×4 when driven within its capabilities, not like a sports car, is as safe as any car on the road.
And then there is dynamic safety such as electronic stability control & traction control oh and of course ABS brakes, which the challenger has, when you consider all of that, cars like challenger can be as safe as any car on the road.
But remember its not a sports, if you drive an idiot buy an evo!!

Anthony

I drove the great wall, as a first option, but really after driving it, could not understand buying one for family use, struggles to achieve and maintain any forward power, down to 80kph going up a hill, 3rd gear foot to the floor, the body has a lot of roll and is wallowy (is that a real word) and realy felt a poor build quality. Have narrowed my search down to the Challenger, the Klugar (highlander in NZ) and the Kia Sorrento (I know they are differing vehicles, but pros and cons for each for the family). Making the final decision next week

Blake

The new great wall four wheel drives are excellent value for money and in many ways is on the same level as the challanger i think the great its much better value.

the challanger i think will come in competion mostley with the suzuki grand vitara

Reckless1

No. You’d never pay $58000 for a Grand Vitara……..

Baddass

A very good looking car from Mitsubishi, and I wouldn’t mind one sitting in my garage.

Alborz, this has got to be one of the best reviews I have read in a long time, and certainly the best from this website. It is amazing that a article can involve the reader so much more if the writer adds a bit of emotion to the piece. Things like PROPERLY explaining what they like about the design, the interior and drive, but also (truthfully) mentioning the faults of the car. You may not have thought too much into this piece, but reading this has made my day.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/ Alborz Fallah

Many Thanks. You made my day with that comment
Rick

Yeah I second that – I’m not much into 4WD’s but I thought the article was objective, detailed and a good read to boot! Also the photos CA gives us in the reviews are great!

Gilly

Great Review,
I like this new Challenger and it seems good buying at base spec, sure to steal some Prado sales and of those in the market of the larger AWD’s CX9 – Kluger e.t.c with the lure of a proper 4wd at a cheaper price.
Mitsubishi should have had this out 2 years ago as I feel the design has been worn in by the Triton to the point that it does not look as fresh as a new model should. Either way looks like a decent buy.

Seen a GWM X240 on the road the other day, pretty flash look 4wd for the money, these things will sell in droves once/if the marketing machine gets out there.

The Oracle

Have you seen the pictures and reports of the ANCAP tests on the GWM utes? There is no way that I would drive one. The crumple zone on those is the driver’s and front passenger’s legs. In the offset test, the front wheel ended up in the footwell, the roof buckled and the doors popped open. They’re deathtraps and shouldn’t be on the road. For the sake of a few thousand dollars, there are much better alternatives.

peter

the x 240 has a 4 star rating what are you all rabbiting on about the ute for when the reference is the wagon the worst thing about this car is the paint depth on the tail gate has the mk triton 2.4 up front was always a good unit think with a proven drive line will be a good unit

Callous Aussie

To be honest I am not a fan of that corporate face on all the new Mitsus, but that’s just me.

Interesting reply above about the chinese 4×4. I know they are world’s apart in price, but they are also world’s apart in terms of comparison. The Chinese vehicle should be compared to RAV 4, Outlander and CRV. Not this one.

Reckless1

No, the Grand Wall has low range, and hence is a true 4WD.

It should be compared to Vitara, Challenger, just superseded Sorento, Pajero, Prado and so on.

Lain

Thank you for this eagerly awaited review. We are looking to buy a car before the end of the year and have been waiting for the new Challenger to come out, scrounging for bits of info where we can, and getting nothing much from Mitsubishi. Hopefully we will be able to test drive one before the end of the year, although we have been told this probably won’t happen !!! So we may miss out on what looks to be an awesome car, and another Prado may hit the streets. For what it’s worth, I think this is the nicest looking SUV around.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/ Alborz Fallah

Latin, I don’t think you’ll have an issue test driving one before year’s end? Let me know how you go.

Jo

I like it, but think its about 10k too expensive

Reckless1

I agree. Too pricey, the base one is the same price as base Pajero.

Alex

Which Pajero? The closest Pajero that can match the equipment is the GLX which starts at $57K +on roads +auto$3K +side airbags$1.5K +diff locks$500 that it Prado 150 country right there, at least the Prado has a ladder frame chassis and live rear axel. The Pajero is an overpriced, over sized softroader. The challenger will outshine it offroad.

MK

Toyota has a similar type of vehicle (ute based SUV) available in other markets called among others, the ‘Fortuner’. Have a look in the Toyota South Africa website.

Murray

Having come back from South Africa not long ago I saw the Toyota Fortuna. wow what a car.. if ever it landed in Aus it would kill Prado sales, smash the Kluger and any other “soft off roader” and offer the only challenge to the Challenger in the local market. both real 4×4′s based on the Hilux and Triton and very sexy vechiles. Nearly bought a prado today but signe for a Challenger….yahoo…

Dan

This would suit our new car requirements. Looks OK but why oh why the fake woodgrain again.
AAA

Big car little space ~
Shak

The Great Wall car is very good buying for the money and looks really good in the flesh. The thing that will kill it is lack of marketing and Chinese brand perception.

t

no, the thing that will kill is in fact, the great wall.

2 star crash test rating folks. Does no one give a $#@67 about that? so many blind people.

should NOT be allowed to sell them here, there was an outcry when holden sold its 2 star crash rated barina.

t39

t: I agree with you, but many people just do not get it. If it has 4 wheels and is big and cheaper then it must be great value.

Alborz: which spec car was driven by the race driver, manual or auto? Thanks.

Robin Graves

Great review, great car too by the sounds of it. This is what the Pathfinder should have been, if not for the spanish-built models woeful reliability and fuel consumption.
Mark G

A few disappointments – no petrol (V6) engine, no climate control on the base model (for $47k for an automatic I’d sure expect it). The vehicle looks a bit too “Asian”, a bit too old school for my liking. It’s obvious why they are not selling this in the US market – it would absolutely flop. Truck-based SUVs are becoming extinct there, and those who do buy them want them BIG and with V8s. The idea of a medium truck-based SUV is silly. Hence why Toyota doesn’t sell the Fortuner here (based on the HiLux).

Evolution

You are obviously not from earth, have you seen the latest SUV sales figures?

Mark G

That’s because Australians are stupid. We are the only country where SUV sales are increasing, rather than decreasing.

Carl Mc, Taree

It really cheeses me off when one person Mark G for instance generalises every Australian as STUPID. If your so smart, why do you bother living here with us dummies, to make you look smarter perhaps? I would fathom the reason of selling more SUVs is because the baby-boomers are finally realising what a great big beautiful country we have,to give you an idea, the UK fits into Western Australia,7 European countries fit into 3 States.
I am not into name-calling but, if Mark G wishes to tell us his address, I will send him a Victor Chang (Australian Heart Surgeon)Memorial Plaque, sorry Mark, your insults of every Aussie belittles your intelligence

Evolution

As an alien life form you can accurately predict what 300 million Americans will and will not buy, and you can also read the minds of the senior management of TMCA. Dude, if only you were an earthling, earth companies would pay you millions for your insights.

swampdawg

Careful there Evolution, he looks like the aliens from the simpsons.

Dlr1

Toyota chose to sell the Prado here instead of the Hilux based 4runner. Now that the Prado has gone up in size and price it does create an opportunity for a 4runner /Fortuner style vehicle to be introduced at a lower price point than prado.

Tomas79

True Dlr1,
But the 4runner is actually Prado based, while the Fortuner is hilux based…
The problem with the 4runner now is that it is now based on the new LC150 Prado, so it probably will be less practical and more expensive like the new prado.
The Fortuner lacks low range, so is a typical american large soft-roader, based on a light truck chassis. They should bring the FJ Cruiser, which I believe is still based on the LC120 Prado platform.

Alex

It does have climate control, its the same set up Subaru have been using in the Forester. Three dials all with AUTO setting at one end, just because its not buttons and LCD screens doesn’t mean it isn’t Fully automatic. Check out some of the interior pictures above (the larger versiosns) and you can clearly see the dials. Also check the Mitsu website, it states it there clearly.
Al

Why does everyone still want a petrol V6? Obviously they have never driven a common rail turbo diesel. These things should go well & use much less fuel.

oh come on

wow it seems the GW car dealears are at it again….

Guys buy some advertising!
stop writing your fake comments

The Oracle

You are such a cynic! But probably correct too. If I had to try and sell such a cheap, crappy and dangerous product, I just couldn’t do it. The 2 star death trap should be used as anchors and nothing else.

scottwheels

I too have been waiting for this vehicle to hit the streets. I need to replace my ’98 base spec Nissan Terrano II (another under-appreciated 4WD), as now that kids are on the scene the lack of airbags, any form of traction control/ABS and other safety gizmos is a big minus.

The only other car I had considered was the Nissan Pathinder, but this one comes in favourably on price and spec. BTW the base model is available with an optional dealer-fitted reversing camera in the rear-veiw mirror. I’m not sure how they perform, but I can’t justify the extra $ for the top spec model just for a camera, and then I’d have to put up with that awful fake woodgrain and silver trim mash-up!

Thanks for the excellent review and photos.
Karen

Its funny why Great wall gets dissed so much….

The Australian Government dont like any utes, If you have seen the Great wall crash test they actually come out ok. Its passengers and other cars that they also base the crash rating on. As Dual Cab utes are often ‘higher up’ thank other cars, and trays are at a dangerous height.

the NISSAN NAVARA and Current FORD RANGER Only get 2 stars as well

So Stop dissing the Great Wall, Its amazing what the majority of people will say when they don’t know of ‘main competitors facts’ Read between lines People!

Alex

Three stars for the D40, it was one star but that was due to an Airbag deployment timing issue. This has been rectified in a recall.
http://Daewoo The Oracle

I have seen the GWM crash test results. There is no way footwell intrusion, buckled roofs and open doors can be defined as “they actually come out ok.” These utes are death traps and should not be approved for sales in Australia. If you’re happy promoting substandard vehicles, then that’s your problem, but a polished turd is still a turd. The fact that there was a problem with the Navara, since fixed, is no justification for this rubbish ute. Would you happy for your employees, family and children driving one of these on a wet night?
nick

Karen all Chinese cars get terrible crash results, not just utes. They could have more airbags than a German car and it wouldn’t matter becasue they have no structural integrity. The dashboard moves towards the passengers and the roof buckles as well, look it up on Youtube for yourself. The new GWM X240 can be expected to get less than 3 stars in the crash test.

Anyone buying this death trap is being irresponsible for the saftey of their family. The only thing that makes it safe is that it’s so damn slow that it might not matter if it hits something!

http://www.CarZ.com CarZ

Well i’ll have to stand on the sidelines and watch this one before i rush for it. Mitsubishi hasn’t make great SUVs in the past. They were prone to recalls and problems.

Alex

Heavily based on the Triton I would say that any bugs in the engine/transmission will be well and truely tested by now. Should be fine, can’t be as bad as Aust manufactred cars… they seem to sell ok.
dave

since when are they unreliable and buggy i have seen very little complaints about mitsu suv’s and 4wd’s u sure your not thinking about the daewoo captiva *cough* i mean holden?
Gilly

With the best factory warranty in the business, I am sure that they are confident with their products!

John of Perth

I would give this vehicle serious consideration if and when I trade in my Nissan Xtrail diesel.

Some observations – why is the manual only a five speeder; could the manual option not have been extended to the XLS, and if you look at the accessory listing on the main web site, take a look at the towbar offering and tell me they are serious about the exposed bar,

Reckless1

When you look at hte picture of where the spare wheel sits, the towbar was always going to be a dog’s breakfast – or should that be the other end of the dog

John of Perth

Think of the upside – it will offer some protection to the rear valance.

Downside is the departure angle is compromised somewhat, & a dog’s rear end is a more fitting description of the aesthetics.

Alex

This tow bar setup is the same as the old challenger, and the new Prado 150 uses it too. They don’t look that bad. Infact it might toughen up the look a little.

Dan

Saw one in the flesh today. Sat in the drivers seat – If you are 6’4″ or more, look elsewhere unless you like your shins against the lower dash (even resting in an auto) or like to drive with your arms straight (due to lack of reach adjustment). Besides, the seats are awfully hard and flat. Crossed off my list – sorry Mitsubishi.
Karen

This is the same for the Great Wall. Air Bag and Seatbelt restraint for the Great Wall. Does this mean if they were highter to begin with than a D40 Navara. That Great Wall could achieve a 4 Star rating?

The Great Wall Engineers are believed to have already rectified this 2 star ‘seatbelt air bag depolyment timing’ and are in means of a CRASH RETEST.

If you do a review overseas the Great Wall V240 Achieves 3.5 and 4 stars which is on par with a Hilux

http://Daewoo The Oracle

So you believe they are going to fix it. If that is the case, then why are they prepared to sell an unsafe vehicle in the interim period? That is unconsciable conduct. Also, I can’t see there is much benefit in the airbag deploying properly when below the waist you have been crushed by the front wheel and suspension intruding into the cabin.

Karen

with a 10 year unbeatable Powertrain warranty on all the mechanicals Mitsubishi Will Guarantee on Parts and Labour. Why would you bother about problems/recalls, Mitsbishi is obvously confident. Not even Toyota/Mazda/Nissan come close to the same warranty. You get More STANDARD Features and Better 4×4 systems in the Mitsu’s than all the opposition.

And I can see why Mitsubishi dropped the 3.5 V6 Petrol off the list. The New High Power Turbo Diesel from the Triton/Challenger beats the pants off the old petrol. Trust me ive driven the new model and absolutely fly’s with an average of 1000km/tank!
D4Dazz

My last 2 4×4′s hyave been Prado 120 Diesels. The new Prado 150 has increased almost $7K over the same model that I normally purchase. This new challenger has similar spec to the Prado 150 GX Manual and about $11K cheaper. Only have 2 concerns 1) spare wheel underneath and 2) the cargo area is an odd shape. Looked at one on the weekend and is a very nice vehicle. Give it is built on the the same chasis as the triton aftermarket accessories from companies like ARB should not take too long to develop. I think it will look good in my driveway come mid nest year.
Gan Tan

Great Wall X240

Type 2.4L 4 Cylinder

Power 100kw @5250rpm
Torque 200Nm @2500-3000rpm

Gross Vehicle Mass 2305kg
Kerb Weight 1830kg
Payload 475kg

THIS FRIGGIN THING WILL BE GLACIAL IN PERFORMANCE!!!!

Borg

Glacial???
Probably, till it hits something. Under the skin is something more akin to 1980′s ute construction me thinks.

oh really

One of the posters (GWM employee in disguise) made a parallel between their ute available at the price of a corolla… well it does have the same power output…

Toyota Corolla

Power 100kW @ 6000rpm
Torque 175Nm @ 4400rpm
Kerb Weight (kg) 1280
Tare Mass (kg) 1280
Towing Braked (kg) 1300

At a tonne lighter the corolla with larger wheels might be a better off road option
Karen

The challenger has a ‘Full Size’ Spare wheel. The cargo area I found to be massive!

Took one for a drive today at the local dealer and am convinced it is a Very well built and thought over car. Ticking all the boxes we needed. I’m just thinking over a colour for now.

The thing that got me is how smooth, refined and “quite” the Diesel engine is in the new Challenger. Much quieter for some reason than the new 2 month old triton. Bizzare

6 Airbags and a full 5 star safety on even the base challenger should help sell this car well. And a huge list of Standard and nice features.

Im not sure what car the model above was in champagne but the base model LS Challenger is kitted up with nice looking chrome ‘euro highlights’ making the car look GREAT even in the base model.

The thing that the challenger will sell better over the new Prado ‘Not just the silly asking price toyota Wants for a Basic GXL Prado’

Is the challenger doesnt have the Silly rear Spare Wheel mounted like most of the Toyota’s on the rear door. This has been proven VERY DANGEROUS in the case of a rear accident. Where Spare tyres have either blown up of caused Serrious Damage to rear passengers.

Not the case with new challenger. Where full size wheel is mounted Out of the way underneath the car.

Something Toyota needs to improve on and should have left out in the New PRADO!
Al Juraj

It’s a hit and miss by Mitsu I think. Diesel is the right thing as no other mid-size Japanese 4×4 has this option and others will be sceptic of Korean alternatives. But that dreary triangle grille needs to be addressed quickly, or else it will be left unappreciated again like the 380.
Ben Gee

Great revue and I too loved the photos. But having gone through the lot and scrutinised all comments, I found it disappointing to find nothing on TOWING! I have an 18 ft tandem poptop caravan and am in the market for something decent to tow it with. Apart from a Prado, this looks extremely good. As I’ve had a Challenger before (albeit a company car) and loved it, I would LOVE to know a bit more about its towing capabilities. PLEASE!

dave

from what i have heard it is meant to be good at towing i think i read 2.5 tonnes ?

anyway it’s a diesel i’m sure it wont have a problem especialy in the manual

D4Dazz

The manual produces 400NM torque so it will an 18ft pop top no issues.

As far as the spare on the b ack door…tyres exploding outside the vehicle and causing injury to occupants…you have a better chance of being struck by lightening.

The down side to having the spare underneath is the lose of departure angle and something else to get “hung”up on while in ruts or in the mud.

Mind you last thing con cidered in the desigh of all 4wd’s these days is th epeople that actually wants to these vehiceles in the manner it was intended…
ruralreg

A disappointing test in general, as it said nothing about

* performance-acceleration
* on-road handling-roadholding in good & bad conditions
* legroom & cargo capacity
* build construction quality
* interior fittings – door & seat luggage bins, cupholders 12V outlets
* braking performance, wet & dry
* urban manoueverability
* seating comfort on long journeys
* NVH performance
* air conditioning capability in hot conditions

Hopefully a fuller test with provide some more detail

waminda

go have a look and a test drive – its no lambo, but its better to look for yourself than read others thoughts i reckon its worh a look – a 3.5 diesel would have been awesome.

Andy

Looks good, nice 4wd system, not too big, quality interior.

But if the performance is the same as the 2.5 litre Triton diesel then its overpriced, and underpowered, and no 6 speed box.

Requires 3.2 litre diesel with 6 speed manual.

Shame really as the car almost is perfect for most commercial business use,but 2.5 litre is way underpowered for high speed 100k overtaking or pulling away from the lights at a reasonable pace.

I have driven the 2.5 litre Triton……..gutless,slow, and noisy.

Overall a nice opportunity ruined by cost cutting.

http://caradvice.com.au matthew

Andy if you took the triton for a drive, you must of been in dreamland! It has the most power of all the vechiles due to the new turbo variable vein and timing! If you took any notice, the engine is only sitting on 2100 rpm at 100km/hr, the same as the prado’s 6th gear. so have you tried to overtake in a prado in 6th gear??? NO! so naturally you should be changing back a gear to do so nuckle head!!It is geared so to give it the brilliant fuel economy that IT DOES ACHIEVE! All the other models that i have driven are just as noisey, or if not noiser!!And again i will say” a triton is 10,000 dollars cheaper than the hilux when you compare the same model with features. The nissan and holdens just dont have the same quality engines and drivtrains as the triton.

waminda

i am slated to have a test drive of the challenger tomorrow. I was disappointed that it seems the first shipment of these cars were only 5 seaters – i cant find a 7 seater to look at. i am also confused with the term SUV, i thought having a ladder frame, low range , diff locks etc meant it was a real 4WD – i must be wrong – can someone enlighten me….
mark

Tomas79

Waminda, the term SUV means a lot of different things to different groups of people.
Yes, in a lot of cases it is used ti refer to soft-roaders, but in a lot of cases it is used in reference to genuine offroaders…

waminda

We had a curious test drive in a new challenger… They were not happy about us taking the car up the escarpment, they totally refused to allow us to take it on a windy mountain road (sealed). I wonder why??? do they want to sell cars or not?
It did everything we asked of it, it wasn’t a speedster but it was ok. it handled ok, (from what we were allowed to try). suspension seemed good, brakes ok – i had no real issues with it…
my issues are more with the ridiculous limitations set by the caryard, or perhaps mitshubishi itself. Why are they setting these limitations, are they scared that a reasonable test drive will highlight some short comings???
I then went tp toyota and was allowed and hour test drive of a kluger…

Octavia

Toyota ??? Kluger ??? did the brakes work ??? how was the steering ???

Anthony

Alborz and whoever has had a test drive, Do you guys find it when you back off the throttle , it rattles? I expect the diesel engine to be abit noisey when accelerating but on back off it rattles. I can’t live with that.

Overall not a bad car, looks the business outside without being too big or small. 7 seater is good. But i can’t get over the engine rattle when you back off. Otherwise I migth buy one.
waminda

the rattle of the engine wasn’t that intruding on our test drive…
waminda

we finally tracked down a 7 seater at kirrawee sydney. it was good, plenty of room in the far back seat and it had a little cavity to store stuff.
http://pagani Anthony

Hi Waminda
Did the 3rd row seat fold flat on the floor?

We test drove a 2nd car but not with 3rd row.
However the test was better, as there was no rattle on back off..Just abit on acceleration.

waminda

the third row did fold flat into a raised section. i didnt pay much attention to whether its the same height as the middle row, as folding flat was less important than seating out 6′ 1″ 14yr old daughter comfortably over short distances, which it did well. tynan kirrawee had a 7 seater
we are about to signup for this I think…

Anthony

After your comment that Kirrawee had one. I went and had a look. Might sign up for one too.
Nathan

Yes, I think the vehicle looks the goods but again the ball has been dropped on what could have been a much better buy.

Why can’t Mitsubishi offer this in a manual in anything but the base model?
Also, why can’t the base model have a seven seat option?

I want a manual with seven seats, and because of the specs the Challenger offers, our family will have to unfortunately look elsewhere.
Anthony

Yeah thats a shame Nathan. I just ordered one, XLS.

Michael

Hi I am also looking at the 7 seater. Anthony can you please advise how much you paid driveaway and what extras you got. Thanks

Vince

Had a look at one. The plastics in the back were of the consistency of Lego: cheap, shiny and thin.

It got me wondering if there should not be an Australian version of healthycar.org
Anthony

Michael,
XLS 7 seater + Towbar
try for $58000 driveaway.
Tomas79

“CarAdvice will soon spend a week with the new medium-SUV and bring you a comprehensive road test.”

Hey Guys, has the comprehensive road test been done yet?
Cheers
Rick

Anthony – how did you get the XLS with 7 seats and towbar at $58K driveaway?? I priced the 5 seat LS yesterday with Leather, Roof racks, nudge bar, tow bar, window tint, reverse park sensor and front/rear mats – driveaway $57,600.

After doing the maths, I could get a better version of the XLS by optioning a LS as outlined.
Anthony

Yeah! when Is caradvice going to do the proper review? How about 0-100 times and Milage test.

Rick, Well It wasn’t easy and You have to be prepared to walk, and I got mats as well. Head over to this forum , there is a Challenger section for discussions.
http://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=44

Rick

Thanks Anthony – much appreciated. Very interesting forum. Am seriously considering the Challenger as an alternative to a 2nd hand Prado T/D.

Timo

Good package, but I would like to see better seats. I don’t want cheap lancer seats when spending near 50k. Even the xls has leather bound cheap seats. Why not fit the seats from the 380? they are plush and comfortable.
Hammer

Look forward to the proper test fro mthese guys!

I’ve done 100k in an 07 st Pathy Diesel and mywork lease is up. The challenger is the only side by side comparison vehicle. These cars will get more and more popular as Prados etc get more Landcruiser like in weight and size.

Had two tests in a challenger. Onein sand dunes and one on open road / gravel. The bottom line is simple. The challenger will eat the pathfinder as a 4wd (more clearance than a prado?)while the pathy feels a bit more nimble around town (not as long etc). I feel the challenger sits on the road better, but neither are perfect. They are both a bit rolly around corners. (No matter which one I get there will be a non fact suspension upgrade added – not a lift so much). A little understear going on with challenger.

I feel the Pathy may have the edge on overtaking on the open road. The motors sound similar but the challenger wins “Close you eyes and think of tractors” award. there is an almost tappety harshness which makes 2500 rpm feel like it is working hard

Pathy has a neater fold flat rear seats setup, but is it as much room? No rear seat air vents in the LS 5 seat challenger. Small issue I guess.

For me ther fruit is not what the comparison is about. It is how will challenger motors go? It is new in both the Triton and the Challenger… done some ks in Asia aparently? Also how will challenger re sale go in 3 year. The pathy has a solid name now… Mitsubishi a tad on the nosewith some people. However bloody good warranty on Mitsubishi.. so llong s they ar egood to deal with. Nissan have been pretty solid.
Ian

I have a 2005 Pathfinder STL Diesel Have 65000 kms up. Have had good run todate apart from early front brake rotors replaced at 62000 kms (Previous model Pathfinder sold at 90000 km Brakes fine) My main criticism is the engine noise under load I tow a caravan (Tare 1540 kg) and the Pathfinder copes with the load but you have to accept the engine noise Seems that the Challenger is just as noisy.Pathfinder 400 Nm toque is adequate. for towing. I noticed the Challenger review made no mention of ball weight load limits Does anyone know what the figure is? i assume the 2500 kg towing weight limit is also correct The Pathfinder is 3500 kg With reduction for the weight carried in the Vehicle .
Murray

Bought a challenger today.. would hav got a prado but wow the cost saving was about 10K.

Can someone please tell me why the Toyota Fortuna ( http://www.toyota.co.za )has not landed here..i would have taken that over the challenger.
Brett

I totally agree Murray. I can’t believe the Kluger only comes in a petrol model, what were they thinking? It would have been our choice without hesitation if it was deisel but are now considering the Challenger as the others are just a tad small for our needs. (Sorento, CX7 etc)
We’ll do mostly long haul holiday trips on highways with the occasional off-road so we need something large enough to be comfortable and this looks like it’s a great 4×4 also.But also needs to be good for city driving for my wife. How do you find it Murray?

Brett

Have to eat my words. After 3 months of looking and researching we bought a Sorento. nearly bought the Challenger XLS but felt we got more value for about $6,000 less. We\’re not into major offroad stuff just some camping occasionally so the Sorento was perfect for our needs.

Suzy

Why did you go with the Sorento over the SantaFe?

Brett

I think the Sorento looks alot better with the extra chrome out front and plus I’ve driven my mother-in laws Hyundai and after only 45,000kms it has issues that it shouldnt. Mind you it’s a 1999 model so I’m sure they improved their quality since then but it put me off.
We’ve had our Sorento now for 12,000kms and can’t fault it, we love it!

Mumbler

Being an owner of a 2006 Pathfinder manual diesel and just been told that next service (80 000klm) I have to find $1500 to replace Brake rotors & pads, I am wondering, as I now look for a new replacment vehicle, whether the Challenger will pose a similar cost scare for parts in 2-3 years time?
http://Bob bob

Just bought one: lovely CX-7 couldnt tow much; other softies not enough power for caravan; Pathfinder not available anyway; Prado too dear; Patrol and LandCruiser too big; Kluger only petrol; Captiva too small; Territory too thirsty.
Mitsu kept it simple stupid and included a chassis !!! in 2010.
skeptical

I’m sorry, but I am very skeptical. How can an engine so small produce so much power and torque??? It’s overtuned! what happens to overtuned engines, they don’t last long. And the auto having to detune the engine torque, that tells me it’s not strong enough. Best warranty I hear you all saying, warranty doesn’t help you when you’re stuck in the middle of Fraser Island or out at the tip of Cape York or even worse in the Pilbara or Simpson, sure may not cost anything, but you won’t be going anywhere fast. Even if you only go to the closest beach you can drive on, then taking it back to the dealer for multiple problems free or not is annoying.

On the topic of warranty, their website “generic” warranty for the 10 year powertrain etc, states normal driving conditions. I’m quite sure they won’t consider “off-road” as normal driving conditions. It does say to see a dealer for more info so for anyone has bought one, does it spell it out further, saying if you are covered off-road or not? Does it define what normal driving conditions are? What would that say about Mitsubishi’s confidence in their own 4wd?

I would still consider a 15 year old Lancruiser to one of these. Proven build quality and history, and if I ever thought of buying new, I would pay the extra for a Prado confident that it will most likely last more than 10 years and knowing that if it still has a factory fault, Toyota will still fix it. (If you want to know what I am talking about there, look up the Lancruiser 80 series Turbo Diesel big end problem, still covered even when out of warranty).

Just some things to consider.

Chris

hey skeptical,
Perhaps its just better technology to what your used to? I’m sure they have done a bit of testing beforehand . Do you realise that the prado has the same size engine right? Wouldn’t that be overtuned also? Its unlikely that any manuafacturer will fix a one off fault after the warranty has expired. In the case you mentioned its likely they offered to fix it for free because they had stuffed up on a much larger scale. Did you notice there were a couple of pretty significant toyota recals lately.

Hillsdweller

I got my Challenger two months ago and love it.
I had a 2006 Forester before and thought it was reasonably capable – having taken the Challenger off road now, I’m converted.
I just spent the June long weekend at Beachport in the dunes and on the beaches and it handled everything thown at it.
When I looked at updating top a larger off roader, I looked at what was in my price range ($40-50k). I compared ALL the dual-cab utes and wagons currently on the market, and kept coming back to the Challenger.
It’s standard equipment (I have the LS 5-sp manual) elaves all the others for dead. The power is sufficent (I have towed a 10×6 caged trailer full of household furniture, etc with ease), and off road in the right gear, off it goes.
The rear diff lock makes a huge difference on the really steep soft dunes, and you can turn off the traction control without having to pull fuses!
For those worried about engine and drivetrain reliability, I worked on the fact that the Triton has been around for a while and apart from its looks, has’nt been bagged for its power, performance or reliability.
My average economy around town (up and down from the hills each day) is 8.7 l/100km, and the last tank full including 150kms of sand dunes in H4/L4 returned 10.2l/100 km.
The things that bu me about it are:
1. Seating position is not perfect (didnt notice it on the open road and off road, but around town am always shuffling).
2. Rear vision is not the best.
3. Things really are closer than they appear in the mirrors!
I traded the Dueler HT’s the same day I bought the car and put BFG AT KO’s on, which are no noiser than the Duelers (the tyre place gave me almost the same price as a new dueler for them).
Turning circle is great – I’m teaching my daughter to drive in it at the moment.
Overall – I would recommend this car as the perfect all rounder.
Mike Harding

Why-oh-why do these manufacturers always get it so nearly right, but just not quite get it over the post.
At first glance the Challenger ticks all the boxes and then some. However, on closer inspection, all is not quite so rosey. OK, so it comes in at a nice price and has a great level of equipment, even looks good. Problem comes when you drive it. The initial shock is the noise of the Diesel motor, that can only be compared to a Combined Harvester towing a Steel Hulled Frigate across an Iron yard. Yes, it really is that bad. When comparing the noise to other modern Diesels like the Jeeps, the Mazda, even the bloody Kia’s and Hyundi, the Mitsubishi is positively deafening.
The next thing you will notice is some really weird steering stuff going on that is hard to explain, but here goes anyway.
As you turn the steering wheel, very little seems to happen and before long you have turned the wheel a full 360 degrees and and can barely notice the vehicle turning at all. I didn’t try full lock as I feared it would take the entire day and all of my energy to rotate the wheel the 5000 times required.
The next thing really jumps out is the lack of power and this is reflected in the specifications. It simply has no get up and go and this is no surprise when you look at the weak 131kW of power and 400Nm of torque (350NM in the Auto). Even the Kia Sportage puts that to shame and it is only a 2.0 Litre. I guess that the Low Ratio and true 4×4 system make up for this lack of beans and will help the Challenger out of difficult situations and towing heavy stuff, so you can almost forgive Mitsubishi for fitting it with a lawn mower engine. That is, until you look at the fuel economy. One would assume that the price you pay for fuel economy is a gutless motor, but no, the Challenger offers the worst fuel economy and the weakest motor on the market.
For all of it’s annoyances, I was tempted to buy this vehicle until I saw the fuel figures. I could have lived with the lack of power and clumsy steering, if the fuel economy reflected the powerless motor, but it is more like that of a 3.5 Litre V6 Petrol. And that just ain’t cool!
Other than that, it is comfortable and feels pretty solid.

Suzy

You could have mentioned the lack of A/C vents in the second row seats. Not much fun for a family.

Murray

took my new Challanger LX manual into the dunes between Beachport and Robe last weekend. 1200 Km road, 200Km beach and dunes.
A mate who has a Prado 4L auto came with.
Fuel concumption: Challanger 11L/100km Prado 20L/100km.
Loading: challenger not up too that of the prado (about 100kg less and took out a chunk off the ground clearance)
In car comfort: you would have to be a sook to notice the differance, ok the seats are a bit better in the prado.
Performance on the tar: the prado is no challange
Gravel road: prado has no chance, felt unstable at high speed runs the challanger has a very solid stable feel about it.
On the beach and dunes: the challanger flies but the prado was never too far behind, on the soft beach sand the Mitsu got no challange at all from the prado.
Really the only thing the prado had over the challanger was the load it could carry. as it was just my wife and i and camping gear for three days in the mitsu this was not a real issue though, $1600 worth of OME suspention will fix that.
For 12K less you would have to have your head in the sand not to give the challanger a very good look.. “Love That Car”
rigga

Why does the auto drop 50Nm????
m2m

Whilst vacationing in Philippines at the moment, i’ve noticed LOADS of Challengers. Many people here buy Ute-based 4WD’s because they seem to be durable and can handle pretty much everything. The nicest one though, is the Toyota Fortuner, which is probably one of the best looking stock Toyota’s i’ve ever seen.

Any car that can last a few years in countries like this surely would be reliable.
les

have purchased an xls challenger and found that the centre display does not come with all the features in the owners manual. is there any type of upgrade available to get all the functions up and running
Doc Phil

Wow. Loads of negative comments, many of them uninformed. After researching 4×4 vehicles in this class for over a year, and test-driving many, I have just bought a 7 seater XLS. Test-drove the new Jeep Grand Laredo, very nice vehicle but that 3.6lt petrol is heavy on fuel, you only get basic features for the same price and they offer nowhere near the warranty or capped price servicing of the Challenger. The Pathfinder was also very nice but very overpriced, and a lot of complaints about warranty and service. I even tried the new Prado, which is, I think, one step up from this class of vehicles. Overpriced again, for $52k I have leather seats, satnav, rear camera, and all the bells and whistles of the $65k Prado, and it does exactly the same, with a much better warranty and cheaper servicing. Reason why I finally settled on the Challenger? Well the testdrive convinced me, and I did a breakdown of ’4X4 of the year’ tests in 2 famous magazines. In the first one, the Grand Cherokee was a winner, closely followed by the Challenger. In the second, the Pathfinder was the winner, closely followed by the Challenger. Add up all the scores from both magazines and we have a clear winner, the Challenger. So, no contest as far as I’m concerned. And after month my new car has been fantastic, this thing does everything and more. I tow a 5.5m boat with ease, have my mountainbike fittings on the roof and can hit the offroad trails no worries to get to my fishing spots. My wife loves the auto, loads of space and compactness (my previous car was a Patrol, just way too big for our lifestyle). Hope this helps anyone who is still undecided, rest assured, this thing is fantastic.

Diane

your comment has made my mind up to go with the challenger, i have been looking at the pathfinder,jeep cheroke, I have a nissan x trail and occassionally need to tow a horse float, throw horse feed in the back and some off road stuff ,also hwy driving so I want comfort with a good sound system, I am looking to upgrade as I don’t want to kill my x trail which has been a great car, thats why I was looking at the pathfinder the next one up ,I also need good clearance as my property is hilly and steep, no young kids but we have 4 dogs that I take to the beach, so hopefully now in July you are still happy with your challenger.

jaybax

I’m with you doc,I’ve owned 6 new cars in the last 15 years, all 4wds & my 4 month old challenger is every bit as good & better than any of em’. Awesome value, Great ability & features.
Hillsdweller

Well, after almost a year (30000km+) of owning my 2010 Challenger, time to update on the pros and cons.
1. The car drives well still (I think the turning circle/handling is amazing for a car it’s size).
2. Fuel economy up and down the hills everyday is average of 9.0 l/100km, open road with a load = 10.0, off road = 11, best so far = 8.25 and worst (Birsdville Track with full load)= 12.4 ( I am probably driving it harder than last reported, so figures have increased a bit from then).
3. The Tow Bar is an afterthought – Morgan Quarry managed to wipe out my Tow Plug – stupid place to fit it under the bar!!! Now cable tied on top of bar nice and safe.
4. Off road, its the soft rear end that lets it down (with a load on), but it easlily out performed a few of my mates with stock Prados, and impressed those with modified 4wd’s.
5. I am looking at a fix for the rear end – maybe airbags (although the coils have big bump stops in the middle of them), and some heavier shocks.
6. Managed to shear off the end of 3 wheel nuts using the absouluetely crap OE wheel brace – my advice is dont use it get a real one!
Niggling things like:
The plastic cover for the spare wheel shearing off the faux hex bit
The screws holding the ‘kangaroo friendly’ padding on the bull bar going rusty very early on
Cheap whel brace (and wheel nuts).
Otherwise, enjoying it as a daily driver, doing 600km+ a week.
Brett

If they’re so good, why do I hardly see any on the road? I reckon I’ve seen maybe 5 or 6 driving around in the last 8 months which tells me it’s not flying out the door.
I personally love it even though we bought a 2010 Sorento mainly due to the large cost difference – $56k vs $47 that I paid for the Platinum Sorento. We’re not big off-roaders so the all wheel drive of the Kia was fine for us. I reckon the XLS is about 5-6 grand overpriced.Am I the only one not seeing them on the road?
Hillsdweller

Brett, the answer to why there doesnt seem to be many on the road is simple:
Mitsubishi Australia don’t advertise them!There wa sthe initial TV campaign when thewy were released in the beginning of 2010, and since then, hardly a mention. They were overtaken by the new ASX and it’s release, and the Pajero has had the RX models etc out as well – for the model in the middle it dips out with lack of promotion.
I can’t understand their thinking personally – it has all the bells and whistles (which is why I went for one in the end) for the right price (talking LS base model here), yet it rarly cops an appearance in the Cars liftouts in the Saturday papers.
jaybax

That sorrento at $47k cost $5010 more than my new challenger Ls 7 seat auto at $41990 driveaway. The main difference is that the challenger is a “real” 4wd loaded with features and offroad ability. If you go for the Hayman Reece bar it is integrated inside the bumper,no problem.I am seeing more & more on the road, but not overpriced XLS, mostly LS like mine.A Kia cmon!

Brett

We didn’t need a real 4wd, awd is fine for us and the luxuries we got that you don’t have were more important. If you were’nt such a badge snob you might realise the Koreans make bloody good quality, as good as the Japanese.
I wasn’t going to pay over 40k a not have leather seats so if you’re happy with plain then good luck to you.

http://youtube Cramerland

I have had my Challenger for nearly 4 years. Its a 2001 model. It has been a reliable car and got me out of some tough situations. You can view me towing a Subaru Forester out of the bog at Fraser island if you search for cramerland in youtube.
Andy

ha ha ha 2 years later and as I predicted this underpiowered overpriced tin can has been a huge failure.

Hillsdweller

Andy, I hope you’ve had the oppourtunity to take one away on a decent trip off road. If not, keep your sarcasm at home. If you had, what are you comparing the current challeneger against? When the PB Challenger was released in early 2010, it had the best stats on the market for a wagon in its class (power, full4wd drivetrain, etc). Since then, the Pathfinder has been souped up, but even that has its knockers (I’ve driven one, so not going to knock it). From owning mine for nearly two years now, the only downside I can really put on the car is the soft rear end, but as I intend to keep it, I will be doing a suspension lift soon anyway. Sure the drives a bit noisy, but its all a part of the build (motor/gearbox/diff) – you cant compare that against a Korean SUV that isnt built anywhere as tough as the Challenger is (check out the weight difference for a start – real chassis versus…). As I stated earlier in the forum, the biggest failing is Mitsubishi’s to not really advertise what they have.

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