Mitsubishi's Pajero Wagon Wins 4X4 Australia Magazine's "2009 4X4 of the Year"

TONSLEY PARK, Australia – January 7, 2009: Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) is proud to announce the new 3.2-litre diesel NT Pajero four-wheel drive wagon has been awarded 4X4 Australia Magazine’s top accolade and named the 2009 4X4 of the Year.

According to 4X4 Australia Magazine’s editor, Dean Mellor, the Pajero triumphed over some tough competitors – and even tougher on- and off-road driving - to claim the coveted award in a unanimous decision from the judges.

“With its new 3.2-litre diesel engine, the Pajero tackled anything we threw at it – including steep tracks, sealed and gravel roads, treacherous river crossings and slippery mud hills - without missing a beat,” Mellor said.

MMAL’s president and chief executive officer, Robert McEniry, was thrilled to receive the award.

“Pajero has a long and proud history in Australia and has just marked the vehicle’s 25th anniversary here, so it is a double delight that we should win the award at this time,” he said.

During testing, a team of four-wheel driving experts from the magazine put six competing vehicles through their paces during an arduous week of testing in Australia’s remote alpine areas. Criteria for judging each vehicle included Value Advances in technology or design Durability of build Fulfilment of the specifications and design brief Suitability for Aussie off-road travel, aka ‘bushability’.

The 2009 NT Pajero four-wheel drive range, released in late 2008, includes an upgraded 3.2-litre turbo diesel engine, cabin and exterior refinements, increased towing capacity and revised specifications to the popular Pajero three-and five-door line-up.