MITSUBISHI has brought back its mid-sized off-roader, the Challenger, and given it a softer and harder edge.
For family wagon buyers it offers more comfort, safety and equipment and the option of seven seats, and for serious off-roaders it is equipped to tackle conditions most would consider extreme.
The diesel-only Challenger sits between the Outlander and the Pajero and is based on the Triton but with a smoother riding multi-link coil rear suspension.
Styling is attractive, clean and functional, it looks and feels compact with a commanding driving position and the interior is car-like albeit with a high floor.
Unlike the previous petrol-only Challenger (1998-2006), the new model is diesel powered using the same high output 2.5-litre engine from the Triton where it has proven to be responsive, flexible, quiet and easy on fuel.
Output is 131kW and 400Nm in the five-speed manual and the same power but 50Nm less torque in the five-speed automatic to ensure reliability.
The Challenger is 4695mm long and 1815mm wide, or 200mm shorter and 60mm narrower than a Pajero and has a relatively tight 11.2m turning circle.
It weighs in at 2.04-2.22 tonnes, or 100-130kg lighter than a Pajero and as light as the heaviest Triton.
Static ground clearance and approach and departure angles almost match the Pajero, but with a shorter wheelbase and greater ramp-over angle it has the edge on dynamic clearance.
Wheel travel is impressive - well controlled with a firm ride on-road and compliant off-road.
Low-range gearing gives the Challenger a key edge over its similarly priced single-range rivals, such as the Kluger and Territory.
Mitsubishi's proven Super-Select transmission offers a choice of two-high, four-high, four-high with centre diff lock (all selectable on the move) and four-low with centre diff lock. The icing on the cake is a switchable rear diff lock for severe off-road conditions.
Towing capacity is 2500kg.
In the seven-seater, the reclining centre-row splits 60:40 and flip- folds giving easy access to the two-place 50;50 split rear seat which is deeply dished to provide adequate space for adults, although long legs will have knees in the air.
There are two trim levels. the LS manual five-seat at $44,490 (auto $46,990), the LS seven-seat auto at $48,890, the five-seat XLS auto at $56,990 and the seven-seat XLS auto at $58,890.
The LS comes with stability control, traction control, six airbags, automatic airconditioning, steering wheel controls for audio and cruise control, alloy wheels (including a full-sized spare), power windows, side steps, roof rails, keyless entry, leather-bound steering wheel, park brake and gear levers and single CD six-speaker audio.
The XLS adds satellite navigation, a rear camera, rear parking sensors, leather seats, power driver's seat, privacy glass, load blind and net, premium audio with a video jack and Bluetooth, fog lights and headlight washers.
