Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin

Vehicle Overview

The Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin was produced from 1998 to 2006, representing a unique blend of compact SUV styling and off-road capability. Derived from the larger Mitsubishi Pajero, the Pajero Pinin offered a smaller, more agile version of the renowned off-roader, and it was particularly appreciated for its performance on rough terrains. This vehicle is notable for its design collaboration with Pininfarina, the legendary Italian coachbuilder, with the name “Pinin” being a nod to the company’s influence. Pininfarina’s design expertise contributed to the sleek and modern aesthetics of the Pajero Pinin, making it a visually appealing yet rugged SUV. The Pajero Pinin was produced by Pininfarina in the Bairo plant starting in July 1999, targeting the European market. In addition to the European production, the Pajero Pinin was also manufactured in Japan and Brazil. The vehicle was available in two body styles: a three-door version with a 2.280-meter wheelbase and a five-door version with a slightly longer wheelbase of 2.540 meters, providing ample space for passengers and luggage. The compact size of the Pajero Pinin made it an ideal choice for drivers looking for a mini SUV that still retained the essential characteristics of the off-road vehicle—most notably the ability to handle tough terrains. It combined the comfort and design elements of a modern SUV with the side member chassis of a true off-roader. This unique combination allowed the Pajero Pinin to navigate challenging surfaces with ease. True to its off-road roots, the Pajero Pinin offered a Super Select 4WD system that provided manual control over the 4-wheel drive with a differential lock and reduced gears for extreme driving conditions. This made the Pajero Pinin capable of tackling challenging surfaces, making it more versatile compared to typical compact SUVs. When it came to power, the Pajero Pinin was offered with several gasoline engine options. The range included a 114-hp 1.8L engine, a more efficient 120-hp 1.8L direct-injection engine (GDI), and a 129-hp 2.0L engine. These options provided a good balance between power and fuel efficiency for a compact 4×4. The Pajero Pinin GDI models offered enhanced performance with better fuel economy compared to traditional MPI engines. In 2000, Mitsubishi introduced a sportier version of the Pajero Pinin in the Japanese market, called the Pajero iO TR. This model was equipped with a 160-hp turbocharged 1.8L GDI engine and featured an upgraded four-speed automatic transmission and Super Select 4WD-i for enhanced performance. The iO TR was a five-door variant, making it more practical for families seeking a sportier version of the Pajero Pinin. The Pajero Pinin was subjected to rigorous safety testing by EuroNCAP, where it earned a respectable three-star rating in 2003. This rating highlighted its solid safety features, offering peace of mind for those driving the compact SUV both on and off the road. The Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin remains a beloved model for those who enjoy the thrill of off-roading but prefer a more compact vehicle. Its timeless design, combined with impressive performance capabilities, makes it a standout in the world of mini SUVs and off-road vehicles. The Pajero Pinin’s production ended in 2006, but it continues to be appreciated by enthusiasts of small off-road vehicles for its blend of practicality, ruggedness, and style. For those seeking a durable and stylish off-roader, the Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin is a standout choice, offering both modern SUV comforts and the tough, go-anywhere capabilities of an off-road machine.