Mitsubishi Off-Road Mini-Car to Return as Global Strategy Vehicle

Mitsubishi is poised to reintroduce the Pajero Mini, a compact off-road vehicle, approximately 15 years after its discontinuation. Japanese media reports suggest the revived model will be a global strategic vehicle, with an anticipated launch around 2027. The new Pajero Mini is expected to boast a rugged, off-road-inspired exterior and a four-wheel-drive system, aiming to capture a segment of the market seeking capable yet compact utility vehicles.

The vehicle will reportedly feature a unibody construction, a departure from traditional body-on-frame designs, to enhance cost-effectiveness and appeal to a broader audience. While retaining some off-road capability with good ground clearance, the focus will likely shift towards everyday usability. Mitsubishi is targeting the Southeast Asian market initially, but the vehicle may also be introduced in North America, signifying its global ambitions.

Powering the new Pajero Mini is expected to be a 1.6-liter hybrid system, similar to the one found in the Xforce. This setup would combine a gasoline engine producing 107 horsepower and 13.7 kg-m of torque with an electric motor delivering 116 horsepower and 26 kg-m of torque. The hybrid system is anticipated to offer impressive fuel efficiency, potentially reaching 24.4 km per liter. Design-wise, the Pajero Mini is speculated to draw inspiration from the Delica Mini, featuring similar lighting elements and a horizontal grille, with underbody skid plates to emphasize its adventurous character.