Mitsubishi Challenger

2004: Mitsubishi tries to bill the Challenger as a tough cookie - it has a 3.0 litre, V6 engine, genuine 4WD, 'Smart Logic' 4-speed automatic gearbox that learns your driving habits, advanced safety systems and ABS brakes.

Visually, the 2004 Challenger (right) is a classic look without the razz-ma-tazz of some of the other Mitsie models.

	2000 September: With the new Pajero safely launched, and moving to a "softer", more up-market image, it is time for the Mitsubishi Challenger to inherit coil springs in the rear suspension. Apart from that the engineering is very little changed from the previous model. Front suspension remains double wishbones with torsion bars. The new Challanger keeps the 3-litre V6 engine (v. Pajero's 3.5). This is mated to either a 4-speed automatic (& adaptive) or a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Tyres are 265/70's on 15-inch wheels. Sold as the Montero Sport in the USA.
A more luxurious variant, the Challenger LS (below), comes with leather seats, wood-grain trim, and 6-speaker radio/ CD-player.

Mitsubishi Challenger 2000 . . . (2001MY)

• station wagon, 5-seats, 4-doors, twin airbags
• loa: 4610mm, width: 1775mm, height: 1730mm
• wheelbase: 2725mm, track: 1465mm/1480mm, ground clearance: 215mm
• turning radius: 5.5m
• approach angle: 36, departure: 21, ramp-over: 155
• weight: 1840kg (unladen), GVM: 2430kg, towing: 750kg (unbraked)
• engine: 6G72, 2972cc, petrol, V6, mpfi, 4-valves/cyl, sohc (LPG compatible)
• bore: 91.1mm, stroke: 76.0mm, c.r.: 9.0:1
• power: 136kW at 5500rpm, torque: 265Nm at 4500rpm (and 230Nm at 2000rpm)
• transmission: 5-speed manual (3.918:1, 2.261:1, 1.395:1, 1.0:1, 0.829:1; rev 3.925:1) (hi 1.0:1, lo 1.925:10), or 4-speed `Invecs' auto' (2.842:1, 1.495:1, 1.0:1, 0.731:1; rev 2.720:1) (hi 1.0:1, lo 1.90:10), `Easy Select' part-time 4WD, 2-speed transfer case, diff' ratio 4.636:1
• suspension: indep'-torsion-bar/ live-coils, brakes: disc/disc
• tyres: 265/70R15, fuel-tank: 74L LI AS2877 fuel consumption: manual 13.5L/100km (city), 12.5L/100km (highway); auto' 9.5L/100km (city), 9.5L/100km (highway) THATS WHAT IT SAYS -->
• standard features: air-conditioning, central locking, power windows, electric door mirrors, radio/ casette/ CD
• LS: automatic transmission, leather seats, fog lights, spoiler, side steps, ABS, cruise control, limited slip diff'
• prices: 3.0 litre V6, manual $36,990, auto' $38,990, A35 pack (cruise, LSD, 2-tone paint) +$1,700, A36 pack (as for A35 + ABS) +$2,900, LS $43,885 ($au 9/2000)
• Competitors: Daewoo Musso, Ford Explorer, Holden Frontera, Jeep Cherokee, Nissan Pathfinder

See also the previous Challenger,  Pajero  and Mitsubishi pages