Mitsubishi Pajero Di-D

And Mitsubishi Australia has answered the call, bringing its new direct-injection turbodiesel Pajero to Australia.

Mitsubishi claims the new 3.2lt four-cylinder diesel engine represents a substantial performance increase over the old 2.8. The figures concur; it produces 121kW of power and a mountain-moving 373Nm of torque, both low in the rev range where they're needed. That's 32% more power and 28% more torque than both the old engine and the Toyota Prado turbodiesel.

So what is direct-injection, and why do we care? Mitsubishi claims the major advantage of direct-injection is that you can do away with the swirl chamber where diesel and air are 'premixed' before feeding into the cylinder for compression and combustion. Higher pressure swirl injectors promote a more even distribution of diesel mist, which not only improves detonation and burn, Mitsubishi reckons, but also leads to cleaner engine emissions.

The advantages to direct-injection are best experienced from the driver's seat. The Pajero Di-D accelerates from rest to 100kmh in 12.0 seconds, 5.3 seconds quicker than the old 2.8lt turbo. Mitsubishi claims that this extra performance won't cost you at the fuel pump, citing European fuel tests that show the new 3.2lt diesel to be 25% more fuel economical than the old 2.8.

It should be noted that Australia currently has no standard for rating diesel fuel economy, so this figure can't be compared against other diesel 4WDs on sale in Australia.

Regardless, the extra torque, which is on tap from just 2000rpm makes most towing applications a stroll in the park. Very smooth off the line, the Pajero steams ahead as if in defiance of the boat and trailer out the back.

Mitsubishi offers two transmissions with the Di-D model, a five-speed manual and the five-speed Invecs II automatic. The Invecs II auto is the same one used in petrol Pajeros for the last two years and is an 'intelligent' gearbox that learns your driving style and modifies the shift pattern to match. It features a 'tiptronic' style gate for sequential manual gear selection, which is a blessing for low-speed, high-stress towing.

Pajero's super select 4WD shift system rates as one of the easiest to use, with shifting from 2WD to 4WD possible at speeds up to 100kmh, and low range is available for those extremely slippery boat ramps, or soft beach boat launches.

Our test drive of the new Pajero Di-D in outback New South Wales showed the Pajero Di-D's strengths quite clearly. The 3.2lt, turbocharged four-cylinder engine is a little ripper that drives admirably well both in town and country. The Pajero handles suburban driving easily and sedately, and the higher driving position affords great forward visibility over passenger cars and rearward past your trailerboat.

The engine accelerates strongly from as little as 1000rpm right through to its 4000rpm redline. There's no point going over that as the power dies away very quickly. Gearchanges are smooth and confident, with no upsetting stutters or unnecessary shuffles. It kicks down eagerly enough when you need the extra grunt, though that's not always necessary with the strong torque characteristics of this engine.

Petrol drivers will find the diesel noisier than they're used to, but by diesel standards it's on par with the quieter engines on the market. Starting the engine is a quick, no-fuss affair with no need to wait for the glow plugs to heat up.

Mitsubishi will make the 3.2lt turbodiesel engine available in three models: GLX, GLS and Exceed.

The new engine adds around $2000 to the price and also adds cruise control, optional auto transmission ($3000) and class-leading power and torque. In our book the new direct-injection Pajero turbodiesel presents a compelling argument for leaving the petrol camp and taking a trip down oil-burner lane. For starters, think of the money you'll save at the bowser.