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Mitsubishi Challenger is a less sophisticated vehicle than the popular Mitsubishi Pajero. This makes it cheaper and, in the opinion of some 4WD enthusiasts, more enjoyable to operate. Like the Pajero, the Challenger is a genuine 4WD, not a soft-roader. Take it to forest trails and it will cope with ease, likewise it handles beach driving well.
When introduced to Australia in 1998, the Challenger was virtually a Mitsubishi Triton pickup with a station wagon body. Over the years it became a model in its own right. The Challenger has reasonable on-road comfort for its type and most owners are happy with its characteristics. Those looking for a very relaxed suburban ride may be better off opting for Pajero instead.
Mitsubishi Challenger is strictly a five-seater, unlike Pajero which can carry seven in some models. Challenger has good head and legroom but is a bit cramped for width in the back for three big adults.
Luggage space is excellent, with plenty of length and width. The area is quite easy to load despite being high off the ground. There is also plenty of in-cabin storage space.
The Mitsubishi Challenger’s engine is the same 3.0-litre V6 unit as is used on upmarket Triton models. The engine is willing enough, but is slightly down on torque at everyday revs. So you have to work at gearchanging to keep it working to best advantage. The five-speed manual gearbox is light and easy to use.
The automatic transmission is a four-speed unit in an era when many new competitors have moved up to five-speed units. The auto has Mitsubishi’s semi-intelligent change system and can be used as a sequential manual.
The Challenger’s V6 powerplant doesn’t sit in front of the highly-regarded Super Select 4WD system fitted to the Mitsubishi Pajero, rather it uses an old-style setup which normally drives the rear wheels only. The two-speed transfer case can be shifted on-the-fly between 2H and 4H at speeds of up to 100 km/h and the front hubs are automatic. So, apart from the inability to use 4WD on sealed roads the system is almost as good as the Super Select one.
The suspension in the original ute-based model gives a ride that may be too firm for some and so can make Challenger tiring on a long trip. Mitsubishi made major revisions to the suspension as part of the mid-2000 facelift and mechanical makeover. However, it's still not the most comfortable 4WD on the market.
Spare parts availability is good and we have heard of no complaints about pricing. Mitsubishi is long established in Australia, having built cars in its Adelaide factory for many years, so is well represented in most areas. Even when you’re deep into the outback there’s a good chance you can find parts and a mechanic who understands the Challenger.
Insurance is generally at the lower end of the scale due to the simple mechanical makeup of the Challenger and to the fact that it's usually owned by conservative people.
Challenger was discontinued in 2007 to make way for lower-cost variants of the Pajero, only to be revived late in 2009 as a 2010 model. These are still too new to be considered here as used vehicles but we are keeping an eye on them and they are already looking like excellent value.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
If you suspect the Mitsubishi Challenger has had a lot of use on dirt roads and in off-road conditions make a careful check of the interior fittings as the firm suspension can eventually cause squeaks and rattles.
Look over the cabin for signs of rough usage, being sure to look into all the hidden storage areas for damage that may have been caused by bored junior travellers.
At the same time check out the luggage area for damage and/or bad staining.
While the Challenger was built down to a price, quality certainly didn’t suffer and there's the typically impressive Japanese attention to detail.
Look under the Challenger’s body for signs of damage caused by too-hard driving in harsh areas. Also look and taste for salt on the chassis rails. Salt can really attack steel and frequent beach use can cause corrosion to rip into the metal if it’s left unchecked.
Make sure that the Mitsubishi’s engine starts easily and idles smoothly as soon as it settles into its rhythm.
Check the engine doesn't blow any exhaust smoke when accelerated hard, especially after it's been idling for a while. It if does it could be due for an expensive overhaul.
Be sure that all gearchanges are smooth and light.
Check that 4WD is engaged in both high and low ratios without too much effort. |
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