CONFIRMATION that a new ‘cross country’ sports utility based off the Triton utility will be called Pajero has come from Mitsubishi in Japan, along with promise that it will be fully unveiled soon.

In the meantime, brand headquarters has shared an image showing the car’s front end.

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand seems to set to have it here before year-end, having recently promised int plans to bring three new models into local circulation in 2026.

The others are the recently-announced Outlander Sport, a compact five seater hybrid that is likely to be the first car built in Indonesia to come to New Zealand, and a fully electric compact crossover that will be received from Taiwan - again, a new sourcing point for cars here.

A nameplate that dates back to 1982 was discontinued for international distribution in 2021, making this its first return to the global market in five years.

Setting out to combine the off-road performance of a full-fledged four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle with the comfort of a passenger car, the previous Pajero spanned four generations and achieved 3.25 million units in more than 170 countries. It also built up motorsport credibility through involvement in the Dakar Rally, securing 12 victories - seven of them on the trot - from 1980.

Mitsubishi says the type led the recreational vehicle boom of the 1990s in Japan and played a key role in promoting outdoor and leisure lifestyles, with the series expanding to include the Pajero Mini kei-car2, Pajero Junior compact SUV, and the Pajero iO compact SUV. 

While the new car is based the Triton ute, and utilises its ladder frame chassis, Mitsubishi promises it will have model-specific development of the cabin and front and rear suspension. 

“It delivers not only outstanding off-road capability but also a refined and comfortable ride,” a media release said today. 

“The all-new Pajero is being developed as a new flagship model that embodies Mitsubishi Motors' spirit of adventure and determination to take on challenges.”