Autobiography - Mitsubishi Pajero Io 1999-2003

The Age

Saturday September 2, 2006

BRUCE NEWTON

THE compact Pajero iO off-roader arrived here in March 1999. The first part of its name tried to capitalise on a famous 4WD badge; the second part was Italian for "me" and pronounced ee-oh.

Opening the range at $26,990 was a three-door version powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. It produced 75 kW and 135 Nm. A five-door, priced at $29,890, employed an 86 kW/165 Nm 1.8.

The standard transmission was a five-speed manual but only the five-door offered the $2000 option of a four-speed auto. Air-conditioning, alloy wheels, power steering, electric windows, driver's airbag and driver's seat height adjust was standard. The five-door also had two-tone paint, remote central locking and a limited-slip differential. The centre rear safety belt was lap-only.

The iO had good off-road ability, with Pajero's SuperSelect dual-range 4WD system, but buyers preferred more stylish, less capable off-roaders such as the Honda CR-V.

There was one big update in October 2001; a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 95 kW and 177 Nm. In November that year the limited-edition three- and five-door ZR was added. Additional equipment included body-coloured door handles and mirrors, round front foglights, dual airbags, ABS brakes (with EBD), keyless entry (three-door), rear roof spoiler, roof rails and spare-wheel cover. The ZR cost $2700 more than the iO.

The ZR sold until September 2002, the regular iO for another year. It was replaced by the light-duty Outlander. -- BRUCE NEWTON

OUR PICK: The iO has real off-road ability in a compact package. The five-door ZR is probably the pick.

© 2006 The Age

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