Mitsubishi Pajero Legend II

Often, one will misread a situation or underestimate a task to be undertaken, but such foolishness very seldom results in a catastrophe. That is, unless you think it wise to ask a fashion blogger to accompany you on the launch of Mitsubishi’s limited-run Pajero Legend II.

The launch in question consisted of a calm freeway drive to an off-road course, followed by a competitive morning of extreme-ish off-roading which all demonstrated the Pajero’s adaptability, highlighting its multifaceted appeal and renowned duality.

New for 2016, the Legend II sports R50 000 worth of extras as part of the R759 900 purchase price, options which include a heavy-duty protection plate below the engine, another below the gearbox assembly and heavy duty rock sliders on the LWB model. Yokohama Geolander dual-purpose tyres are also fitted. A heavy duty Bosal tow bar, Pajero stamped chrome nudge bar and keyless entry, Garmin nüviCam and a full set of rubber mats all form part of the Legend II package. All of this is supplemented with a 3-year/100 000kms mechanical warranty, as well as a 5-year/100 00kms maintenance plan.

Mitsubishi’s tried and tested 3.2 DI-D turbo-diesel motor does duty here, offering up 140kW and 441Nm from just 2 000 rpm. This motor can also run on 500ppm diesel which makes for unhindered traversing in climates with lower quality diesel. This motor is impressive in its refinement and returned an impressive 9l/100km on our trip to and from the off-road venue.Mitsubishi’s Super-Select II 4WD system is standard as would be expected, offering a wide range of locking diffs, everything you’d need to tackle a mountain or pavement which was proven to us during our stint off-road. This is where the Pajero impressed most.

Creature comforts and interior refinement are remarkable for this sort of vehicle, be it on or off the beaten track. This was highlighted by the fact that my fashion conscious co-pilot felt tempted to name the Pajero in a jiffy, despite its bold looks and brutish nature. The only glaring criticism I had of the Pajero was its reluctance to get going under heavy acceleration, during an overtaking manoeuvre for instance, but then again, it’s hardly a sports car, is it?

Without laying too much blame on my lovely navigator, no level of driving prowess can prepare you for hand gestures while blindfolded and her all-important Snapchat story on a 30° incline, but all that this demonstrated was the Pajero’s jaw-dropping capability and ability to turn the most inexperienced off-roaders into Dakar champions in five seconds flat. All this while still being able to get us home in pure luxury and comfort!

Did we win? No. Did we get last place prizes in the form of snazzy braai kits? Of course.