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Mitsubishi Challenger W 3.5 i V6 24V GDI (245 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mitsubishi Challenger:
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a body-on-frame mid-size SUV produced by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors using the Pajero nameplate since 1996. Based on the Triton pickup truck, the Pajero Sport has spanned over three generations. It is unrelated to the full-size Pajero, which was also built on a Ladder frame chassis until 1999, switching to monocoque thereafter and was discontinued in 2021.
Mitsubishi has formerly used the Mitsubishi Challenger name for the vehicle in Japan and some international markets, but the name was dropped since the third generation in 2015 in favour of the Pajero Sport, Montero Sport, and Shogun Sport nameplates....(Read more on Wikipedia)
W Overview:
Mitsubishi Challenger (W). With 343 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1950 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10 s). The top speed reaches 190 km/h. A sport utility vehicle offering higher ground clearance and versatile cargo space. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Mitsubishi Challenger (W) generation was produced before widespread Euro NCAP testing for SUVs of its class. While equipped with basic safety features like ABS, its overall crash safety performance would likely be significantly lower than modern vehicles due to advancements in design and technology.
3.5 i V6 24V GDI (245 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This GDI V6 was a powerhouse for its time, offering exceptional acceleration and strong highway performance for a large SUV. The direct injection technology was advanced, providing a good balance of power and (relative) efficiency.
Fuel Economy
Despite the GDI technology, fuel consumption is notably high, especially in urban driving, typical for a powerful V6 SUV from the 90s. Extra-urban figures are more reasonable.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Robust and reliable build quality
- • Excellent off-road capability with proper 4x4 system
- • Strong V6 engine options (especially 3.5 GDI)
- • Spacious and practical interior for families
- • Good value for money on the used market
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption for petrol models
- • Dated interior design and materials by modern standards
- • On-road handling can be ponderous due to SUV nature
- • Limited advanced safety features compared to newer vehicles
- • Ride comfort can be firm on rough surfaces
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mitsubishi |
| Model: | Challenger |
| Generation: | W |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.5 i V6 24V GDI (245 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1996 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | SUV |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 245 Hp @ 5500 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 70.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 343 Nm @ 2500 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 3497 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 93 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.4:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 17 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 190 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8 kg/Hp, 125.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.7 kg/Nm, 175.9 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1950 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 74 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4530 mm mm |
| Width: | 1775 mm mm |
| Height: | 1730 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2725 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1465 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1480 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 265/70 R15 |
| Front suspension | Torsion |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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