Honey, they've shrunk the Pajero

Honey, they’ve shrunk the Pajero!

You could be forgiven for thinking that Mitsubishi put its Pajero model in a hot wash to come up with the Japanese carmaker’s new Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) competitor, the Pinin.

So similar are its proportions to its big brother and because its close family resemblance is so remarkable, the initial reaction on first seeing the Pajero Pinin is that it is a shrunken version of the Pajero, a model most people would regard as a large 4x4.

The Pinin may be more compact and lightweight than its larger family member, but a road test confirmed it still performs like a heavy-weight, and that it carries a price tag to match.

Developed by Mitsubishi Motors in Japan, the Pinin got its name from top Italian car designer, Sergio Pininfarina who was responsible for fine tuning the design process and who produces the vehicle in a new plant in Italy for the European market.

SUV models sometimes have a tendency to look weaker than larger family 4x4s. The Pajero Pinin does not fall into this category. This is a small 4x4 with a look that shouts: “I have potential.”

The rugged, somewhat aggressive-looking appearance of the Pinin actually goes far beyond cosmetic. It comes extremely well put-together.

Both externally and internally, the Pinin relays the look and feeling of fine workmanship. Everything from wide wings, over-riders, additional lights and large wheels down to the dashboard layout and seating is all done in good taste.

Unlike its big brother, which has either 2.5 or 3.2 litre diesel engines, the Pinin has an advanced direct injection petrol engine under the bonnet.

Similar to the unit found in the Carisma, the 1.8 litre GDi engine produces 118 bhp. Capable of producing good low-down torque, the secret in the GDi is its ability to use less petrol, produce more power and fewer CO2 emissions than a conventional petrol engine.

The Pinin has the ability to return just in excess of 40 mpg. It is so willing and eager to go, this figure can drop to the low 30s if you take your eye off proceedings. The 0-62 mph timing can be covered in 10.2 seconds and the Pinin has the law-breaking ability to exceed motorway speed limits by 35 mph.

The absence of the ladder frame chassis (similar to new Pajero) means this short 4WD actually proved itself to be an excellent urban run-about.

Usually with short wheel-base vehicles, the first bump has you heading for the clouds. The Pinin’s handling and ride, however, proved very car-like. In 2WD mode, though, a little caution should be observed in wet conditions.

Equipped with a two-speed transfer ‘box to give a full low range gearing, the small Pinin is also a very talented off-road performer. While statistics show 4x4s to be mainly used on-road, users of this more urbanised vehicle may feel happy in the knowledge that it can be accredited with not only being beefy-looking but also can hang out with the big boys off-road.

Inside is beautifully arranged but rear accommodation is more for children than adults, and with the rear seats in the upright position, boot space is also confined.

The problem with boot space can be addressed easily if there are no rear passengers by splitting the rear seats or folding them completely.

The Pinin is comprehensively equipped. Besides the usual electrics there is ABS, alloy wheels, twin air bags, roof rails and rear spoiler.

Size-wise, the Pinin could be described as a bit of a Corgi or Dinky, but it has to be said, everything it does it does well.