The styling syas, "jeep," but the Pajero I prototype was geared for anyting but all work no play. Unveriled at the 1973 Tokyo Motor Show, it marked Mitsubishi's pioneering first step in evolving a workhorse into a pure thoroughbred. The Pajer II prototype came out five years later at the 1978 Show. The signature concept? More RV, less jeep. And very definitely worth the wait.

The 1st generation Pajero was where tody's RV boom started. And no wonder, coming with breakthrough standard equipment like front-wheel independent suspension, turbo diesel engine, center-through drive train and automatic free-wheel. The short body soon became recognized as the benchmark of the 4WDs of the future-as Pajero's performance on the international rally circuit sent a clear message that this was much more than another pretty face.

After a full model change, the 2nd generation Pajero still retained much of its predecessor's rugged good looks, but with sporty new features like Super Select 4WD (SS4) and Powerful 230 horsepower 3.5-litre V-6 gasoline engine. More handsome and refined than ever, Generation II was the auto industry's wakeup call oth the nineties defining what a 4WD should - and can - be.

1999 marked Pajero's second full model change, its "rite of passage" to the stunning new 3rd generation. With new body desing, engine and maneuverability, no wonder the world went, "Wow!" Also featured are new high-rigidity monocoque body with built-in frame and independent 4-wheel suspension, for dramatically greater safety and stability on any terrain. That's the long and the short of it - the new millennium's recreation center on wheels.

Naver on the rest on the laurels of past sussesses, Mitsubishi adopts boldly proactive approach to the newly evolved 3rd generation Pajero, basing its makeover on the overall design concept, "Grater power with Grearter Control."

Power comes from a new 3.8-litre V6 engine-the largest inpajero history-and control from an advanced safety-enhancing M-ASTC (Mitsubishi Active Stability & Traction Control) System.

other improvements update body styling and cabin comfort. One thing's certain: the SUV benchmark is not about to give up its well-earned place at the top.