Mitsubishi Challenger

The Mitsubishi Challenger is a mid-size SUV produced by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors since 1996, spanning over two generations.

First generation (1996–2008)

First generation
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Mitsubishi Montero Sport Mitsubishi Shogun Sport Mitsubishi Strada G-Wagon (Thailand) Mitsubishi Nativa Beijing BJ2025
Production	1996–2008
Assembly	Nagoya, Aichi Japan (Nagoya Plant, 1996–2010) Laem Chabang, Thailand (Mitsubishi Thailand)(2001-2005) Beijing, China (Beijing Benz, 2003–2008) Catalão, Brazil (Mitsubishi Brazil, 2006–2010)
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door wagon
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive
Related	Mitsubishi Triton
Powertrain
Engine	3.0 L 6G72 V6 3.5 L 6G74 V6 2.5 L 4D56 TD I4 2.8 L 4M40 TD I4 3.2 L 4M41 TD I4
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed semi-automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,725 mm (107.3 in)
Length	4,620 mm (181.9 in)
Width	1,775 mm (69.9 in)
Height	1,735 mm (68.3 in)
Curb weight	1,845–1,920 kg (4,070–4,230 lb)
Chronology
Successor	Mitsubishi Endeavor (North America)

Production began in Japan in 1996, and was available for most export markets by 1997, where it was variously known as the Challenger, Pajero Sport in Europe, Montero Sport in North America, South America and the Philippines, Nativa in parts of Latin America, the Caribbean and the Middle East, Shogun Sport in the United Kingdom,^[1] and Strada G-Wagon in Thailand. Based on the Mitsubishi Strada pickup truck of the same vintage, sharing many components and some body panels (i.e. front doors), the first generation Challenger was also built on the second generation Pajero wheelbase. Like the Pajero, it featured independent front suspension with torsion bars and a live rear axle. In addition to numerous face lifts over the years, there was a major suspension change from rear leaf to coil springs in late 2000. As its popularity increased, local assembly for foreign markets was introduced in China in 2003,^[2] and Brazil in 2006.^[3] Sales were discontinued in Japan in 2003, in North America in 2004 (where it was superseded by the Endeavor),^[4] and central and western Europe in 2008.^[5] In Japan, it was sold at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza.

The 3-liter V6 is the most commonly used engine; it produces 175 hp (130 kW; 177 PS) at 5,000 rpm.^[6] The North American market received petrol V6 engines, while other markets also had a variety of turbodiesel inline-fours to choose between.

A test in 2001 gave the Montero Sport a "not acceptable" rollover rating. In 2002 TLC member Lisa Lopes was killed when the Mitsubishi Montero Sport she was driving rolled over several times after she swerved to avoid a car.

Gallery

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  1998–2000 Mitsubishi Challenger

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  MY2000–2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport (US)

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  2004 - 2006 Mitsubishi Challenger advertising Subway

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  Mitsubishi Challenger TD

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  Mitsubishi Challenger 3.0 XR

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  Mitsubishi Strada G-Wagon GLS 2.8 (with Mitsubishi Strada pickup front styling)

Second generation (2008–present)

Second generation
Overview
Manufacturer	Mitsubishi Motors
Also called	Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (Bangladesh, India, Russia, China, ASEAN) Mitsubishi Montero Sport (North America, Philippines and Latin America) Mitsubishi Nativa (Latin America and Middle East) Mitsubishi Pajero Dakar (Latin America) Challenger (Australia)
Production	2008–present
Assembly	Laem Chabang, Thailand (Mitsubishi Thailand) Catalão, Brazil (Mitsubishi Brazil) Barcelona, Anzoátegui, Venezuela,(MMC Automotriz) (since 2013)[7] Chittagong, Bangladesh (Pragoti) Chennai, India (Hindustan Motors) Kaluga, Russia (PCMA Rus)[8]
Body and chassis
Body style	5-door wagon
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive
Related	Mitsubishi Triton
Powertrain
Engine	2.4 L 4G69 I4 3.0 L 6B31 V6 3.5 L 6G74 V6 2.5 L 4D56 TD I4 2.5 L 4D56 VGT TD I4 2.5 L 4D56 VGT Common rail DI-D I4 3.2 L 4M41 TD I4
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,800 mm (110.2 in)
Length	4,695 mm (184.8 in)
Width	1,815 mm (71.5 in)
Height	1,840 mm (72.4 in)with roof rails

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (China)

Interior

The second generation of the vehicle, based on the ladder frame chassis of the Mitsubishi Triton, was gradually introduced to selected markets (Russia, South-East Asia and the Middle East) through the autumn of 2008, following its debut at the Moscow Auto Salon. 2.5 or 3.2 litre diesel and 3.0 or 3.5 litre V6 petrol engines are available as before, while five- or seven-seat interior configurations are offered.^[5][9] As with the Triton pick-up on which it is based, production of the new Pajero Sport for all markets is concentrated in Thailand.^[10]

In the Philippines and in Mexico, Mitsubishi Challenger is officially named as Mitsubishi Montero Sport. Its success overtook its rival, Toyota Fortuner in terms of sales. Mitsubishi Montero Sport is available in seven variants: GLX-V 4x2 (5-speed Manual), GLS-V 4x2 (5-speed Automatic), GLS-V 4x4 (5-speed Manual), GT-V 4x4 (5-speed Automatic) all equipped with Variable geometry turbocharger giving maximum output of 178 hp and 350 Nm (Automatic) or 400 Nm (Manual) of Torque. Also offered are non-VGT variants GLX 4x2 (5-speed Manual), GLX 4x2 (5-speed Automatic) & GLS 3.0 V6 Gasoline (5-speed Automatic).

In India, Mitsubishi Challenger is sold under the name Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. It is equipped with 2.5-litre 16 Valve intercooled turbocharged DOHC diesel engine giving a maximum output of 175 bhp and 400Nm of torque. It weighs 2065 kg and gives out a mileage of 12kmpl. It sold with a price tag of INR 23.12 lakhs.^[11]

In Bangladesh, Mitsubishi Challenger is assembled by state-owned automotive industry Pragoti and sold under the name Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.^[12]

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Annual production

References

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