Tokyo, 24 August 1998. Mitsubishi Motors Corporation today launched the PAJERO iO 5-Door, a 5-door version of the compactly-packaged PAJERO iO series powered by a 1.8-liter version of Mitsubishi's GDI ecology engine and offering traditional PAJERO levels of on- and off-road performance. The PAJERO iO 5-Door is available at Galant and Car Plaza dealerships in Japan.

The PAJERO iO 5-door is a long-body version of the fast-selling PAJERO iO announced and launched on 15 June this year, and is targeted at family users among whom there is strong demand for this body configuration. Design and packaging features include: a front mask distinguished by its composed and classy design; and, a spacious interior stemming from the 300mm increase in overall length and 170mm increase in wheelbase over its 3-door cousin. Features it shares with its cousin include: outstanding vehicular performance, maneuverability, ecologically-friendly GDI power unit, GDI ECO fuel economy indicator light, SS4-i four-wheel drive system, RISE advanced safety body design, and SRS airbags for driver and front passenger (SRS side airbags are available). Delivering outstanding value-for-money, the new PAJERO iO 5-Door is a vehicle that evokes feelings of intimacy and true pride of ownership.

Offered in the PAJERO iO 5-Door series and ensuring it meets the needs and tastes of a wide spectrum of people is the Sorrento^*1 version, the design of which has been enhanced by Pininfarina of Italy. Under a contract exchanged in 1997, the Italian firm is to produce the PAJERO iO 3-Door for the European market, starting in the middle of 1999. The Sorrento represents the first fruits of this relationship.

----------------------------------------
*1 The name of a resort in southern Italy, it conjures up an image of people mature and relaxed enough to really enjoy their holidays and leisure time.

Principal Product Features

1. Just-the-right-size packaging
   • PAJERO iO 5-Door offers a very comfortable living accommodation for five persons, with its 3,975 mm overall length (+300 mm), 1,680 mm overall width, 1,710 mm overall height (+10 mm) and 2,450 mm wheelbase (+170 mm) providing generous interior and luggage space. (Figures in parentheses give the difference compared with the PAJERO iO 3-Door series).
   • With an approach angle of 34 degrees, departure angle of 39 degrees and ground clearance of 205mm, the PAJERO iO 5-Door offers the same level of serious off-road performance as its big brother PAJERO. The high eye-point design gives the driver outstanding visibility, as well as making the cabin feel airier and more open.
   • The turning radius of 5.2 m is the smallest in its class and makes for outstanding maneuverability when driving around town.

2. Attractive exterior
   • Within its low-and-wide proportions and compact body dimensions, PAJERO iO 5Door's exterior lines project a strength that clearly stamps it with the PAJERO identity.
   • The blacked-out door window sash treatment helps visually increases the cabin size.
   • The color-keyed horizontal bar front grille, and the plated headlamp bezels enhance PAJERO iO 5-Door's classy looks.
   • Eliminating the window frame and fitting the spare tire carrier as low as possible realizes a generous glass area in the tail door window, giving PAJERO iO a cosmopolitan flavor as well as excellent rearward visibility.

3. Functional and aesthetic interior
   • Trimmed with the same material as the seat upholstery, the instrument panel design enhances the open and classy look about the front compartment.
   • The stand-alone center panel locates switches and controls in a functional layout within natural and easy reach of the driver, and allows optimum identification and operability when the vehicle is moving.
   • The door trim uses the same soft-to-the-touch material as the seat upholstery and, with the gray interior keynote color, adds to the classy look about the interior.

4. 1.8-liter GDI ecology engine with GDI ECO indicator light
   • All models are powered by Mitsubishi's revolutionary 1.8-liter GDI Global Standard ecology engine that powers certain GALANT, LEGNUM and RVR models and that sets a new benchmark for clean emissions, low fuel consumption and high power output. Generating maximum output of 130 PS, and torque of 18.5 kg-m at 3,500 rpm, this revolutionary engine delivers responsive, brawny and well-mannered performance on the expressway, off-road and about town.
   • This engine enables PAJERO iO 5-Door to realize class topping fuel economy, returning no less than 12.6 km/liter in the Japanese 10-15 mode urban cycle.
   • The GDI ECO fuel economy indicator light located in the instrument panel comes on when the vehicle is operating at optimum fuel efficiency, informing the driver that he is driving in an economical and ecologically-friendly manner.

5. New 4WD system
   • PAJERIO iO 5-Door sports Mitsubishi's new advanced SS4-i (Super Select 4WD-i) viscous coupling-type four-wheel drive system that is a lighter, more compact version of the Super Select 4WD system used in PAJERO. A simple lever action enables the driver to choose between full-time 4WD and three other drive modes for optimum traction and performance on all types of surface.

6. High safety levels
   • Mitsubishi's semi-monocoque RISE design body provides outstanding crash safety in all directions: frontal, rear, side and offset. Rational and extremely strong, this body is the product of the latest CAE structural analysis design.
   • All PAJERIO iO 5-Door models come with SRS airbags for driver and front passenger, as well as Mitsubishi's advanced 4-sensor 3-channel anti-lock braking system as standard equipment. SRS-type side airbags are available.
   • ZR and Sorrento trim levels are fitted as standard with Mitsubishi's own Auto-stop Power Window feature that automatically lowers and stops power-operated window glass if it detects an obstruction when being raised.
   • All models are fitted as standard with a Child Seat Retaining Seat Belt that securely locates a child seat in the rear seat.
   • Standard on all models are Compound Curvature Lens exterior mirrors that enhance safety when reversing or parking by giving the driver a substantially improved view of the vehicle's lower rear quarters.
   • Door courtesy lamps that provide approaching vehicles with a warning when the doors are open, as well as making entry and egress easier at night, are standard specification on all models.

7. Other outstanding features and equipment
   • All models employ MacPherson strut front, and 5-link coil spring rear, suspension arrangements. The wheels are fitted with 215 / 70R16 tires.
   • The driver's seat features step-less height adjustment, enabling him to obtain the optimum driving position. Front seatbelts have height-adjustable anchors, assuring a comfortable fit for all builds of occupant. In the rear, the split bench seat has reclining backs and both head restraints and seat backs can be folded down in a simple operation (ZR and Sorrento), realizing a substantial improvement in utility and convenience.
   • The ZR comes as standard with Mitsubishi's Multi-mode Keyless Entry system that enables the driver to operate door locks, power windows, the exterior mirrors and sun roof using the remote control on the key ring.
   • The ZR and Sorrento feature a concealed box in the luggage compartment floor that provides convenient and safe storage space for small items. All models are fitted with a power socket, enhancing outdoor leisure convenience.
   • Available on ZR and Sorrento, a helical limited-slip differential on the rear axle gives improved and well-mannered traction on slippery surfaces.
   • Available on the ZR and Sorrento trim levels is Mitsubishi's Multi-Center Display panel that provides visual displays of navigation, audio and information such as direction, altitude, and outside temperature.

8. Sorrento: design enhanced by Pininfarina
   • In its exterior styling, Sorrento is distinguished by: an exclusive and elegant two-tone body color scheme; stylish chrome-plated vertical bar grille; side garnish which gives the lower body a sleeker and classier look; exclusive spare tire cover; bumper guard; brilliant-finish roof rails; and, color-keyed exterior mirrors.
   • Inside, features that set off Sorrento's elegant personality include Italian seat upholstery, instrument panel and door trim of the same material as the seats, and the Pininfarina badge on the dashboard.

PAJERO iO 5-Door Principal Specifications (ZR)