2010 Mitsubishi Challenger
There was no doubting its value and off road ability, but clearly it missed out on some of the comfort and ride advantages enjoyed by genuine 4x4 wagons.
The Challenger had been in hiatus since 2006, but Mitsubishi re-invented it with a vengeance in December 2009.
The new and current model Challenger is a far superior vehicle, covering the mid-sized 4WD wagon segment.
Powered by a 2.5-litre common rail intercooled turbo diesel engine, with either automatic or manual transmissions, five or seven-seat models and two specification levels, the all-new Challenger offers high levels of power, versatility, safety and style.
Utilising the latest in clean diesel technology, the engine produces 131kW of power at 4000rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2000rpm when paired with a manual transmission, and 350Nm at 1800rpm for automatic transmission. This powerful yet refined diesel engine is standard across the range and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission on the LS model only, or INVECS II Smart Logic automatic transmission with Sports Mode as an option on the LS and as standard on XLS. Despite its impressive power output, the Challenger is extremely fuel efficient for a vehicle in its class and returns combined consumption figures of 8.3-litres/100km (manual) and 9.81-litres/100km (automatic).
The all new Challenger body is built on a ladder-frame chassis and is reinforced with the extensive use of light, yet extremely high-strength, steel. The vehicle displays comfortable and controlled driving characteristics through the application of coil-spring suspension all round - front suspension is double wishbone type and the rear suspension a three-link design utilising coil springs. Stabiliser bars are employed to control body roll, while four-wheel disc brakes provide optimal stopping power. Towing capacity for the Challenger is 2500kg, with 10-percent ball load.
With a focus on safety, the Challenger features a comprehensive range of all-terrain driver aids, including Mitsubishi's off-road package, MATT (Mitsubishi's All Terrain Technology system) which includes Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC), Multi-mode ABS with EBD, and diff lock.
Underpinning the Challenger's four-wheel drive ability is Mitsubishi's Super Select four-wheel drive system which allows the driver to choose between four driving modes: 2H, 4H, 4HLC (4WD high range with locked centre differential delivers powers equally to all four wheels), 4LLC (4WD low range with locked differential).
Challenger offers the option of five or seven seats, with the third row of the seven-seater featuring a 50/50 split.
Available in five and seven seat variants, the Challenger comes in LS, XLS, and LS variants.
Pricing
5-seat wagon - manual $41,490; auto $43,490
LS 5-seat wagon - manual $44,990; auto $47,490
LS 7-seat auto - $49,390
XLS 5-seat auto - $54,490
XLS 7-seat auto - $56,390