Where is the new Mitsubishi Pajero and Evolution?

Mitsubishi is aware of the demand from customers for new-generation Pajero and Evolution halo vehicles, but is still remaining tight-lipped on plans for the two iconic nameplates.

Speaking to CarsGuide, Mitsubishi Australia boss Shaun Westcott said the brand is listening to fan feedback, and recognises the importance of both names.

“I don’t want to speculate … we’re very conscious and very aware of that [customer demand],” he said.

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“Whether it be Evolution, whether it be Pajero, we understand they are very, very valuable nameplates.

“We understand they are assets, which we own, and we’ll hang onto them.”

Production of Mitsubishi’s Pajero was discontinued last year, and no replacement was announced for the brand’s Toyota Prado fighter, but recent reports have indicated the name could be applied for a new diminutive off-roader built in conjunction with Alliance-partner Nissan to take on the Suzuki Jimny.

It would also make sense for Mitsubishi to partner with Nissan to borrow the platform and powertrain of the new-generation Patrol to build another Pajero, with recent reports indicating the former will ditch its petrol V8.

Mitsubishi also has its Triton-based Pajero Sport to fill the large off-road SUV gap if/when a true Pajero successor surfaces, according to Mr Westcott.

“The Pajero Sport will continue to evolve into the future, we will continue to evolve into that space and we will have a halo product,” he said.

“But every vehicle of ours in inherently capable of standing on its own legs as a halo vehicle on its own.

“What we’ve done with [Pajero Sport] GSR, is looking to elevate your adventure, developing that level of performance and top-end, and that’s where the GSR is evolving to.”

As for the Evolution name – a badge synonymous with the highest-performing Mitsubishi models such as the Pajero and 10 generations of sporty Lancers – Mr Westcott would not be drawn on any future activity, but with the brand abandoning passenger cars, it seems likely the go-fast treatment could be applied to SUVs.

At the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show however, Mitsubishi showed off its e-Evolution concept, loosely based on the Eclipse Cross and powered by three electric motors, which could point the way forward for the future of the brand’s performance models.

Since then, however, Mitsubishi has been focussing on its Ralliart name, with cosmetic upgrades launched for models like the Pajero Sport, Eclipse Cross, ASX and Outlander in overseas markets.