ANCAP crash test results

Mitsubishi Pajero | 2004 -

Front + side airbags

Model history and safety features

The tested model of Mitsubishi was introduced in Australia during 2004.
Dual front airbags, electronic stability control and ABS brakes are standard on all variants. Side (thorax) airbags are standard on the tested variant (Exceed) and optional on other variants.

The front seat belt buckles are mounted on the seats and the upper anchorages are adjustable. These features improve the fit of the seat belt. Pre-tensioners are fitted to the front seat belts to reduce slack in the event of a crash. A three point seat belt is fitted to the centre rear seat. This provides better protection than a two point seat belt.

Overall evaluation:

The MITSUBISHI PAJERO scored 9.88 out of 16 in the offset crash test. The passenger compartment held its shape well. Protection from serious chest and leg injury was marginal for the driver.

The vehicle was awarded a default score of 16 out of 16 in the side impact crash test.

Frontal offset crash test

Body region scores out of 4 points each: Head/neck 4pts, chest 2.14pts, upper legs 1.96pts, lower legs 1.78pts.

The passenger compartment held its shape well in the offset crash test. The brake pedal moved rearwards by 78mm and upwards 2mm relative to the driver's seat. The steering wheel hub moved rearwards 35mm, upwards 65mm and sideways 14mm. By design, the steering column mounts released during the crash. The front ("A") pillar moved 33mm rearwards. The width of the driver's door opening shortened by 30mm. All doors remained closed during the crash. After the crash moderate manual effort was required to open the driver’s door, once the rear door had been opened.

The airbag cushioned the head of the driver. Airbag contact was stable but the steering column rotated late in the crash, possibly increasing the risk of injury. Steering column components were a potential source of injury for the driver's right knee. The passenger's head was cushioned by the airbag. The passenger's knees hit the glove box.

Side impact crash test

Default 16 points awarded for side impact test.

The side impact test normally used by ANCAP simulates a small car striking the driver's door of the vehicle under test. It is based on a regulation test but the regulation does not apply to vehicles with a high seat height like the Pajero. Such vehicles can be expected to perform well in this particular side impact test soANCAP has decided to award full score for these vehicles instead of conducting a crash test.

ANCAP chose to conduct a pole test as part of a research program. This is usually an optional test for vehicles with head-protecting side airbags such as curtains. The tested vehicle did not have these and head protection was poor so it scored zero points out of a maximum of two points for the pole test.

Injury measurements

Bonus points (maximum 5)

Pole test: not eligible
Seat belt reminders: none

Modifiers - offset test scores

Head No deduction
Chest No deduction
Upper leg Variable & conc. loading 2 pt deduction R
Lower leg Blocked pedal 0.14 deduction
Foot score Score 3.86 points

Pedestrian rating - not tested

ANCAP one-page printable version (PDF, 107 KB)

Page created: 27 September 2005