By Tom Mooney

The new Mitsubishi Pajero Commercial is a challenge to write about because, in some areas, it’s steady as she goes.

There wasn’t anything wrong, or something that didn’t quite work with the old models, that Mitsubishi had to fix, or tinker with.

However, Mitsubishi has been busy tweaking. My brother has been driving the same Pajero since Jack Charlton managed Ireland, and I took it and the new version for a spin.

But because Mitsubishi got the first version right from the off, the enhancement is less in the style (you can tell it’s a Pajero a mile off) than in the bete noir of designers, improvement in figures.

So where the new Pajero beats my brother’s aging model hands down is in the increased power and torque.

The change here is fairly significant, and enough to make you consider trading up if you intend pulling a horsebox through another crappy winter.

The new Pajero is so much quieter than its predecessors. You notice that from the off. The diesel hums, imperturbably so.

Mitsubishi promised that the new Pajero would be the strongest, quietest and safest yet, and it is. Mitsubishi also added smartest, but I will return to that.

In the age we live in, figures are more important than ever. This 4X4 now has 220 bhp with 441 nm of torque. Consider than for a moment.

Compared to its previous incarnation, the new Pajero has had its power increased by Mitsubishi by 18%, the torque has gone up by the same percentage, which naturally dovetails into increased towing capacity – up to 3,500 kg.

I drove it to the Dublin Horse Show, which was a bit cheeky as it is sponsored by Land Rover, but the Pajero, shiny and new, and somewhat rare, lured the horsey set.

And you can see why: it’s immensely capacious inside, with, thankfully, a no frills interior. The dash is utilitarian, and communicates its functions in a second.

Whether short wheel base or long wheel base, Mitsubishi has stuffed the Pajero with loads of goodies: folding door mirrors, cruise control, keyless entry, 12 v socket, ABS with EBD, brake override system, automatic air conditioning, auto dimming rearview mirror, and all this paraphernalia segued to a quality fit and finish.

The Pajero is an iconic 4X4 for a reason: its stupendous durability and consistency. Though the suspension is firm to body roll, the handling is excellent and the driving position is comfortable in the extreme.

If new to the genre and you are looking at an SUV, it’s prudent to consider what your expectations are before you take the plunge. Are hardcore off-roading abilities a primary concern? Do you need to tow regularly, or carry half a house in the back?

The combination of so many considerations is the main reason why the Pajero Commercial might make sense. With assured build quality and driving experience, this Pajero is the strongest Mitsubishi has ever built, and with the best in class CO2 emission, it means it is kinder on the environment. It’s a green machine all over.