A design tribute to past generations of Mitsubishi’s reborn heavy-duty SUV reveals.

ANOTHER detail of the new Mitsubishi Pajero has been revealed ahead of the model’s global debut later this year - and it’s a tip to history.

The brand has confirmed the return of its ‘Multi Meter’ display, something that featured in previous generations of the rugged off-roader.

Unsurprisingly, the latest layout is fully digital, but in look it still replicates the three analogue instruments that displayed key information ahead of the driver.

It provides real-time info such as altitude, compass heading, ambient temperature, pitch and roll angles, and left-right torque distribution.

The brand says the system will give drivers greater confidence off-road, when tackling steep inclines, rocky and muddy trails, and mountain tracks, allowing them to monitor changing vehicle dynamics and environmental conditions at a glance.

The inclusion of torque distribution data also provides an insight into how the Pajero's four-wheel-drive system is responding to varying levels of grip when off-roading.

The all-new Pajero will make its global debut later this year, with Mitsubishi gradually releasing details of the model ahead of its official unveiling.

The type is underpinned by the Triton/Nissan Navara ladder-frame chassis and powered by Mitsubishi’s shared-with-Nissan 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel, paired with an eight-speed automatic.

Mitsubishi promises it will have model-specific development of the cabin and front and rear suspension.

“It delivers not only outstanding off-road capability but also a refined and comfortable ride,” a media release said last month.

“The all-new Pajero is being developed as a new flagship model that embodies Mitsubishi Motors' spirit of adventure and determination to take on challenges.”

It’s also expected to bring 3500kg towing and a wading depth of around 800mm.

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand seems to set to have Pajero here before year-end, having recently promised int plans to bring three new models into local circulation in 2026.

The others are the recently-announced Outlander Sport, a compact five seater hybrid that is likely to be the first car built in Indonesia to come to New Zealand, and a fully electric compact crossover that will be received from Taiwan - again, a new sourcing point for cars here.

The Pajero nameplate dates back to 1982 and was discontinued for international distribution in 2021, so the new one represents its first return to the global market in five years.

Setting out to combine the off-road performance of a full-fledged four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle with the comfort of a passenger car, the previous Pajero spanned four generations and achieved 3.25 million units in more than 170 countries. It also built up motorsport credibility through involvement in the Dakar Rally, securing 12 victories - seven of them on the trot - from 1980.

Mitsubishi says the type led the recreational vehicle boom of the 1990s in Japan and played a key role in promoting outdoor and leisure lifestyles, with the series expanding to include the Pajero Mini kei-car2, Pajero Junior compact SUV, and the Pajero iO compact SUV.