IT TOOK on the "Rastro del Diablo" . . . the Devil's trail . . . and won. The new Mitsubishi Pajero was put to the test on the mountains over Les Comes in north eastern Spain and beat the worst nature could throw at it.

Through gorges, over huge boulders, slippery slopes, steep hill-climbs and perilous descents, the Pajero proved its credentials as a true off-roader.

The new version is now on sale here with significant improvements. Also freshly out of the styling studio for the Japanese company is the Outlander . . . the Mitsubishi midsized SUV . . . and a new L200 pick-up truck, all of which add up to a busy sales year.

The Pajero has been around for 25 years winning the Dakar Rally 11 times in that period. On the home front there are now 8,000 owners of commercial and passenger versions.

The range includes three-door and five-door short and long wheelbase options in commercial and passenger configurations.

The commercial version will account for 90% of sales and, like the passenger version, comes with Super Select 4WD, cruise control, air conditioning, six airbags, 17" alloy wheels, roof rails, side steps and heated folding mirrors. Inside, the nofrills dash has been redesigned and the seats are more comfortable and supportive for driving over rough terrain.

At the heart of all Pajero models is a gutsy 3.2-litre 170bhp common rail diesel engine with intercooler. It develops 381 NM of torque at 2,000rpm which gives a very flexible performance. Noise levels have been reduced by 20% and it is now more economical, returning up to 9.2 litres per 100kms. The top speed is 177km/h and a 0-100 km sprint takes 12 seconds.

The rugged looks are retained and the body is now more rigid with improved suspension.

Underneath, the electrically controlled Super Select 4WD gives 2WD, 4WD and a lock-up 4WD. The package of driver aids includes traction and stability control, anti-lock brakes, brake assist and brake force distribution.

The commercial version competes in the segment that accounts for 15% of light commercial sales . . . 6,000 units a year . . . and Mitsubishi hopes to build on its 20% share. The sales plan for both commercial and passenger vehicles is 1,500 units next year.

The LWB passenger version gets seven seats which make for a big cargo area when folded.

Optionals are automatic transmission, leather upholstery and heated front seats. This will follow the commercial into the showrooms in a few weeks.

Prices for the commercial range start at 39,950 for the SWB and 37,450 for the LWB (including VAT) with 1,800 extra for automatic transmission. The prices in the passenger range start at 47,150 for the SWB, 52,950 for the SWB with leather and automatic transmission, 58,250 for the LWB and 67,250 for the LWB GLS seven-seater with automatic transmission.

The new Outlander is an allweather grand tourer which will compete with other SUVs in the fastest growing segment of the Irish vehicle market. It accounts for 11,000 of sales and the marketing people have targeted a 5% share when the new outlander replaces the Pajero Sport, which will be marketed for the last time in 2007.

The entry level is the 'Invite', priced at 36,995 and on sale on 8 February. It comes with a twolitre VW diesel engine and has a six-speed manual transmission.

The Outlander has a wide stance, sharp lines, big bumpers and alloy wheels. It has car-like driving qualities, helped by the four-wheel independent suspension and a low centre of gravity. It is equally at home on tarmac or dirt tracks as power can be transferred from 2WD to Lock-up 4WD mode.

The 'Invite' will account for 70% of sales but there is a five+ two seat configuration in the 'Intense' range. The Outlander has been chosen by the PSA Peugeot/Citroen group to form the basis of two new SUVs to be launched in 2007.

VITAL STATISTICS Mitsubishi Pajero commercial 3.2L turbo diesel 170bhp 4,900mm 1,875mm 1,900mm 2,780 mm 0-100km - 12.1 secs 177km/h 5-speed manual 9.2l/100km 37,450