A Challenger to 4x4s
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by Toby Clark II Mitsubishi has expanded its range of 4x4 vehicles with the Challenger, a five-door off-roader which fits between the top-ofthe-range Shogun and the L200 pickup. The Challenger is based on the chassis of the L200 and shares its 98hp turbo-diesel engine_ There is also the option of a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine which puts out 174hp (130kW),
At just over £20,000 (inc. VAT), the Challenger GLX 2.5TD is not a bargain-basement choice, though this is barely £1,000 more than the most expensive variant of the L200, the "4Life" Double Cab pickup. But the Challenger is very well equipped, with twin front airbags, an electric sunroof, electric windows, remotely controlled mirrors and a limitedslip rear differential included in the GLX. The GLS adds ABS, air-conditioning, a body kit, roof bars, alloy wheels and other extras. The internal space is quite flexible, too: all the passenger seats can be folded to give extra load area, and both front seats recline to form a bed.
The Challenger is larger than the three-door, short-wheelbase variant of the Shogun, and despite less advanced suspension it seems refined enough to be a practical on-road vehicle as well as a capable off-roader. Mitsubishi expects to sell around 3,000 Challengers in the UK this year, in a 3 to 1 ratio of diesel to petrol models.
Priving impressions
We first took the 2.5 GLX turbo diesel model along the motorway, and were immediately impressed by its refinement and excellent ride; it was comfortable at high cruising speeds, although top gear is relatively short-legged at just over 20mph/1,000rpm.
The Challenger was a little more limited on twisty Broads—body roll was noticeable—but it felt safe and not unwieldy, although the driver's seat is higher than in most roadorientated 4x4s such as the Land Rover Discovery and the Jeep Cherokee. Also, it betrays its L200 origins with a straightlegged driving position.
Again, the ride quality was excellent at all speeds, and the diesel engine is strong through
out the rev range.
Off road the Challenger is just as capable as the L200— and that is very capable indeed, even with compromised on/offroad tyres. The limited-slip diff seems to work well (though we'd like to see the option of a proper lockable diff) and the transfer box offers a proper low range, with plenty of engine braking or extra grunt when you need it.
The "Easy Select" transmission works as advertised, so you can shift from two to fourwheel drive on the move without worrying about freewheel hubs, It should get you almost anywhere a 4x4 can go, in a fair degree of comfort.