At the end of the last century, Pininfarina received an order from Mitsubishi Motors to develop the design of a compact SUV, the “younger brother” Pajero, and in 1998 it was launched in Japan under the name of iO, which in Italian means just “me”. A year later, the car was presented to the Old World, where it became known as Pinin. The name is taken from the name of the company Pininfarina. By the way, in Italian the word pinin means "the youngest, the youngest." The symbolic name for the smallest SUV in the European range of Mitsubishi. The assembly was organized at the Pininfarina plant in Italy. Good looks Pinin has kept the resemblance with the “big brother” Pajero.
From a technical point of view, the car is completely identical to its Japanese twin Pajero iO. It turned out to be very compact (length with a spare wheel - 3735 mm, width - 1695 mm) and at the same time quite high (1695 mm). Pinin installed a gasoline engine with direct fuel injection.
The car of the first years of release was completed only with this engine. With a volume of 1.8 liters and a power of 120 hp, it allows you to reach speeds of up to 168 km / h. The engine is aggregated with a 5-speed manual gearbox or with an "automatic" INVECS-II. The brakes on all wheels are disc, front - ventilated. A year after the debut, the 5-door Pajero Pinin entered the series. His appearance, like the appearance of his 3-door "brother", was developed with the participation of the Italian design studio Pininfarina. The car received a new version of the 2-liter engine, equipped with direct injection equipment (GDI).
The choice of manual or automatic transmission. The size of the trunk has grown significantly, plus the volume of the "underfloor" with a plastic pallet, which is divided into niches and pockets. The driver's seat is comfortable with sufficient adjustment ranges. The devices, although completely different in design, cope equally well with their main task: their readings are easily perceived at any time of the day. On the Pajero Pinin center console, there are three rotating climate control knobs, an audio system with a CD player and a large display on which time, overboard temperature, trip computer readings and radio wave information are displayed.
Pinin rear seat cushion, one-piece, adjustable only the inclination of the individual backs. These backs can be folded forward, together or separately, and the pillow can be removed altogether. With visibility, everything is fine. Thanks to the large exterior mirrors and retractable rear headrests. The interior design is made in the spirit of modern trends in automotive fashion, high-quality materials and well-thought-out ergonomics.
Active movement contributes to a tough and energy-intensive suspension. Pinin does not save even off-road, because having a high ground clearance and a magnificent Super Select 2 4WD-i transmission, like on a large Pajero, the car is able to storm quite serious off-road sections. Four-wheel drive can be connected without stopping or even slowing down (if the car goes no higher than 100 km / h). The front axle is connected by an automatic clutch. If the car was ambushed, the inclusion of a low gear with viscous coupling blocked (the “heaviest” mode) comes to the rescue.
In all modes, the rear self-locking differential of the Torsen type helps a lot - it adds cross-country ability and prevents the rear wheels from slipping. Standard Pinin for the Russian market includes: air conditioning with a coal air filter, heated front seats, two front airbags, central locking, audio system (on request with a CD changer), alloy wheels, roof rails, branded trim seats with a "tread" pattern . The 2003 Pajero Pinin is equipped with two front and side airbags, as well as pre-tensioners and load limiters on the front belts.
Pinin - a fighter and excellent "rogue", and this quality is in harmony with its angular and very rigid body. Acceptable price, plus the traditional reliability, make this car an attractive acquisition for fans of occasionally indulge in trips to nature. Pajero Pinin 2005 model year can be recognized by the new chrome Mitsubishi logos, body-colored side mirrors, silver railings, chrome door handles and light-alloy wheels. In addition, a new body color - metallic blue. Off-road vehicle offered with a 1.8-liter engine (114 hp), which is aggregated with a manual transmission (models with 3- and 5-door body).
The 2.0-liter GDI engine (129 hp) is installed only on 5-door versions with an automatic transmission. The version with a 1.8-liter engine is equipped with a full-time transmission Full Time 4WD, and a more powerful version with a 2.0-liter engine received a multi-mode transmission Super Select 4WD-i. The appearance of the Pajero Pinin has changed slightly. In accordance with the new corporate style, the red logo was changed to chrome. On the car appeared body-colored body side mirrors, silver roof rails and chrome door handles.
Other images auto Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin
