Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin (1998–2005) Overview: Generations and Versions
Overview of the Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin, a 3-door SUV built from 1998 to 2005 with 85–129 hp and permanent 4x4 across all 12 modifications.
The Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin is a compact 3-door SUV produced from 1998 to 2005, with engine outputs ranging from 85 to 129 hp and 4x4 drive on every version. It suits drivers who want a small, genuinely all-wheel-drive vehicle for mixed city and light off-road use, with a choice of manual or automatic transmission.
Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin generations
1 generation (1998–2005)
The first and only generation of the Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin ran from 1998 to 2005 in a single body style, the 3-door SUV. Across 12 modifications, power spans 85 to 129 hp, all of them with 4x4 drive and either a manual or an automatic gearbox. The range is built around two petrol engines: a 1.8-litre unit (1834 cc) offered in versions such as the 1.8 AT (120 hp) and 1.8 MT (116 hp), and a 2.0-litre unit (1999 cc) that tops the line-up with the 2.0 AT (129 hp). Both automatic flagships — the 1.8 AT (120 hp) and the 2.0 AT (129 hp) — reach 100 km/h in 11.3 seconds, while the 1.8 MT (116 hp) does it in 11.9 seconds with the lowest fuel consumption of the notable versions at 9.3 l/100 km.
Which Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin to buy
- 2.0 AT (129 hp) (1 generation): the most powerful version of the model at 129 hp, accelerating to 100 km/h in 11.3 seconds with a 1999 cc engine and 9.7 l/100 km.
- 1.8 AT (120 hp) (1 generation): the mass-market choice, matching the 2.0's 11.3-second acceleration while consuming slightly less fuel at 9.6 l/100 km from its 1834 cc engine.
- 1.8 MT (116 hp) (1 generation): the most economical of the notable versions at 9.3 l/100 km, giving up little pace with a 0–100 km/h time of 11.9 seconds.
Since every Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin belongs to one generation built over a single 1998–2005 run, there are no cross-generation differences to weigh when buying used — the choice comes down to engine size and gearbox. The newest examples are from 2005, so age alone separates one car from another more than specification changes do.
Summary
The Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin offers a narrow but coherent range: one generation, one 3-door SUV body, 12 modifications from 85 to 129 hp, and 4x4 on all of them. The 2.0 AT (129 hp) leads the range on power, the 1.8 AT (120 hp) is the widespread automatic option, and the 1.8 MT (116 hp) is the pick for the lowest fuel consumption among the notable versions.