The Mitsubishi Pajero has been a mainstay in the UAE for decades now, but for most of that time it has been primarily a car for Expats; particularly teachers. In recent years however increasing numbers of GCC citizens having been discovering the charms of this remarkable little SUV for themselves. Initially sales were for second cars, but as the current financial crisis has deepened, many have turned to it as their main vehicle.
While the Mitsubishi Pajero is considered a huge car in Europe (where it is sold as the Shogun), in the UAE it is a mid-sized family car dwarfed by Land Cruisers and Patrols. Despite this it still has a dominating driving position that is a joy to all who drive it. Throw in fantastic toys, incredibly comfortable seats and plenty of leg room and you’ve got yourself a great car.
…but there are plenty of great cars out there, so why is this one slowly gathering a following from the locals?
Years of rescuing untrained Westerners from the desert have allowed Emiratis to see what this wolf in sheep’s clothing can do and they have been quietly impressed. Quite some time ago it became clear that the only reason a Pajero would ever get stuck in the Empty Quarter would be due to poor driving technique, they noted this and approved of the car. Now, with finances being a little tighter, GCC citizens are flocking to this marvel for themselves, and who can blame them?