According to the latest criteria, T2 class vehicles must be production models and modifications follow a highly regulated and primarily safety-oriented preparation to ensure they do not deviate from the road-going versions too significantly.

As such, modifications primarily only include roll cages, bucket seats, harnesses, navigation equipment and extended fuel tanks.

[16] Earlier Paris-Dakar regulations were less strict however and allowed more significant modifications that spawned entrants such as the 1995 Pajero Proto with a wider track, highly tuned engine and custom body.

[21] The first generation made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1981, and was launched in May 1982, officially replacing the Mitsubishi Jeep Delivery Wagon.

[citation needed] In January 1983, only a year following its launch, mildly-tuned production Pajeros entered the world of motor sport.

[25] The NA series was released to Australia during January 1983 in short- (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) three-door wagon formats, with the 2.6-litre petrol or 2.3-litre turbo diesel, both mated to a five-speed KM145 manual transmission.

[26] The five-door offered a luxury Superwagon trim and also had a shorter final drive than the SWB models, to make up for the increased weight.

Mitsubishi Australia released the NC series in November 1985, introducing optional power steering, while the long-wheelbase five-door switched to a low-roofed design.

[28] September 1988's NF facelift saw the introduction of a 3.0-litre V6 engine in the top-line Superwagon, delivering 105 kW (143 PS; 141 hp) and 228 N⋅m (168 lb⋅ft) via a five-speed V5MT1 manual or four-speed KM148 automatic.

This came about after six Germans had the idea of driving the notoriously tough Transamazonica Highway in Brazil; 1600 km of dusty, rutted, broken dirt road with several treacherous river crossings through the Amazon.

Some of the special accessories these vehicles came with are the now iconic mustard yellow body and wheel paint, Camel Trophy logo on the driver and passenger doors, floor mats, seats and spare tyre cover, PTO winch, a recovery kit with shovel, black powder-coated roof rack and a special bush knife.

While enhancing durability, this method of airflow is less efficient than a standard top-mounted scoop as the air that flowed through these channels was warmed by rising engine heat.

The second generation also saw the introduction of Super Select 4WD (SS4) [known as Active Trac 4WD in some markets], Multi-Mode ABS and electronic shock absorbers which were firsts on Japanese four-wheel drives.

A new, dual plenum variable intake helped increase power and a new, long-travel independent rear suspension made the ride even smoother.

These versions introduced Mitsubishi's Super Select four-wheel-drive system (known as Active-Trac in the United States), with an electronic transfer shift that could split power between both axles without the need to stop the car.

In 2003, the Pajero received minor upgrades including redesigned headlights, grille & taillights, new color options, new wheel designs, power adjustable seats, expandable sun visors & wood trim.

The short wheelbase model was not marketed in North America, where the Montero was the only SUV in Mitsubishi's lineup with standard four-wheel drive as opposed to all-wheel-drive.

Engines were upgraded with the 3.2 L diesel gaining Common Rail technology, a DPF for cleaner emissions and producing 125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp).

[51] Backwards compatible with all models from 2007 onwards, it utilised a heavy-duty towbar from German manufacturer MVG GmbH that is only available through authorised Mitsubishi dealerships.

In the Australian market, a 'Platinum' grade was offered with a reversing camera, fog lamps, a rear deflector and special badging and floor mats as well as Mitsubishi's Multi Communication System (MMCS) with satellite navigation and Bluetooth.

For 2012, the Pajero model was minimally restyled and given an improved monocoque body and suspension for reduced NVH among other benefits, with the series designation "NW".

Mitsubishi also removed the swirl flaps from the intake manifold to further improve reliability under the heavy carbonisation environment of modern direct injection engines with EGR.

For the 2015 model year the Pajero received an updated front fascia with a revised grille, LED daytime running lights and a new spare tire cover under the series "NX".

Other standard features on Exceed models and above included rain-sensing wipers, an electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror, factory-fitted side-steps, motorised pop-out headlight washers, factory-fitted discrete alarm, rear dust deflector/spoiler, sliding and tilting solar-glass sunroof, rear air-conditioning with its own compressor and settings, mirror-mounted indicators and puddle lights, heated side mirrors (activated via the rear demister switch) a rally-style rear fog running-light, aluminium pedals, a new "Smartlink" capacitive touch screen entertainment unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a revised sound system with new spatial sound options, 8-way adjustable heated front seats, a reversing camera, sonar reversing sensors, LED daytime running lights, HID auto-levelling headlights, auto-dimming high-beams, and warm-white halogen fog lights.

[10] The changes in the Final Edition over the standard model are primarily cosmetic only, and include a hood protector, carpet floor mats, cargo lip cover, and a leather-wrapped owner's manual and service book.

Frontal impact testing showed excellent protection for the passenger all over, with the highest rating 'good' and full marks given for all areas of the dummy.

[55] Monocoque / unibody chassis designs typically offer excellent roll over protection as a result, though this was not an officially measured feature of the ANCAP test criteria at the time.

The steering column, though releasing from its mounts during the crash, produced a source of injury for the driver's legs and the passenger's knees impacted the glove box.

[58] In 1996, Mitsubishi Motors began using Pajero as a basis for their JSDF vehicle Type 73 (Shin), replacing their Jeep-based predecessors (Kyū) in their fleet.

The fitout included steel wheels, side steps, a bespoke tubular bullbar protecting the radiator and grille with a large HF antenna mounted to it when used in communications roles.