1 Aug 2001
MITSUBISHI'S mid-sized Challenger off-roader was facelifted in August 2000.
It featured a substantially revised nose, with the original vehicle’s slim grille being replaced by a bolder, more upright item.
Revised headlamp mouldings and clear lens headlights further differentiated the altered model, along with a new bumper assembly that housed a pair of round driving lights positioned adjacent to brake cooling ducts.
At the rear there's a revised bumper, rear combination lamps and tailgate garnish.
New-design six-spoke alloy wheels complete the look, bar new body side mouldings on two-tone models.
Mechanically, the revised Challenger remained pretty much unaltered, and was powered by a 136kW/265Nm 3.0-litre single-cam 24-valve version of Mitsubishi’s long-lived V6.
However an INVECS II four-speed automatic transmission was incorporated, utilising driver-adaptive componentry. A five-speed manual gearbox was again offered.
The other major mechanical change is under the rear floor, where the suspension's archaic leaf springs have been traded a three-link rear-end with coil springs. The aim was to provide improved stability on loose surfaces.
Inside, there's now a two-tone instrument panel and new centre console. The new centre console now includes a dual cupholder which was previously located below the radio in the instrument panel.
This has allowed the redesign of the lower instrument panel to provide space for an in-dash CD changer, which is available as an option.
Standard Challenger features include dual front airbags, air-conditioning, power windows, AM/FM radio-cassette with four speakers, power antenna, mirrors and windows, central door locking and overhead console with sunglass storage.
To this the LS adds a leather steering wheel, cruise control, anti-lock brakes, leather seats, side steps, fog lamps, woodgrain panel, radio/single CD with six speakers and illuminated vanity mirrors for both driver and passenger.
A limited slip differential is also standard on LS, but only available as part of an option pack on the base model, which also includes two-tone paint and cruise control. A second option pack adds ABS to the mix.
A similarly equipped Challenger XS appeared from early ’02 to mid-’03 as a limited edition added-value model.
Every August from ’01 Mitsubishi introduced mildly revised versions of the Challenger.
