The ICONIC Mitsubishi Pajero has played a significant role in building Mitsubishi’s brand presence in Australia for the near-30 years it has been on the market here and continues to enjoy cult status for those who have owned and driven these vehicles for business or pleasure.

It is really is a strong and flexible package – far more room for big bodies than some of its mid-weight competitors, but not quite as lumbering (or expensive) as some of its now-few larger alternatives.

However, I do need to address the elephant in the room immediately: this is a relatively old-tech vehicle, which in one iteration or another has been on the market for more than a decade.

This is not uncommon for full size four-wheel drives like the Pajero, as flagship vehicles like this are bloody expensive to redevelop from the ground up and potentially don’t have the same broad market appeal as mid-weight family SUVs, which draw a great deal of manufacturers’ research and development funds to remain competitive.

Look no further than direct rival Nissan, who followed a very similar pattern with the previous (now dubbed Y61) Patrol, which they still sell in parallel following the long-awaited arrival of the all-new Y62.

Although, you have to imagine that is mainly due to Nissan’s dubious decision to not seek out a diesel power plant for the Australian market.

The Pajero has undergone a series of significant developments and improvements since its current drivetrain was introduced, with the latest refresh coming in September last year.

With the latest iteration, designated the NX, Mitsubishi has focused on refinement, including obligatory interior and exterior cosmetic updates, and some very worthwhile upgrades to its NVH package – contributing to a quieter, more comfortable on-road performance.

Australia’s Mining Monthly had the GLS version of the new Pajero on long-term test recently and we are happy to confirm the manufacturer’s marketing around NVH levels following the more than 1000km round trip to Kalgoorlie for the annual Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum.

The vehicle does feel very at home conducting long distance travel at highway speeds and offer very comfortable accommodation while doing it. The Pajero’s road-holding is very good and it is confident and sure footed when overtaking oversized loads.

Cruising at the maximum state speed limit for just over six hours provided all the demonstration required of the vehicle’s credentials for this type of use, sitting just on 2000rpm it is a very relaxed affair and returned just under 9L per 100km thanks in part to its five-speed automatic transmission.

Stand on the accelerator and the 3.2 litre intercooled turbo diesel engine does sound coarse by modern standards and the noise does at times penetrate the cabin to a level not expected, but the torque delivery and in gear acceleration when required makes this easier to live with.

This characteristic is not one limited to Mitsubishi – it has been a common theme in all the large capacity four-cylinder engines I have tested over the years, both of diesel and petrol denominations.

The real selling feature for the Pajero however, other than offering legitimate off-road ability in a full-size family wagon, is its interior packaging. This vehicle comfortably catered for four adults, there personal luggage, and myriad boxes of magazine and conference material on the recent outing to Kalgoorlie.

This is something most vehicles, other than the Land Cruiser and Patrol, could not claim to do nearly as well as the Mitsubishi.

In regard to its off-road ability, we did take some time out to have a hunt around some of the historic features along the Golden Quest Discovery Trail while heading to Kalgoorlie. These average tracks in the Wheatbelt and Yilgarn where made slightly more testing due to the region experiencing 40mm of rain the day before in short succession – enough to wash out freshly laid sections of bitumen east of Southern Cross.

Selecting high-four-lock using the manual shift on the Super Select II transfer case made short work of the water-laden lateritic soils, with no need to reach for the electronic rear differential lock, standard on the GLS, or low range for that matter. We also took the vehicle on rough dirt access roads out along the Trans Access Line, which begins in the shadow of Kalgoorlie’s famed Super Pit.

The Pajero is no slouch around town either, spending most of its time with Australia’s Mining Monthly performing admirably in the daily suburban commute as well as coping alright with the CBD activities its was asked to partake in during the period, despite its bulk.

For most of the congested travel, the big Mitsubishi impressed by keeping fuel consumption just under-or-over the 11L per 100km mark depending on the specific task. The engine puts out a healthy, but not spectacular 147kW at 3800rpm and more importantly offers 441Nm at 2000rpm.

The latest model Pajero’s exterior has been enhanced with styling features including a new front bumper, chrome radiator grille and new spare tyre cover design.

Inside, a new centre panel design and chrome air conditioning dials brighten the appearance, while flexible seating for up to seven people is now standard across the range – maximising space and functionality.

Significant NVH upgrades on all automatic models have improved cabin quietness with new dash panel acoustic insulation material. For extra isolation performance, noise absorbing material has been added to the engine hood, top cowl, floor area, headlining, rear quarter trim and front transmission tunnel area. A noise insulation layer has also been added to the laminated firewall material.

Recommended retail prices have been rolled back across a new three model structure with the GLX manual starting from $50,990 RRP.

Even the entry-level Pajero has an extensive list of luxurious features including 18-inch alloy wheels, front LED daytime running lamps, privacy glass and chrome outer door handles and mirrors for added style.

The masculine exterior is complemented with front mud guards, side steps and rear deflector. HID headlamps come as standard to help improve visibility on and off the road and a rear differential lock enhances the Pajero’s superior four-wheel drive capabilities.

The mid-range Pajero GLS tested replaces the GLX-R and VRX models, with an RRP of $58,990. The GLS gains the Mitsubishi Multi Communication System with satellite navigation, reversing sensors, rain sensing wipers and dusk sensing headlamps. Inside, heated and power front seats and partial leather seat trim offer added comfort.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia executive director of marketing Tony Principe said the 2015MY Pajero offered the best in four-wheel drive technology with updated styling, new features and sharp pricing to enhance its appeal.

“The Pajero has been a long favourite of Australian customers with its remarkable capabilities, safety features and exceptional power and performance,” he said.

“The Pajero nameplate has rightfully earned its reputation for legendary off-road performance through decades of development and success in motorsport.

“The updated 2015 Pajero range is packed full of features and offers the ultimate in premium four-wheel driving with no compromise on value.

“We’ve added luxury specifications across the range to enhance drive comfort and convenience with a model to suit every adventure.”

Mitsubishi’s 2015 model year Pajero range has a 5 year/100,000km new vehicle warranty.