Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin

Car: 2002 Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin

Start Date: Jan 2026

Deadline: Jan 2026

MISFIT CARS

Call us soft or just plain daft but we at Misfit Mingle garage have a soft spot for the cars that never really made it into the hearts of the car driving mases and thats why with our Misfit Cars projects we will be taking samples of these beautiful flops and restoring them to better than new condition.

Ok, a good example of don't place bids in a car auction while rushing to catch a flight. This was supposed to be the base car for our Dakar Classic project. To be fair on Mike if you are in a rush and have a broken phone screen this tiny little 4x4 might look like a full size 3L V6 SWB desert warrior!!! Anyway we have it now and although it will not be it won't be heading to Dakar due to its tiny little engine this cheeky little chap has grown on us so it will be getting the full refurb treatment with a few off-road upgrades thrown in for good measure.

The Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin, also known as the Pajero iO or Montero iO, is a compact SUV known for its off-road capabilities and relatively small size. It was designed to be a smaller, more accessible version of the larger Shogun, with styling cues carried over from its bigger sibling. It was available in both 3-door and 5-door models.

Key Details:

Name:

Sold as Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin in Europe, Pajero iO in some markets, and Montero iO in others.
Design:

Shares styling elements with the larger Shogun, but is considerably smaller.
Off-Road:

Features a switchable 4x4 system with a low-ratio transfer box and locking differentials, making it capable off-road.
Market:

Produced in Japan, Italy (by Pininfarina), Brazil (as Pajero TR4), and China.
Engine:

1.8L 4 cylinder engine producing 119 horsepower.
Transmission:

4 wheel drive 5-speed manual gearbox.
Features:

Offers a good level of equipment for its class, with some models featuring satnav, a reversing camera, and a premium audio system.
Practicality:

Considered a good family car with enough space for a family and even with the rear seats up, there is still boot space.