D-4 vs GDI - Pajero IO

There is often something good about a car that motorists in the used car market rush for in droves. It may be the status the car projects, performance or pricing. The Pajero iO seemed to aptly serve these three. It is basically a good car for bachelors and small families with a taste for outdoor adventure. It looks tough and frisky and is the only with a 4WD differential in that class.
This versatile drive train enables the driver to decide whether the car should be a constant two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, via the "Super Select" system used in the larger Pajero models. This system operates through a centre viscous coupling that distributes torque between front and rear wheels as appropriate. The selection is enabled by use of a dual-range gearbox. These controls are user friendly and simple to use. You will feel right at home with this vehicle almost as soon as you get in it. An inbuilt Multi Communication System on the dashboard displays vital details such as the average speed at last trip, average kilometres remaining fuel in the tank can take you and your CD player control. However, I got the feeling that the system would be better if it had a touch screen facility, mostly found in the iO’s sibling, the Mitsubishi Gallant.
The iO is good for soft off-roading and handles well on the highway. At between 105Kph and 110 Kph, GDI economy mode goes off and this allows the GDI engine to work overtime, meaning that overtaking is effortless. Torque output of 191 Nm @ 3500 rpm accords it generous take off pace.  Handling especially off-road is good but there is a bit of under steering and over steering when going in and out of rear-wheel drive.
The iO has a split personality. Front seats are comfortable, but rears ones aren’t. It handles well, but only at speeds of below 100Kph. The split-fold rear seats though designed to make more room are poor compared to what you find in the Rav4. Its spare wheel hanging onto the swing-out rear door is well positioned and does not impede rear vision.
The iO has a power-assisted braking system uses discs at the front and drums at the rear. It has independent front suspension and a five-link live rear axle, a system also found in the bigger Pajero.
It beats the Rav4 in safety; has a driver’s side airbag as standard feature. At its launch in 1998, its makers said it "generates an image of being easy to get to know, easy to drive, and of being one's very own Pajero." Well, this is a simple, rough truck for the not-so-complicated.

Second Impression

 

A few years ago, the Mitsubishi Galant GDI was the hottest selling saloon in the used car market. Until the cons of the Gasoline Direct Injection system started to rear their ugly heads. The engine system made its debut in 1997 with the eighth generation of the Galant and is touted for its fuel manners (20 to 35% less fuel than conventional engines, claims Mitsubishi), 20% less CO2 emission and 10% more power. But due to what local mechanics explained as the result of poor engine maintenance and low grade of petrol, the GDI engines became a universal headache for owners of the Galant. Consumption double, power halved and general driver satisfaction was almost nil. It’s those who hadn’t heard about the problems of the GDI engine system who bought the iO. Anyway, this car’s flaws extend beyond the engine. Though it was made with the yuppy market in mind, it fails to stand out in the styling department. It seats only five and back seat passengers will find the cabin more snug than spacious. This car also has poor dimensions and the rear cargo area is nothing to write home about. And though you can fold the rear sit forward in 50/50 split to increase the amount of space,  a great Dane will still have to squat. Though the floor of the boot area has several concealed compartments, they would be virtually impossible to reach incase you’ve cargo on board. In comparison, the Rav 4 has multiple notches on the sides of the boot and on the inside of the swing-out door for storage. Out on the road you feel like you in a loud and slow car. And yes you are. Push it around a corner and it imparts the feeling it’s on tip toes. If you find yourself in a situation that requires good power to weight ratios, then you are out of luck with the iO. I’d say it’s a little underpowered for what it was meant to do.

 

Verdict
These cars cost about Ksh1 million each. Perhaps you don’t know this, but GDI and D-4 (also known as the 3S-FE) are almost similar engines systems in that fuel is injected directly to the cylinders. The Rav 4, not by surprise wins in aesthetics, interior styling and resale value, while the iO is better in soft off-roading. If you want to buy a Rav 4, go for the 1800CC VVti engine one. The iO has an 1800CC variant too, though still GDI. Both these vehicles have three door smaller siblings, which mostly appeal to singles. Among the duo, the Rav 4 delivers the better overall experience.