Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
Mitsubishi Reviving the Montero Nameplate
The Montero (Pajero or Shogun in some markets) was one of the most iconic high-riders in Mitsubishi's lineup, and it appears the nameplate is making a comeback. A mysterious prototype was spotted undergoing testing in Germany, and it is believed to revive the moniker, albeit with a twist.
Around four years ago, Mitsubishi decided to retire the Montero. The fourth generation remained in production from 2006 to 2021, which is a long time for a vehicle in today's market. However, it appears the new model could actually be the successor to the Montero Sport, at least according to some reports.
Fret not, fellow high-riding enthusiasts, as the Japanese automaker could go the extra mile and base it on a ladder-frame chassis. That is one hypothesis and if it proves correct, the SUV could share its underpinnings with the Triton/L200. The pickup truck is currently in its sixth generation and has been in production since 2023, when manufacturing began in Thailand at the Laem Chabang facility.
The current Triton/L200 is offered with diesel and gasoline power, depending on the market, which is likely what will be found under the hood of the all-new Montero if it is derived from the workhorse. Electrification is also said to be in the works for the new SUV, meaning the pickup could benefit from it in the coming years as well.
Other rumors suggest the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero (name unconfirmed) could instead be a monocoque crossover, potentially utilizing the same platform as the Outlander. The latter is based on Renault-Nissan's CMF-C/D architecture, which also underpins the Kadjar, Scenic, Austral, Rafale, Qashqai and X-Trail among many others.
As you can see, little is known about this high-rider, though its rear-end design appears somewhat similar to the Nissan Patrol. It features an upright nose, a large grille, slim LED headlights and a boxy overall design that is well suited to off-road duty.
Rumors suggest the new Mitsubishi Montero could be revealed in the coming months, potentially launching in Australia.
Another SUV-Coupe: Fiat Panda Fastback
The Stellantis-controlled Fiat brand will debut a fastback-style compact model later this year. A global effort set to succeed the MLA-based Fastback for South America and the Tipo for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Grande Panda-derived Fastback was previewed by a namesake concept in February 2024.
Believed to be called the Panda Fastback in series-production form, the model has been spied near the Arctic Circle. The test vehicle sheds the excessive rear camouflage seen on earlier prototypes, making it clear the Italian automaker opted for a five-door SUV coupe design.
Confirmed to ride on the Stellantis Smart Car Platform used by the Grande Panda subcompact hatchback, the Panda Fastback features taillights heavily inspired by the concept. The rear bumper and liftgate, however, have been toned down.
Fiat has also softened the A-pillar angle, specifically how the front pillars transition into the roof. Pictured wearing steel wheels with a four-lug pattern, the Panda Fastback also hides a dirty secret beneath the cargo area. That secret is torsion-beam rear suspension, a cost-effective solution commonly used in this segment by European automakers.
The door handles and side mirrors appear to be borrowed from the Grande Panda, while the wheel arches suggest light cladding for added visual flair. Fiat adopted a different pattern for the front bumper's lower grille, though the upper section of the bumper and the headlights are reminiscent of the Grande Panda.
Through the lower grille, the air conditioning condenser and the internal combustion engine's radiator are visible. Exhaust gases exit through a single outlet at the rear, neatly concealed by the bumper's valance panel.
As a result, the Panda Fastback will be offered with the Grande Panda's 1.2L turbocharged inline-three engine. This powerplant is available on its own or with mild-hybrid assistance, resulting in transmission choices ranging from a six-speed manual to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The Groupe PSA-developed engine produces between 101 and 110 metric hp, with peak torque arriving at 1,750 rpm at 205 Newton-meters. In 48-volt form, the system's electric motor is rated at 29 metric hp and 55 Newton-meters.
Like the Grande Panda, the Panda Fastback should also be offered with a fully electric option. For now, the zero-emissions variant delivers 111 hp and 125 Nm from a front-mounted electric drive unit. There is no all-wheel-drive option available, although Fiat did reveal the Grande Panda 4x4 concept in May 2025.
According to Fiat Italia, the Grande Panda Elettrica is rated for up to 199 miles on a full charge. With a bit of luck, the Panda Fastback's longer wheelbase could allow for a higher-capacity battery than the Panda's 43.8-KWh pack.
