Many buyers looking for genuine 4 x 4's don't want trucks but do want performance coupled with creature comforts.  Others are just looking for enough room to carry kids, dogs and camping gear safely for the holidays.
With that in mind there's a lot to like about Mitsubishi's Challenger 4x4 the new baby in their SUV stable.
The base model is the LS available as a 5 seater with a 5 speed manual or a 5 speed auto transmission.  The LS can take 2 extra seats but only when teamed with the auto transmission.  The XLS which is only available with the 5 speed auto can be configured with 5 or 7 seats.
Both models are powered by the 2.5litre 4 cylinder Hi Power Turbo Diesel that powers the Triton – giving 131kw of power and 350Nm of torque.  All models have Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD system – with four distinct driving modes allowing on the move shifting at up to 100km/h from normal 2WD to high range 4WD.  The viscous coupled centre differential instantly transforms your rear wheel drive into a sure footed all-wheel drive.  The next step locks the centre diff. and now you're really 4 wheel driving in high range.  The final slot on the 4WD lever drops you into low range 4WD with the centre diff locked and you can crawl through just about anything.  As well as all this the Challenger also has an electronically operated rear diff lock.
Climate Control, and Cruise Control are standard but our test car, the XLS also has Sat Nav, Bluetooth, Reversing camera and sensors plus a luxury look interior with wood trim and leather facing on the seats. 
To test our Challenger XLS we hit the highway and headed for our favourite dry lake.  It's great for testing out 4x4's offering a range of different driving conditions including steep descents, gravel roads and lots of sand.
After 150kms of freeway and highway cruising, which the Challenger ate up with ease, we arrived at our lake.  Once a popular fishing and camping spot surrounded by pine forests, prolonged drought has turned it into what the locals now optimistically describe as 'wetland'.  We didn’t find a lot of moisture but Challenger drove over the dry rocky pine forest floor very capably.  220mm off the ground with 17"alloys, rock climbing was a breeze.
Around the perimeter of our lake we explored some goat tracks - lots of gravel, corrugations and holes followed by deep sandy creek crossings.  The Challenger didn't miss a beat and charged ahead confidently. 
Finally in low range 4LLC we crawled down a steep grass embankment towards what once was the water's edge.  Again this was a cinch, so any launching of boats in difficult places would be an easy, stress free procedure.  The 4 x 4 performance was even more satisfying considering we just had standard issue Bridgestone Dueller H/T road tyres under us.
Challenger falls neatly into the sporty SUV department, but unlike many others claiming to go anywhere, Challenger can, and like its work mate Triton, is rough and tough.  It can go where others can't and give you a great ride at the same time.  It also has fantastic pulling power.  With 2,500kg towing capacity it can accommodate most vans and boats with ease.
All in all there are very few negatives - a fairly noisy engine and lack of side curtain airbags limited beyond the two front rows, this SUV really does what the brochure says it will and more.  Prices range from a touch over $44,000 to just under $59,000 and represent excellent value, particularly when you consider Mitsubishi's 5 year/130,000km warranty plus their 10 year/160,000km warranty on the drive train.  On top of that there's also 5 year roadside assistance.

Tested February 2010
Test vehicle supplied by Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited