In the automotive world they are the equal of Frankenstein's monster.
Big, lumbering machines that could be constructed using bits and pieces from the second-hand bin. And like young Frankenstein, they've become the must-have accessory for weekend workers and the bush-bashing brigade.
Of course, we're talking about turning utes into off-road wagons.
They combine all that's good in utes, then add a liberal helping of practicality, comfort and go-anywhere capability.
It's a transition taking place in showrooms across the nation: turning hairy-armed utilities into posh-looking off-road wagons.
Think of Ford's off-road twins: the top-selling Ranger and the blue oval brand's Everest five-seat and seven-seat soft roader.
Toyota is, of course, in the middle of this with its Fortuner ute/wagon. And Isuzu has pulled the same trick with its D-Max ute, which is available as a 4WD called the MU-X.
What next? Mitsubishi's all-new Triton 4WD and its pigeon pair, the Pajero Sport.
The Pajero Sport models of today are all but identical to another ute-turned-wagon, which first arrived a decade ago, called the Challenger.
So where does the Pajero fit into all of this? Well, it's a little bit complicated.
Remember the Pajero? Who doesn't. It's an Aussie favourite even though Mitsubishi no longer makes them.
For most of the 1980s, '90s and even the noughties, the Pajero was locked in a market battle with Toyota's LandCruiser, Nissan's Patrol and, before the nameplates disappeared, Holden's Colorado and Rodeo.
After a decade playing second fiddle to its namesake, the Pajero Sport has stepped up as the new flagship for the three-pointed brand.
What about the Pajero? Well, it was just like that scene in Forrest Gump where he keeps running and running across the US from coast to coast and back again.
And then he stopped. After running back a handful of times, he announced: "I'm kind of tired now. Think I'll go home. And he did."
Mitsubishi's flagbearer also disappeared almost overnight.
Just like that. One moment Pajero loyalists were eagerly anticipating the arrival of the next Pajero, next minute it was gone.
Which, for the moment at least, is where the Pajero Sport fits in.
It helps, of course, that the Pajero Sport source most of its key components from sibling the Triton ute.
A nicely-matched engine and automatic transmission, a good helping of that legendary Pajero grit. And just like, the Pajero Sport is right at home in the mud and slush.
There's even the old-style "ladder frame" which underpins the whole shebang.
Tested here is the Pajero Sport GLS, which sits one slot beneath the Exceed on the family tree, but is impressively comfy and nicely equipped.
The price is also a pleasant surprise - just a tick over 50 grand.
Mitsubishi has added a seven-seat version that brings some more options that will further enhance its buyer appeal and also help balance the range a bit.
In fact the Pajero Sport is spearheading an impressive return to favouritism for Mitsubishi.
As well as the brawny off roaders there's the edgy, sophisticated Outlander. At the other end of the family tree is the baby ASX, the cheap but not particularly cheerful model.
Apparently Mitsibishi agrees with that opinion of the ASX, having announced a major facelift and ongoing mechanical and technological upgrades in the years to follow.
Mitsubishi calls it "realignment of the range," which sounds intriguing.
As it turns out, the Pajero Sport and the twin-beneath-the-skin Triton are the only models not affected by this company-wide major revamp.
The Pajero Sport shares most of its components (diesel engine, all-wheel-drive, etc) with the strong-selling Tritan.
It looks, sounds and feels just like the Tritan - no surprise given that the two models share most of their mechanical, electronics and even the familiar interior.
There's just one thing - the Pajero Sport's reign over the family tree may be surprisingly short lived. Rumour has it the original flagship Pajero may be on the verge of a comeback.
MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT GLS
* How big? The arrival of a seven-seat version of the Pajero Sport adds even more to this car's credentials
* How fast? The 2.4-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel is a stout performer, if not a threat to some of the racier models. Its 133kW and 430Nm get the job done without fuss. The eight-speed auto amplifies the engine's performance.
* How thirsty? The official thirst is 8L/100km which is pretty good for a seven-seater.
* How much? The Pajero GLS starts at an enticing $50,190 plus on-road costs, making it one of the most affordable models in this segment. The range starts at a tasty $44,490. There's even a rear-wheel drive which saves about $5000 off the sticker price.
