According to Mitsubishi Motors, the world’s first passenger vehicle with full-time four-wheel drive, the PX33, was launched in 1933. More than 80 years later, Mitsubishi is launching their all-new Pajero Sport, a luxurious purpose-built sport utility vehicle delivering similar refined driving dynamics as many powerful, spacious and luxurious sedans, for a much more favourable price than its peers – under R600 000!
This stylishly designed, new-generation Mitsubishi SUV offers vastly improved driving dynamics, including a class-leading eight speed automatic transmission for both the 2WD and 4WD models – the latter including low-range as well as Mitsubishi’s latest version of its Super Select 4-II 4WD system which now also boasts electronic off-road assistance.
Sophisticated powerful drivetrain
The new Pajero Sport is powered by Mitsubishi’s new-generation high-performance MIVEC 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 133 kW at 3500 RPM. The whopping 430 Nm of torque at a modest 2500 RPM, plus Mitsubishi’s best-in-class all-new eight speed automatic transmission, with intelligent shift control, results in effortless driving dynamics.
One of the most anticipated features of the new Pajero Sport is the fitment of the latest version of Mitsubishi’s unique Super Select 4-II 4WD system, which now boasts electronic off-road assistance as well.
To further enhance the off-road experience provided by the unique Super Select 4-II 4WD system, Hill-Descent Control has been added for additional safety when on dangerous ground. In addition, the selectable Off-road Mode maximises traction on unsealed surfaces.
The additional electronic assistance allows the driver to select either the Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand or Rock setting to suit surface conditions and optimise engine output, transmission settings and braking for superior traction. With the added lockable rear differential to this magnificent 4WD system, the new Pajero Sport offers superior road holding under any conditions, on and off the road, and is virtually unstoppable.
The exceptionally smooth 8-speed automatic transmission also offers a Sport Mode with manual shifting and Paddle Shifts behind the steering wheel, allowing the driver full control for sports driving on twisty roads, long descents and unusual towing conditions.
Elegant styling and quality ride comfort
Historically the trusted Pajero brand is synonymous with a soft drive and feel, a quiet cabin with very low levels of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), as well as modern styling.
The newly designed Pajero Sport is styled to confidently fit in with its surroundings. As such, it will appeal to style-conscious individuals looking for a functional, yet luxurious vehicle for daily use that is capable of attending to their family adventure lifestyle needs as well.
The new Pajero Sport’s distinctive styling is energetic and striking, while making an intrepid statement that it is able to comfortably conquer any terrain.
Fusing elegance, space, safety and cutting-edge technology, resulted in agile urban driving performance, comfortable highway cruising and breathless excitement for thrilling off-road adventures.
Built-in roof rails not only show that this car means business – as a direct result, the improved aerodynamics provide directional stability at higher speeds, as well as improved fuel consumption.
The new Pajero Sport’s athletic design with black roof mouldings, black front and rear mud guards, black windshield mouldings, colour-coded front and rear bumpers as well as a stylish rear spoiler, sets this new Mitsubishi SUV apart from its competitors.
LED driving lamps with auto levelling and DRLs, including a headlamp washer for the 4WD version, are standard features, while a LED high-mounted rear stop lamp on the tailgate provides additional safety.
“Under the new design concept, labelled ‘Dynamic Cruising Off-Roader’, Mitsubishi engineers have combined the best of both worlds with the all-new Pajero Sport – an accomplished four-wheel drive sport utility one can confidently show off to the world,” says Nic Campbell, General Manager at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa.
In line with its Pajero heritage, the newcomer boasts double wishbone coil springs with a stabilizer bar in the front and multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar in the back. The quiet drive, thanks to its strong ladder-frame design which absorbs all levels of NVH, gives the new Pajero Sport a big sedan car-like ride and handling.
Another massive advantage of the new Pajero Sport is its class-leading turning circle of just 11.2m (as opposed to between 11.6m and 12.2m for some other premium SUVs). The agile new Pajero Sport turns on a dime, offering manoeuvrability that makes it easy to park and quick to take a gap on the road, with effortless navigating around obstacles off the road.
Luxurious interior
As far as cabin features are concerned, the latest Pajero Sport stands proud in the presence of its direct competitors and some much pricier luxury sedans.
The high-quality feel of the luxurious interior offers class-leading comfort and space with generous head and legroom as well as storage, luggage or sport equipment space for the more adventurous.
Soft-feel leather seats further enhance the quality feel of the new Pajero Sport. The driver seat is electrically adjustable. The second row of seats offers a 60:40 split with tumble, reclining and sliding function with a centre armrest and cup holders.
The third row of seats folds flat into the floor to minimise intrusion into the cargo space when not in use.
Passenger comfort is improved with a tilt and telescopic steering wheel with paddle shifts, rear park distance control with a rear-view camera, dual automatic air conditioning with rear passenger temperature controls and an electric parking brake.
Other standard features, among many others, include a keyless operating system with electronic start function, multi-function leather steering wheel with audio and cruise control, Bluetooth with hands-free voice control and fold-away electric door mirrors incorporating turn indicators.
5-star safety
Nothing is more important to Mitsubishi Motors than safety. Significant passenger protection features coupled with Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction have earned the all-new Pajero Sport the maximum score in the Australian ANCAP safety test – a rating of 5 stars, making it one of the safest sport utility vehicles on (and off) the road.
Standard built-in safety features which include Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), BAS (Brake Assist System), Brake Override System and six airbags (Driver, Passenger, Seat and Side Curtains) round off the safety package now on offer by the new Pajero Sport. Hill Descent Control and the new electronic Off-Road Mode Control add additional safety benefits to Pajero Sport’s impressive off-road performance.
Dusk-sensing headlamps, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, an electronic chromatic rear-view mirror, an LED high-mounted stop lamp on the tailgate and a rear-view camera, all add to the impressive list of safety features of the new Pajero Sport.
“Something that adds huge value to the new Pajero Sport is the fact that many additional features come as standard as opposed to most of its competitors where it attracts an extra cost, making our new SUV even more attractive,” adds Campbell.
Packaged for the discerning buyer
The new Pajero Sport line-up consists of two high-specification derivatives, 4×4 and 4×2, powered by Mitsubishi’s new-generation super-responsive MIVEC turbo diesel engine, mated to a smooth all-new, class-leading 8-speed automatic transmission (including transfer gearing with low range for the four-wheel drive derivative).
Pajero Sport 2.4 D4 MIVEC 2WD 8-speed A/T R569,995
Pajero Sport 2.4 D4 MIVEC 4WD 8-speed A/T R599,995
“If it’s value for money you crave, you’d be hard pressed to look beyond the keenly priced and well-equipped Pajero Sport 4WD derivative,” says Campbell. “We are confident that the all-new Pajero Sport will fit in nicely with our existing product line-up and customer base, while luring new lifestyle customers with its sophisticated car-like driving dynamics, luxurious comfort and elegant style as well as its admirable off-road reputation,” adds Campbell.
Warranty and service
The new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has a three year or 100 000 km manufacturer’s warranty and a five year or 90 000 km service plan with 10 000 km service intervals.
In other motoring related news, Mercedes-Benz recently announced three new members of the AMG GT family – the AMG GT Roadster and AMG GT C Roadster as well as the extremely sporty AMG GT R.
