Facelifted Mitsubishi Pajero Sport levels up

The facelifted Pajero Sport continues Mitsubishi Motors South Africa’s strategic product recalibration that commenced with the successful recent launch of the Next-Gen Triton, which retained its price positioning despite major platform upgrades as well as the Outlander Sport, which replaced the ASX at the same price point.


“The latest iteration of Pajero Sport is much more than a facelift, it’s further proof of how we’re recalibrating our entire range in sync with the ever-evolving automotive landscape. In an extremely price sensitive market, we are meeting customer expectations by delivering more value for money whilst entrenching our commitment to reliability, intelligent engineering and no-nonsense quality,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager Marketing for Mitsubishi Motor South Africa (MMSA).


A refreshed exterior - The Pajero Sport continues to offer an unmistakable SUV character that is accentuated by strong, flowing lines and rugged, high-quality durable finishes.


The latest design evolution includes an updated dynamic shield front grille that offers a more assertive presence, and which compliments the redesigned front and rear under garnishes. The updated Mitsubishi Pajero Sport rides on new 18-inch alloy wheels, featuring a modern SUV design.


A remastered cockpit - The interior features numerous updates including a new eight-inch fully digital driver display. A redesigned steering wheel offers a more modern and tactile driving feel while still incorporating steering wheel controls. A new black ceiling headliner ensures an overall more premium cabin aesthetic. The interior of all models continues to represent comfort and luxury thanks to standard specification highlights that include black leather seats, dual zone climate control with rear vents and Mitsubishi’s advanced smartphone-link display audio (SDA) connected to a large eight-inch touchscreen, a sunroof, remote control connectivity, an electronic tailgate and a keyless operating system.


A drivetrain with a proven track record - All Mitsubishi Pajero Sport models are powered by the tried and tested Mitsubishi MIVEC 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, intercooled, turbodiesel engine. This powerplant offers 133kW and 430Nm and drives the wheels through an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission. In practice this drivetrain offers smooth acceleration and low-rpm, high-speed cruising that enhances driving efficiency.


Making the Pajero Sport a true Pajero is Mitsubishi’s renowned Super Select 4WD-II system. Paired with the ladder frame chassis on 4x4 derivatives it ensures consistent ability across challenging conditions and rugged terrain. Four selectable off-road functions include 2H, 4H, 4HLc (4WD High range with centre diff locked) and 4LLc (4WD Low range with centre diff locked).


Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand or Rock modes tailor engine output, transmission settings and braking according to the conditions underfoot, reinforcing the model’s strong off-road pedigree.


Additional safety and convenience - The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has always offered the safety needed for daily family chores or weekend adventures and these credentials have been further bolstered by the latest smart technology. Additions include the Ultrasonic Mis-acceleration Mitigation System (UMS) that ensures added safety in tight spaces by preventing accidental acceleration at low speeds. A Multi Around Monitor has also been added, ensuring improved visibility when parking and manoeuvring. The inherent safety of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport range is built on the foundation of the Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety) body construction and bolstered by seven airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchors. Active safety features include active stability and traction control (ASTC), an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and an emergency brake assist system (BAS). The safety package is rounded off by hill-start assist (HAS), trailer stability assist, auto levelling dusk-sensing LED headlights, front foglamps, daytime running lights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, rear park distance control, a rear-view camera and hill descent control which takes the fuss out of descending steep off-road descents.


A beefed-up value proposition - The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is unique, it combines the legendary off-road ability, for which the Pajero nameplate is renowned, with family friendly functionality. The latest round of updates accentuates those qualities while further bolstering its incredible value for money proposition. “All these enhancements come with no change to the selling price of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, ensuring that this popular enthusiasts model remains an excellent choice in the adventure SUV category, while representing unquestionable value for money,” concludes Allison.


A three-model range - The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport range now consists of three derivatives that are positioned to deliver maximum value to customers without compromising on its unrivalled quality and legendary off-road DNA. All Mitsubishi Pajero Sport models are sold with a three-year/100 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a five-year/90 000 km service plan and five-year roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at every 10 000 km. ^{Source QuickPic}