Mitsubishi Pajero Sport challenges rivals

Hardcore off-roaders, grey nomads and soccer mums have an enticing new model to consider in the rapidly expanding large 4x4 SUV class, with the launch of Mitsubishi’s newly-named Pajero Sport in Australia this week.

Described by the Japanese SUV specialist as the "most technically advanced off-road capable SUV [it has] ever produced", the new Pajero Sport goes on sale December 7 and brings vast improvements in design, refinement, efficiency, technology and off-road capability.

The seven airbag-equipped Pajero Sport has already been awarded a five-star ANCAP rating, in line with fellow newbies Toyota Fortuna and Ford Everest.

Featuring Mitsubishi's distinctive new 'Dynamic Shield' frontal design, 'tube-style' LED tail-lights and matching interior, the Pajero Sport is based on the fifth-generation Triton 4x4 ute and replaces the second-generation Challenger in Mitsubishi's off-road SUV line-up.

It's the third new ute-based 4x4 SUV to arrive this year after the Ford Ranger-based Everest and Toyota HiLux-based Fortuner. However, like its predecessor – but unlike most of its body-on-frame, seven-seat rivals – it's only available here with five seats, which could limit its appeal to larger families.

But more than one Mitsubishi Australia executive at the local launch of the new Pajero Sport this week hinted a seven-seat version, which is available in overseas markets, is on its way, possibly as early as next year although more likely at the next major model upgrade.

The Pajero Sport is powered by the 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel from the latest Triton, generating 133kW and 430Nm. But instead of the Triton's five-speed auto, it gets a slick new Aisin eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.

Mitsubishi claims the new auto helps it deliver 17 per cent better average fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions compared to the Challenger, to 8.0L/100km and 212g/km.

The Pajero Sport is available in three well-specified model variants, sharply priced from $45,000 to $52,750. That makes it more expensive than the outgoing Challenger but cheaper than rivals including the Everest, Fortuna and Holden's Colorado 7.

However, Mitsubishi hasn't skimped on standard features, with the entry-level Pajero Sport GLX fitted with climate control, electric park brake, keyless entry and starting, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, hill start assist, hill descent control, trailer sway assist and a 7.0-inch colour touch-screen infotainment system with digital radio, SD card input, Bluetooth, and satellite navigation courtesy of Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity.

The mid-spec GLS adds dual-zone climate control (front only), leather seats, auto headlights and wipers, and an electrochromatic or self-dimming rear view mirror.

In addition, the top-spec Exceed features a number of Mitsubishi technology firsts including a 360 degree 'multi-around monitor' camera, blind spot warning, forward collision mitigation and an ultrasonic mis-acceleration mitigation system, as well as heated and electric-adjustable front seats, rear DVD entertainment system and eight-speaker audio.

All variants feature an updated version of Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD-II four-wheel drive system operated via a rotary selector on the console. It features 2WD high-range (2H), four-wheel drive high-range (4H), 4WD high-range with centre diff lock (4HLc) and 4WD low-range with centre diff lock (4LLc). The GLS and Exceed grades also get a rear differential lock for additional traction off-road.

There's a new electronic terrain control system with four modes – gravel, mud/snow, sand and rock – to better cope with different off-road conditions.

Also standard across the range are 18-inch alloy wheels with 265/60 R18 all-terrain tyres while, like the Triton, braked towing capacity rises by 100kg to a competitive 3100kg.

At 4785mm, the Pajero Sport is 90mm longer than the Challenger, but rides on the same 2800mm wheelbase. Mitsubishi claims more front seat headroom and rear seat shoulder room compared to the Challenger, and there's 558mm more cargo space length, to 1575mm. Rear cargo volume tops out at an impressive 673 litres (floor to top of rear seat back), or 1624 litres (floor to roof) with rear seats folded.

A range of factory accessories are available including bull bar, snorkel, tow bar and additional under-body steel protection, with six exterior colours on offer. They are White, Deep Metallic Brown, Titanium Grey Metallic, Black Mica, Silver Metallic and Medium Red Mica. All but white are a $550 option.

Mitsubishi Australia's marketing chief, Tony Principe said the new Pajero Sport provides "stacks of appeal for active families, empty nesters and serious four-wheel drivers shopping for a comfortable, reliable and clever 4x4 SUV that is equally capable in Australian cities as it is off the beaten track".

2015 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport pricing:
Pajero Sport GLX $45,000 (plus ORCs)
Pajero Sport GLS $48,500 (plus ORCs)
Pajero Sport Exceed $52,750 (plus ORCs)