New Mitsubishi Challenger to be called Pajero Sport

Mitsubishi's new Challenger will go by its European name – Pajero Sport – when it goes on sale in Australia in early December.

Revealed in August in Thailand, where it will be produced, the third-generation Challenger since 1996 is based on the fifth-generation Triton one-tonne ute released locally in April.

As such, it will again be a direct rival for Toyota's Prado, Holden's Colorado 7 and Isuzu's MU-X, as well as new ute-based large off-road SUVs including the Ford Everest, Toyota Fortuner and, if it's sold here, an upcoming Nissan SUV based on the latest Navara.

Australian pricing and specifications are yet to be revealed, but the current Challenger is a 4WD-only diesel-only affair powered by a 2.5-litre engine and priced between $42,490 (manual) and $49,990 (LS auto) plus on-road costs.

Prado is the top-seller in the large SUV segment, priced from $52,990, while the all-diesel, 4x4-only Fortuner and Colorado 7 start at $47,990 and the Everest opens at $54,990. The MU-X opens at $40,500 in 2WD form.

The Pajero Sport is powered by the 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel from the latest Triton, in which it produces 133kW and 430Nm.

Australian models are also likely to feature many of the technologies revealed in the new seven-seat off-roader in Bangkok in August, including an eight-speed automatic transmission and a "further evolved" version of Mitsubishi's Super Select II all-wheel drive system including hill-descent control.

The new Challenger will also be produced with blind-spot monitoring, an ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system, camera-based around-view monitor and electronic park brake.

Fitted with seven airbags, it's also expected to achieve the same five-star safety rating as the Triton does, at least in Australia.

Mitsubishi Australia says its new large 4x4 "represents a new-generation of SUV with luxury, high-tech safety features and superior comfort while still delivering class-leading 4WD capabilities and great on-road performance".

It also claims handling, stability, ride and quietness have been improved and, based on the latest Triton, standard equipment should include electronic centre and rear differential locks.

Distinguished by Mitsubishi’s distinctive new 'Dynamic Shield' frontal design, it's said to feature a higher quality interior with "dynamically styled silver-finish ornamentation and plush sculpted seats".

Based on the new Triton, the Pajero Sport could be slightly larger than the Challenger it replaces yet slightly lighter, although it remains to be seen whether the Triton's 3100kg towing capacity(up 100kg) carries over.

Again based on the latest Triton's available technologies, the new SUV should be offered with a reversing camera, HID headlights, LED daytime running lights, a 7.0-inch colour touch-screen infotainment system with satellite-navigation, digital radio, SD card input and Bluetooth, dual-zone climate-control, auto headlights and wipers, leather upholstery, powered driver's seat, paddle shifters and keyless entry and starting.