SPY PICS: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport upgrade imminent

Mitsubishi's Triton-based Pajero Sport is a not-insignificant contender in the sub-$70K large SUV segment. In 2018 it finished as the seventh-best seller behind the likes of Toyota Prado and Kluger, Subaru Outback, Isuzu MU-X and Mazda CX-9, and ahead of like-minded competitors such as Ford's Everest, Toyota's Fortuner and Holden's Trailblazer.

And now, after being on the Australian market for a little more than three years as the replacement for Mitsubishi's previous seven-seat Challenger SUV, it's due for a refresh. As these recent spy photos of a left-hand-drive Pajero Sport in northern Sweden indicate, the new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport will build on the company's current "Dynamic Shield" styling theme to closely mimic the looming Triton ute facelift.

The protective cladding hides just about everything that's new about the re-worked Pajero Sport, but it seems clear the changes will largely focus on the front end – although it appears the grossly vertically-stacked tail lights will be terminated well short of the lower edges of the tailgate to tone down the current car's awkwardly narrow, vertically-visual rear end.

The spy photos also reveal that the Pajero Sport will continue with the macho, squared-off wheel arches which are now also destined for the Triton. Mechanically, there is no suggestion the refreshed Pajero Sport will bring anything new.

Like the Triton, it's unlikely there will be any changes to the 133kW/430Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, or the eight-speed Aisin auto transmission and dual-range 4WD system. The interior, apart from a few touchy-feely touches, is unlikely to change much either.

As well as Australia, Pajero Sport has been a presence in markets including the Philippines, Bangladesh and the Middle East, where it has been known variously as the Montero Sport and Shogun Sport.

The left-hand drive configuration of the test mule indicates a continuing presence in the Russian market, where it's reputed to be a strong seller and maybe gives substance to some speculation that the Pajero Sport could be under consideration for Europe as well. It's already on sale as the Montero Sport in the UK.

Speculation is mounting that the facelifted Pajero Sport will be unveiled some time in 2019, potentially at the Tokyo motor show in October. Australia could be expected to follow suit early in 2020.