The Pajero Sport is one of those cars that do everything it promises on the box, and yet does not sell in big numbers in South Africa. It is a really competent, well designed and built, real SUV which you can take far off the beaten track and yet enjoy driving in town and on the highway. What’s not to like?
The present Sport was introduced in 2020 and has recently got two new Aspire derivatives bringing the total models available in South Africa to five.
Says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at MMSA: “Since we first introduced the current-generation Pajero Sport in 2020 and subsequently added the range-topping Exceed to the line-up, the Pajero Sport has proven to have great aspirational value. In fact, most recently it won acclaim in the 2021 CAR Magazine Top 12 Best Buy Awards by walking off with the silverware in the highly competitive Large SUV/Crossover category. The limited-edition Aspire models will further cement Mitsubishi’s position as the family vehicle of choice for the SA consumer.”
The Pajero Sport is a comfortable, spacious seven-seater SUV with all the required bells and whistles. One immediately feels at home when getting into one and soon appreciate the ease of operation of everything from folding seats down to parking.
The Aspire models are only available in Jet Black or White Diamond, with a two-tone roof, black roof rails, a black front grille and 18-inch alloy wheels. Power is provided by the tried and tested 2.4 L MIVEC four-cylinder intercooled turbo diesel engine with 133 kW and 430 Nm of peak torque on tap driven through an eight-speed automatic transmission with Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system.
Four off-road modes – Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand or Rock – ensure optimal engine output, transmission settings and braking for traction control over challenging surface conditions.
All Pajero Sports have top-class active and passive safety systems and equipment.
The Pajero Sport’s seats are comfortable, the infotainment system is up-to-date, the ride is good and the cabin design delivers space, utility and luxury. The third row of seats fold forward to make a really big boot. When you fold the second row down you enter the realms of a van, albeit a minivan.
Expect fuel consumption between 8 and 9 L/100 km in general, which is impressive for what is basically a medium to large vehicle.
All Mitsubishi Pajero Sport models have 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.
The 2.4L DI-DC 8AT (2WD) Aspire is R675k while the 2.4L DI-DC 8AT (4WD) Aspire is R725k. The range topping 2.4L DI-DC 8AT (4WD) Exceed is R740k.
Do yourself a favour, don’t just check out the Toyota Fortuner – take the Pajero Sport, Ford Everest, Kia Sorento, Haval H9 and Isuzu mu-X for a test drive before you buy. You may just be pleasantly surprised.
