Mitsubishi welcomes its next generation Pajero Sport7-seat SUV to the South African market and it will go up against formidable rivals such as the popular Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest.
Nic Campbell, General Manager at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa says,"Under the new design concept, labelled 'Dynamic Cruising Off-Roader', Mitsubishi engineers have combined the best of both worlds with the all-new Pajero Sport – an accomplished four-wheel drive sport utility one can confidently show off to the world. If it's value for money you crave, you'd be hard pressed to look beyond the keenly priced and well-equipped Pajero Sport 4WD derivative. We are confident that the all-new Pajero Sport will fit in nicely with our existing product line-up and customer base, while luring new lifestyle customers with its sophisticated car-like driving dynamics, luxurious comfort and elegant style as well as its admirable off-road reputation."
The new Mitsubishi Pajero sport arrives in SA to take on the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest.
Powering thePajero Sport is a new-generation, 4-cylinder 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine producing 133 kW at 3 500 rpm and 430 Nm of torque at 2 500 rpm.
An all-new8-speed automatic transmission is standard and Mitsubishiclaims that the setup contributes to up to 17% improvement in fuel consumption with CO2 emissions under 200 g/km. The new Pajero Sport is offered in high-specification 4×2 and 4×4 guise and the former is claimed to consume 8.0 L/100km while the latter carries a claimed consumption figure of 8.1 L/100km. The transmission also offers aSport Mode with manual shifting and shift paddles behind the steering wheel for added convenience.
The Pajero Sport is fitted with the latest-generation Super-Select 4WD-II four-wheel drive system which includes Off-road Mode and Hill Descent Control, making it a capable adventure vehicle too. Driving modes availableto the driver include Gravel, Mud/Snow and Sand or Rock to optimise traction in various terrains and the 4-wheel drive system is also coupled with a lockable rear differential.
Standard safety features include 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, active stability control with traction control and a brake override system.
The Pajero Sport is offered in either 4×2 or 4×4 guise and comes packed with a host of standard features.
The most striking design element is surely the front-end, which features a new 'Dynamic Shield' incorporating chrome trim. The new model also features slim headlights as well as LED Daytime Running Lights with the fog lights set low on the front bumper.At the rear, vertical tail lights stretch all the way down to the rear bumper. It's an interesting take on a rear design and we'll have to see how the South African market takes to it.
The interior draws inspiration from the Triton, on which it's based, and features a 'high console proportion' dashboard with elements in silver-finish throughout. The soft leather seatshave been upgraded too, adding more luxury to the vehicle.
The driver's seat is electrically adjustable and the second row of seats are split in a 60:40 configuration and recline, slide or tumble, depending on your needs. A centre armrest with cup holders and air vents all the way to the rear give passengers added comfort. The third row of seats can fold flat into the floor to minimise intrusion in the load bay.
The seats can be folded and tumbled in various configurations to suit your loading requirements.
The multifunction steering wheel is adjustable for rake and reachwhile rear park distance control with a rear-view camera makes reversing safer. Other standard features include dual automatic air conditioning with rear temperature controls, electronic parking brake, cruise control and a Bluetooth-capable infotainment system with voice control.
"Something that adds huge value to the new Pajero Sport is the fact that many additional features come as standard as opposed to most of its competitors where it attracts an extra cost, making our new SUV even more attractive," adds Campbell.
Mitsubishi says ride comfort and NVH levels have improved too with enhancements to the suspension and body mounts. Ride quality is provided bydouble wishbone coil springs with a stabilizer bar in the front and multi-link suspension with stabilizer bar in the back.
Pajero Sport 2.4 D4 MIVEC 2WD 8-speed A/T – R569 995
Pajero Sport 2.4 D4 MIVEC 4WD 8-speed A/T – R599 995
The Pajero Sport is sold with a3-year/100 000km manufacturer's warranty and a 5-year/90 000km service plan with 10 000km service intervals.
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