Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Stretched on a 2,800 mm long wheelbase, the cabin offers comfortable space in the five-seat and seven-seat versions. The driver’s seat is set high, that offers a good visibility from inside, though it seems a tad high for tall drivers. Mitsubishi refrained from mirroring Triton’s styling as it sports a new design for the multi-function steering wheel, redesigned console and centre stack. While switches and instrumentation have been retained from the pre-facelift version. Among the plethora of features layered inside, there are a handful tech for driver’s assistance such as cruise control and electrochromic rearview mirror. A Smartphone link display with 7-inch touchscreen comes with the latest connectivity features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It misses out on some of the comfort features, but others such as one-touch start system, AC power outlet, multi-function steering wheel controls, auto-up/down driver control, climate control, rear air conditioning vents, etc. are packed inside. Both second and third rows get split-folding function, while the leather upholstery is reserved for the top grade. Aside from comfort and connectivity, prominence has been given to utility with cup-holders, bottle holders, door pockets, etc. offering ample storage space. The off-roader with a large cargo volume of 502L provides a large space for storing luggage in the five-seat. 

Sporting a butch stance, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has a commanding road presence, courtesy clever styling elements that inject aggression to this large metal piece. In numeric terms, this giant off-roader measures 4,785 mm long, 1,815 mm wide and 1,805 mm high. Ground clearance is impressive at 218 mm. As for styling, the large upright face sports chrome-accented grille that is connected to the sleek LED headlamps. The chrome work in front looks a tad overboard and also prominent are the honeycomb intakes, followed by small fog lamps on the bumper. Flanks are marked by chunky18-inchers, though the gap between alloys and pronounced arches looks awkward. Styling at rear is a bit disappointing, featuring vertically stacked, LED tail-lamps, a bold chrome band and silver inserts at the bottom rounding up the boxy rear. An integrated spoiler atop is specific to the top-spec trim.

Featuring double wishbone, coil spring & stabiliser bar at front and 3-link, coil spring & stabiliser bar at the back, the suspension set-up seems firm at higher speed bumps and quite reasonable at lower speeds. The steering is responsive, and ride quality could be a bit wobbly at times. 

Power on this off-roader is drawn by the 2.4L turbo diesel engine with 133 kW at 3,500 rpm against 430 Nm torque at 2,500 rpm. It comes linked to an 8-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to all four wheels. The 4WD set-up comes with an additional rear differential lock.

The powerful off-roader features ventilated disc units at both ends. As for safety, it packs active safety features such as front collision mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, hill start assist, hill descent control, active traction control, ABS with EBD, multiple airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchorages packed in the SUV. 

The butch SUV is not merely a stylish beast, it has more to it, save for some shortcomings. It is well kitted, spacious and is powered by a robust diesel unit. All of this and much more comes at competitive pricing, which sure makes it an important model in the segment, if not the best.