MITSUBISHI PAJERO SPORT FACELIFT

▪ Posted September 17, 2020

By: CAR magazine

Mitsubishi’s popular Pajero Sport has undergone a facelift and a new model derivative has been added, the Pajero Sport Exceed.

The Pajero Sport is a beloved member of the capable SUV club, and it has the street credit too. It’s a go-anywhere, conquer-anything seven-seater that’s made a name for itself by offering a value for money product.

If you’re thinking that this is just another product upgrade, you’re wrong, it’s so much more than that. With the news that the Pajero will end production in 2021 the Pajero Sport (based on the Triton bakkie) is set to take the helm as the top 4×4 dog in the Mitsubishi stable.

The Pajero Sport gets the new Mitsubishi grille, the Dynamic Shield which is the new face of the Mitsubishi brand, symbolising the brand’s tough, prestigious, and legendary (most Dakar wins) heritage.

“The new Pajero Sport is extremely important to Mitsubishi Motors and it ticks all the boxes to become our hero model”, says Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa. “It is important to note that Mitsubishi Motors is taking a new direction, focusing on growing market segments – and the new Pajero Sport certainly leads the way for our future.”

The Dynamic Shield grille has LED headlamps, daytime running lights and fog lamps, new cornering lights, with chrome detailing. The nose has been raised upping the centre of gravity, improving ride quality and off-road ability. The Pajero Sport has a 30-degree approach angle and 24-degree departure angle, which is the best in its class.

The rear gets a thicker bumper and integrated rear diffuser redesigned LED combination lights, park distance control and spoiler as standard. New 18-inch wheel designs will distinguish the Pajero Sport as top dog in the Mitsubishi stable, and side-steps have been repositioned to improve the visual aesthetic.

Standard on all models is a hill-start assist system (HAS), dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, rear park distance control and a rear-view camera for safer and easier parking. To help keep occupants safe, the Pajero Sport has a variety of safety features including 7 airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

All models benefit from active stability and traction control (ASTC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), an emergency brake assist system (BAS), and Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body construction.

The upgraded Pajero Sport offers Bluetooth with hands-free voice control, coupled to Mitsubishi’s advanced smartphone-link display audio (SDA) connected to a large 8” touch screen.

Life is made easier for the driver thanks to a new full-colour digital instrument display, automatic dual-zone air-conditioning throughout the 7-seater cabin, including rear passenger controls, and electric windows all round.

All models now have additional USB and additional accessory sockets (dual USB for the rear passengers) and a 220AC 150-Watt power plug with full leather throughout the interior.

PAJERO SPORT EXCEED

The ultimate in seven-seat luxury and 4×4 capability the Exceed spec builds on the 4×4 spec adding a power tilt and sliding sunroof, Mitsubishi remote control connectivity via the Mitsubishi app, and an electronic tailgate with dual-kick sensors to open it.

TRUSTED RELIABILITY

All three derivatives will be powered by the trusted 2.4-litre MIVEC four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, producing 133kW and 430Nm of torque and paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The 4×4 Pajero Sports will have Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system, a selection of off-road modes including gravel, mud/snow, sand or rock will regulate engine power, throttle response, gearbox settings and braking for superior traction control and off-road performance.

The 2020 Pajero Sport colour palette has been extended by two hues: White Diamond and Graphite Grey.

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