The bakkie-based SUV market is dominated by Toyota’s extensive Fortuner range, even Mitsubishi wasn’t shy to admit as much during its media presentation. Until now Mitsubishi has only offered a Pajero Sport (based on the Triton’s chassis) with an automatic transmission to aquire a minority share of this popular side of the market. Extending its range, Mitsubishi is now offering the Sport with a five-speed manual transmission.
This transmission set-up offers the following: 2H (rear-wheel drive, high range), 4H (four-wheel drive, high range), 4HLc (four-wheel drive, high range with centre differential lock) and finally 4LLc (four-wheel drive, low range with centre differential lock). The system is mechanically identical to that found in Mitsubishi’s Triton range.
As in the Triton, the five-speed manual transmission has a precise and direct shift action. Pulling away in first I picked up an interesting sensation from the rear of the car though. The moment you release the clutch it feels as if the rear of the car pushes up, and then forward. Nothing wrong with that, but something to get used to during your first stint behind the wheel.
The 3,2-litre turbodiesel engine (120 kW/343 N.m) copes well with the weight of the vehicle, but on-road performance is definitely not in the same league as that of the double cab Triton equipped with the same engine. That is possibly due to the additional weight the Pajero Sport has to carry. So what is this additional weight due to?
To start off with, due to sound deadening material noise intrusion is kept low, especially for a bakkie-based vehicle. Being a seven-seater, at the rear there is a third row (which can be split 50:50) consisting of two seats for children. Access is gained to this third row of seats by a lever attached to the second row (60:40), which tumbles the seats forwards. If the third row is not needed, it folds away into the floor, and now you have a level surface upon which to unload the Saturday shopping at your local nursery.
What about off-road driving?
Having a lever to switch between high- and low-range seems to be the best option for die-hard 4×4 enthusiasts and experts. The driver can also switch from 2H to 4H at speeds of up to 100 km/h. To assist in tricky conditions, the rear differential lock can be activated by a button situated to the right-hand side of the steering column.
During the launch in the Magaliesberg region there were three areas of the route upon which you had to – partly – rely on the rear differential lock to assist with a steep, rocky incline. At times only two wheels had proper grip, and it was here where the both the centre differential and rear lock did their jobs. Keep in mind where the front wheels should be placed and where the rear wheels go, and you can make the most of the 215 mm of ground clearance. Yes, a 4×4 vehicle’s ability usually depends on the driver’s capability, but in this instance I can vouch for the Pajero Sport as it can keep up with the best the market has to offer in this segment.
Safety and features
Although there is no stability program, the Pajero Sport comes with six air bags, ABS brakes with EBD, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel and Mitsubishi’s multifunction display. The latter (as with Triton models) offers a compass, barometer, altimeter and the usual audio/USB information, outside air temperature and a trip computer.
Mitsubishi Motors SA confirmed that the Pajero Sport can run on 500 ppm diesel. There is also no plan to offer a six-speed manual transmission in the current generation model, although this might change when the new model is introduced at the end of 2013.
Specifications
Model: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 3,2 Di-D GLS (manual)
Engine: 3,2-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel
Power: 120 kW at 3 500 r/min
Torque: 343 N.m at 2 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: N/A seconds
Fuel consumption: N/A
CO2: N/A
Top speed: N/A
Approach angle: 36°
Departure angle: 25°
Price: R435 000
Service plan: 5 year/100 000 km
Service intervals: 10 000 km
