Mitsubishi’s most affordable Pajero Sport model might just be the pick of the range
The cabin is richly equipped, but plastics are utilitarian at best
The Pajero Sport is less bulky than its competitors
Road Tests BlogBy: CAR magazine
It is no secret that South Africans have a love affair with bakkies and SUVs. Even more so when we have access to a combination of the two, cars such as the Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Trailblazer and Mitsubishi’s Pajero Sport.
In terms of sales, the Fortuner has held the crown since its launch, but during our road test (December 2013), we picked the 4×4 Pajero Sport above these two main rivals.
The 4×2 version of Mitsubishi’s bakkie-SUV has the same features counting in its favour as the 4×4. Under the hood is the same 2,5-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel found in the all-wheel-drive version. Sending torque only to the rear axle, this vehicle tips the scales at 118 kg less than the 4×4. The result is a slightly sprightlier driving experience, while the reduction of 0,7 litres compared to the previous 3,2-litre engine has had no effect on the capability of the vehicle. The newer unit delivers a healthy 131 kW and 350 N.m, more power and torque than the ageing 3,0-litre D-4D unit found in Toyota’s Fortuner.
The interior is exactly what we have come to expect of bakkie-based SUVs. It is more comfortable and convenient than that of a Triton, while the infotainment system supplies a plethora of information and can play music from most sources.
Despite it being a 4×2, gravel roads can still be covered with confidence thanks to chunky tyres and generous ground clearance. Across more strenuous terrain, we did miss the locked
centre-differential 4×4 drivetrain.
On tar, the Pajero Sport is one of the better examples of the breed. The ride is firm (though softer than a Fortuner’s) and wind and road noise don’t unduly intrude. Body control is loose at higher speeds, but it doesn’t feel overly top heavy in town driving.
During performance testing, the differences between the 4×2 and 4×4 unit proved very small. From a standing start to 140 km/h, the 4×2 version has a 0,89-second advantage. During in-gear acceleration tests, this version was also ahead, while on our fuel run it showed only a 0,2-litre/100 km improvement over the all-wheel-drive Pajero Sport.
TEST SUMMARY
Although the Pajero Sport doesn’t offer the extended model range of the Chevrolet Trailblazer or Toyota’s Fortuner, the available models definitely offer rounded packages at very competitive prices.
The engine and transmission combination suits this vehicle well and the 2,5-litre is a welcome upgrade over the previous engine. The Pajero Sport deserves to sell better in an (admittedly) competitive, brand-concious market segment.
Keyword: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2,5 Di-D 4×4 AT