6 Things we love about the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

By Martin Pretorius

1. That new engine is a masterpiece

The first thing which strikes you when you push the “Engine Start” button is the refinement of the all-new, all-aluminium engine. It only measures 2.4-litres in displacement, but it punches way above its size in terms of performance, and exhibits extremely good manners in spite of its gutsy power delivery. This refinement is thanks to a number of petrol-engine technologies which found their way to Mitsubishi's new 4-cylinder diesel.

For starters, the engine is equipped with sump-mounted balancer shafts, which cancel out the vibrations inherent in a big four-cylinder engine. Up top, there's variable intake camshaft timing to improve the engine's breathing across a wide rev range, and the turbo is treated to a variable-geometry setup to improve response and cut down on boost lag. All of these features combine in an engine which simply sets new standards in its class: responsive but refined, powerful yet economical.

Peak outputs are quite impressive, with 133 kW and 430 Nm on tap, but its the wide power spread which really makes its presence felt. After a moment of lag upon take-off, it takes the bit between the teeth and pulls strongly all the way up to its limiter around 3900 r/min. That's impressive enough, but offering that kind of verve while still returning realistic average fuel consumption figures in the low- 9 l/100 km bracket during the road test really demonstrates the all-round excellence of this engine.

2. The gearbox is just as impressive

We've grown accustomed to 6-speed automatics by now, but Mitsubishi decided to throw two extra cogs into the mix just for good measure. The result is an extremely wide ratio spread, with a very short first gear for a quick getaway, a very tall top gear for relaxed cruising, and another six ratios inbetween to suit absolutely any driving condition.

The gearbox programming is fortunately adept at selecting the appropriate gear, shuffling unobtrusively through its selections with neither a jerk nor hesitation, assuring a sound compromise between performance and economy. In fact, there's seldom any need to intervene via the (standard) shift paddles, although it is thoughtful of Mitsubishi to provide them.

3. It has the best 4WD system out there

Unlike any other vehicle in this class, the 4WD Pajero Sport features a full-time all-wheel-drive mode, in addition to the usual RWD and part-time 4WD modes. Its clever centre differential has a variable front-rear torque split with a default 67% rearward bias, when full-time AWD is selected via a simple rotary dial. This enables the Pajero Sport to function in AWD mode even on tarred surfaces, and comes in extremely handy when the conditions become slippery – think gravel patches or rain-slicked roads.

Should the going turn really tough, the centre differential can be locked to give the traditional 50/50 torque split in High range, with Low range extending its abilities to serious inclines and rock crawling. And on top of this, there's a rear diff lock as well, while the traction control simulates the action of a front diff lock when one of the off-road modes are selected. The result is traction without peer, whatever the surface looks like.

4.The driver aids are genuinely helpful

Standard stability control helps to keep ordinary proceedings on the straight and narrow, but that same hardware is also used to adapt the Pajero Sport to different terrains. Two buttons are mounted just behind the gear lever (next to the electronic parking brake), which respectively activate the Hill Descent Control (HDC) and select different terrain settings.

The HDC features a variable speed system, set by simply applying either the accelerator or brakes, until the driver finds the optimum speed. This function is available even in reverse gear. Meanwhile, the adjacent Terrain Selector switch tailors the programming of the gearbox, engine and traction management system to optimise traction and the drivetrain for either gravel, mud or snow, sand, or rocks.

To cap it all off, there's a very effective hill-start assistant which works both on-road and off. These features turn the Pajero Sport into an excellent off-roader for people who don't know how to off-road, because it does most of the hard work for them...

5.It's amazing off-road, but it's just as good on tar

While there's a certain appeal in manhandling a transfer case lever and clutch pedal, the Pajero Sport makes it all so much easier. Simply select a driving mode and a 4WD setting, aim it into the bush, and off you go. Approach- and departure angles are more than adequate for all but the most extreme of rock-climbing adventures, and the comparatively short wheelbase keeps its belly from bottoming out over sharp ridges.

But then you aim it down the freeway, and everything settles down into a comfortable cruise. Yes, there's still a little bit of chassis shudder to be felt on less-than-perfect surfaces, but that's endemic to all body-on-frame SUVs with live rear axles. For the rest, it soaks up large bumps without complaint, and absorbs potholes and speed bumps with nary a shrug. It's no sports car, but it's quite acceptably car-like in normal driving. Noise levels are also commendably subdued, with only a whisper from the big side mirrors intruding at high speeds.

6.All these capabilities even come at a good price

A list price which just scrapes under the R 600 000 mark (for the most expensive 4x4 variant) isn't exactly small change, but the Pajero Sport does compensate with a pretty loaded specification sheet. You'll find 6 airbags, leather seats (with electric adjustment for the driver), dual-zone climate control (with air outlets for the rear compartment), and a touch-screen infotainment system, along with USB/Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, and steering wheel-mounted buttons for the audio- and cruise control systems.

In addition, the wipers and LED headlights can turn on and off automatically, keyless entry is standard equipment, and there's a 12V power socket in the luggage compartment to power your camping fridge. Given its standard equipment, exceptional drivetrain, and all-round abilities, the Pajero Sport actually looks like great value at that price. A service plan for 5 years or 90 000 km is included.

The Pajero Sport has all the attributes necessary to become a roaring success in our market. It probably won't unsettle the Fortuner from its sales dominance, but that doesn't mean that the Mitsubishi doesn't deserve its own place in the sun. It's an unusual choice in this segment, but should really be the default choice of individualists and off-road enthusiasts, just as much as its spacious comfort and all-round abilities should make it a family favourite. Excellent work, Mitsubishi. Now let's see if the buyers will wake from their slumber and finally give this top-flight contestant the attention it deserves.