Mitsubishi Pajero Sport range gets a facelift and a new flagship

It’s a pity that worldwide demand for the Mitsubishi Pajero has dwindled to the point where its manufacturer has to pull the plug on this legendary nameplate, but such is the march of time and progress. Fortunately, Mitsubishi has another off-road-capable SUV in their arsenal, which will slot into the Pajero’s traditional market position in the future: the Pajero Sport. Launched locally in 2017, the current-generation Pajero Sport has already enjoyed a (mostly safety-related) range refresh in 2018, but the latest round of revisions is somewhat more comprehensive.

Related: Need a reminder of just how capable the “big” Pajero is? Check out this video review!

 

What’s new?

For starters, the Pajero Sport gets new styling elements all round. The front bumper/grille assembly is redesigned (and located slightly higher than before), to emphasise Mitsubishi’s current “Dynamic Shield” design language, and now includes cornering lamps as well as the LED headlamp clusters that have always been present.

Down the flanks, keen-eyed observers will notice new 18-inch alloy wheels and re-located side steps (enhancing both appearance and off-road capability). Meanwhile, the rear end’s styling benefits greatly from redesigned (smaller) vertical LED light strips on each side of the tailgate and a new bumper. It still looks unusual, but it’s not quite as weird-looking from behind as it used to be.

Related: Six things we love about the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

What hasn’t changed?

Underneath, it is still the excellent Pajero Sport to which we’ve grown accustomed over the past few years, with a smooth, potent, and refined 2.4-litre turbodiesel and an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox used in all derivatives. The powertrain unit is especially pleasing to use, and offers performance and efficiency that punches far above its weight class.

The entry-level Pajero Sport is still rear-wheel driven, but there are now two 4x4 derivatives from which to choose. They both use Mitsubishi’s peerless “Super Select II” all-wheel drive system, which offers a choice between RWD, full-time AWD (with a variable front/rear torque split), 4WD High (with a locked centre differential), and 4WD Low (with a low-range transfer case). 

This versatile AWD system is hands-down the most advanced in its class, and operates seamlessly alongside the host of driver aids fitted as standard to both 4x4 variants. Highlights include speed-adjustable hill descent control, a terrain response selector (which optimises the torque distribution and gearbox- and engine programming for various surfaces), and hill-start assist which works while driving forwards as well while reversing. In this market segment, there’s literally nothing else with as many off-road helpers or an equally-capable AWD arrangement.

Related: Test driving a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport? Check out these features!

 

Adding luxury and even more toys

It’s not as though the current-generation Pajero Sport was ever a stripped-out econobox in any trim, but the new flagship variant slathers on even more niceties. Standard features across the range include an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with full smartphone mirroring, auto-on/off headlights and wipers, rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera, a digital instrument cluster, electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, and dual-zone climate control with separate outlets and controls for the rear seating rows. All Pajero Sports now also benefit from added USB ports (two new ones for the rear seats), and a 220V/150W power outlet in the luggage area.

On top of this comprehensive “basic” spec sheet, the new “Exceed” trim level adds a powered tilt/sliding sunroof, an electrically-operated tailgate with two “kick sensors”, and remote-control connectivity via the Mitsubishi App (which can control the tailgate from your smartphone, amongst other features). All this, for a price premium of only R 20 000...

These enhancements not only make the updated Pajero Sport nicer to look at and to live with, but they also elevate this model’s standard equipment list to help it replace the old “proper” Pajero. But, even with all these enhancements, the range’s pricing remains competitive, running from R 609 995 (4x2) to R 679 995 (4x4 Exceed), which remains great value for money in a hotly-contested market segment. 

Related: Six must-have accessories for the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

 

Range and prices:

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 4x2 Auto: R 609 995

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 4x4 Auto: R 659 995

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Exceed 4x4 Auto: R 679 995

Included in the list prices are a warranty for 3 years or 100 000 km, and a service plan for 5 years or 90 000 km.

 

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