Sportier than thou
It is not very often that I get enamoured with a test vehicle. There are however times when you dread the return date, not wanting to let go of the keys because you have found” THE ONE”, instances where you find yourself pouring over your personal finances to see if can get it financed because you simply must have it.
Related: Top 3 things you need to know about the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
The Pajero Sport 4x4 Exceed is that vehicle for me, truly a diamond in the rough, excelling at just about everything but always being relegated by consumers to last pick. Why is this? Well, allow me a few minutes of your time and I’ll tell you.
Styling
The Pajero has very unassuming styling almost to the point of being bland as such it blends in seamlessly with its 7 seater brethren. There are a few standouts such as the chrome grille, LED lighting front and rear and stylish 18” wheels that give it 218mm of ground clearance but on the whole there is nothing very special on the outside. This is most likely why consumers tend to head towards the more well known brands.
The Drive
This is the area that the Pajero truly excels at. The vehicle is surefooted and planted without seeming heavy and wallowy. Although it has the dimensions of large 7 seater SUV, it behaves more like a sport sedan. The steering is on point, easy in tight parking lots but firming up when you hit the highway thus ensuring a direct feel. The Pajero wafts along at speed, soft and compliant, lending to feeling that you are piloting your favorite couch around town. It must be said though, the Sport in the name is there for a reason, when you usher it along it picks up its skirts and hustles, even becoming a little tail happy on wet corners.
Performance
The sportiness comes from the 2.4 litre in-line four, turbo diesel engine, pumping out 133kW and 430Nm. That power is sent through an 8 speed auto transmission and the Super Select II AWD system. This ensures that even if the rear breaks traction momentarily in a wet corner, the system pulls it back in the blink of an eye. The power delivery is the most impressive, it's linear with the gear ratios, this ensures the engine never sounds like its over revving, even when you are towing 2.7 ton's unbraked or 750kg braked,
Space and Comfort
The Pajero Sport borders on all out luxury featuring keyless entry, a power tailgate, rain sensing auto wipers, auto lights, auto dimming rearview mirror, sunroof, leather seats and a 3rd row that folds flat into the floor. As far as technology is concerned there is a 7” touchscreen infotainment featuring Apple Car Play and Android Auto controlled by a multi function steering wheel that is height and reach adjustable as well as the standard Bluetooth and voice control for telephony. There is also a compliment of USB ports and a 220v AC outlet for larger use.
Interior space is cavernous with legroom and space for 5 adults as well as all their luggage with the 3rd row down. Put the 3rd row up and your luggage space decreases to 131l and it must be said that the third row seating is really only usable by children or persons of a smaller stature.
Safety
The aforementioned AWD system ensures that all four wheels remain in contact with the road but it is the inboard safety that really counts. You get 7 airbags, duel front, side, head and knee, as well as a reverse camera. There is also park distance control and ISOfix where it counts. The Pajero Sport scored 5 stars in the ANCAP testing with high scores for adult and child crash protection.
Fuel Consumption
The Pajero returned consumption figures that were very close to the claimed 8.1l /100km, with combined driving, we got 8.9l /100km.
Price
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4 DI-D 4x4 Exceed will cost you R704 995 and with that you get a 3 year /100 000km warranty and a 5 year / 90 000km service plan.
Verdict
In short, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is brilliant, far outclassing its competitors in drive and comfort. Where it falls short is in brand awareness and bias. Those who know Mitsubishi's products know that these are multi-generational vehicles that stay within families for years, even decades. Unfortunately there are many consumers who will head straight for the more well known brands such as Toyota and Ford and are really missing out on something special. I urge you to take one of these for a proper test drive if you are in the market for a large SUV. You won't be dissapointed!
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