Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2015 Review

Mitsubishi has changed the name of its Triton-based off-roader from Challenger to Pajero Sport as it prepares to take on a wave of new hardcore off-roaders led by the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner.

The new Pajero Sport is more than a Triton wagon, with some concessions to being a passenger vehicle, including an excellent eight-speed automatic transmission.

There is a three-model line-up — GLX, GLS and Exceed — from $45,000 for the entry model. All get paddle-shifters and a rear-view camera, as well as hill descent control, trailer stability, hill start assist and emergency stop warning.

Power comes from the Triton’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel, which puts out 133kW and 430Nm.

That’s about average for the class but the inclusion of the eight-speed makes the Pajero Sport a sweet drive, with decent performance and smooth running. Gear shifts are almost imperceptible.

The Pajero Sport is a fairly tough off-road customer

Mitsubishi has re-engineered the rear suspension, opting for a more supple coil-spring setup teamed with a live rear axle. This pays dividends off-road where a live axle with its rigid differential lifts the vehicle out of holes rather than allowing the wheel to disappear up into the wheel well, as is the case with independent rear suspension.

The GLS goes a step further with a locking centre diff while the range-topping Exceed adds a locking rear diff for extra traction in demanding conditions. The lockups are activated by a console dial.

Mitsubishi has added its version of terrain response to the new Pajero Sport, offering drivers the chance to dial up different settings to suit sand, gravel, rocks, snow and mud.

Overall, the Pajero Sport is a fairly tough off-road customer. Ground clearance is ample at about 250mm while wading depth is 750mm.

It also gets a range of off-road settings, from 2WD high and 4WD high to 4WD low with partial lockup and 4WD low range with everything locked.

All that means the Pajero Sport will be able to confidently penetrate deep into rough country with the ability to get back out.

It can tow 3100kg and with the eight-speeder auto doing its job, such an undertaking should be relatively easy.

Styling changes include a new front end with LED headlights and daytime running lights. They need to fast-track the styling to the Triton.

The rear is striking with large vertical tail lights and a kicked up tail section with pronounced roof pillars. You won’t mistake the Pajero Sport for anything else.

Inside matches the outside for style though soft-touch surfaces are at a minimum and there’s a fair bit of old-school mock brushed aluminium fascia. Five seats are provided, with a third row due to be added at a later date.

It’s impressive and virtually unstoppable

Apart from the reversing camera with parking guides and sensors, Pajero Sport has smartphone integration, keyless entry and start, decent eight-speaker audio, touch screen controller and electric parking brake.

Go up the range and you’ll find extras such as dual-zone climate control, rain sensing wipers, auto headlights and full leather upholstery (from GLS up). The range-topping Exceed gains a slew of driver aids including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision mitigation and 360-degree view camera to name a few. Exceed tops out at $52,750 — a lot less than Ford’s Everest competitor.

On the road

The Pajero Sport is a much better vehicle than the previous Challenger.

The ride is soft and comfortable but it still sits flat in turns. The steering is light and it has a reasonably good turning circle. Noise and vibration are well suppressed and the vehicle seems to float along in a comfy cocoon on sealed roads.

Off-road it’s impressive and virtually unstoppable even if you do happen to get into trouble. The long travel suspension maintains a comfortable ride even on rutted roads and the big Pajero Sport has plenty of wheel articulation to get over large obstacles. The excellent Super Select 4WD system is a big plus.

Engine performance is adequate, a touch tardy off the line perhaps but otherwise good, as is fuel economy rated at about 8.0L/100km.

Capable of tackling mud, sand, snow, rocks and gravel, the Pajero Sport makes light work of off-roading. This type of vehicle is now the go-to choice if you are planning the big trip around Australia and can’t run to a LandCruiser or Prado.