Pajero Sport

Decent sized wagon, heavy tow-capacity, and some serious off-ride ability.

With impressive active and passive safety credentials, highly-competitive pricing, a spacious, seven-seat interior and cushy, fuel-saving on-road behavior, Mitsubishi’s Pajero Sport 2017 has been creating quite a stir in the SUV market of Nepal.  It possess a light body and the smallest engine with the most satisfactory economy, emissions and the best towing capacity.  Because of all these positive features, this off-road beast has been able to accumulate a strong following.

Engine and Transmission

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2017 has single engine and transmission combination with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, driving all four wheels through an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The alloy block engine features some tricky gear including variable valve timing and common rail fuel injection, as well as a variable geometry turbocharger and electronic throttle control.

It has managed pretty well in both power-weight and torque-to-weight ratios. Maximum torque (430Nm) arrives at 2500rpm, with peak power (133kW) taking over at 3500rpm. The mileage is estimated to be 8.0L/100km and the fuel tank capacity is 68 liters. A refined Aisin eight-speed automatic transmission is completed with effective paddle shifters, that has the ratio spread to fill-in any gaps between gears. The transmission includes a sport setting as well as an adaptive control system with modes to enhance shift mapping uphill as well as a ‘throttle release control’.

Shift mapping uphill is distinctly used when towing whereas throttle release control temporarily prevents upshifting when the accelerator pedal is released to provide engine braking and maximize engine response when you get back on the gas.

Interior and Features

One of the strongest points of Pajero Sport is its ample storage space. There is a decent glovebox, good sized cup holders, a pair of mini storage slots next to the inside legs of those up front, and good door pockets with bottle holsters. Head and legroom are generous across the front and middle row seats. Cargo space is jumbo size, with 673 liters available with the second row seat up, and 1624 liters with it folded flat (which can be done easily via a simple tether pull arrangement).

The features included in Mitsubishi Pajero Sport are keyless entry with push button ignition, Smartphone Link Display Audio for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, DAB radio, six-speaker audio, reversing camera and rear parking sensors, the Super Select II console-switchable 4WD system, a well dual-zone air-conditioning for second and third row passengers, leather trim, electric front seats, cruise control, leather bound steering wheel and gear knob, rain-sensing wipers, LED auto headlights and an electrochromatic rear view mirror. There are dual USB inputs: a HDMI input, and a 12-volt outlet in the center console bin. The 7.0-inch touchscreen is a differentiating factor with a nice, crisp display and very logical menu system. It also has the requisite Bluetooth phone and audio streaming capabilities along with extended connectivity for Apple iPhone users. Although there is a GPS function that provides exact longitude and latitude, satellite navigation system is missing so you’ll need to rely on your phone maps for that.

Safety

The Pajero Sport is loaded with incredible safety features. It packs a spectacular array of active safety tech including ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist, active stability and traction control, a rear view camera, as well as trailer sway control. There are seven air bags, one each in front of driver and front passenger, two on the side, two on side curtain and one on the driver’s knee. There are LATCH child seat locating points on the outer two positions of the middle row seat, with a top tether hook fixed in the roof for the center.

The macho SUV also comprises standard low-speed autonomous emergency braking (AEB), radar cruise control, bird’s-eye-view parking cameras, blind-spot sensor and an “ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system” which reduces the chance and severity of hitting obstacles when the driver mistakenly presses the accelerator when stationary or at speeds up to 10km/h.

Driving

If you like to take a commanding driving position, Pajero Sport will definitely impress you with its tall height. You might even find yourself literally looking down on other SUV drivers.

Another strong impression is a degree of diesel clatter at start-up and in the lower rev range. The noise diminishes rapidly as speed rises. The all-coil Mitsubishi competently rides some off-the-beat-track stretches of road, generously swallowing up bumps, puddles and undulations.

Braking is by discs all around (ventilated front), and they deliver progressive and firm stopping power. Suspension is independent by double wishbones at the front, with a three link set-up on a rigid axle at the rear, while the standard wheel/tyre combination comprises fat 18-inch alloys shod with 265/60 Bridgestone Dueler H/T rubber.

Overall, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2017 delivers excellent value for comfort, capacity and outlook, and is the perfect ride to feed your sporty soul.

If you like to take a commanding driving position,
Pajero Sport will definitely impress you with its tall height. You might even find yourself literally looking down on other SUV drivers.