You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
NEW CAR REVIEW<br />
By Ross Kiddie<br />
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport<br />
Price: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport,<br />
$58,990<br />
Dimensions: Length, 4825mm;<br />
width, 1815mm; height, 1835mm<br />
Configuration: Four-cylinder,<br />
four-wheel-drive, 2422cc, <strong>13</strong>5kW,<br />
437Nm, eight-speed automatic.<br />
Performance: 0-100km/h, 10.5sec<br />
Fuel usage: 8l/100km<br />
Such is the demand for sport utility<br />
vehicles, motor vehicle manufacturers have<br />
recognised the need for those which have<br />
genuine off-road capability.<br />
Sure, there are many SUVs which are<br />
capable off-the-seal, but there are some<br />
that are better than most, those that are<br />
based on ute platforms, ie: ladder chassis<br />
and live rear axle.<br />
The benefit of that type of construction<br />
is not just high ground clearance, but<br />
they also have the ability to put power to<br />
ground through low ratio transfer cases and<br />
lengthy rear axle articulation.<br />
There are several ute-based SUVs in the<br />
Kiwi market, and in terms of sales, Ford’s<br />
Everest, Toyota’s Fortuner, Holden’s<br />
Trailblazer and Mitsubishi’s Pajero Sport<br />
are the shakers and movers.<br />
This evaluation focuses on the latter, and<br />
the Triton-based seven-seat SUV has just<br />
had a bit a revamp, there are a host of<br />
new features and an interior rejig so that<br />
comfort levels are enhanced.<br />
In terms of specifics, the exterior has had<br />
some cosmetic changes up front, they<br />
provide a solid, more powerful look. Inside<br />
there are new display graphics, greater<br />
storage facility, and soft touch padding has<br />
been added to the extremities.<br />
One of the most notable new features is the<br />
powered tailgate which can be operated<br />
by waving a foot under each side of the<br />
rear bumper – this feature was great for<br />
loading the hefty cricket gear bag I use for<br />
coaching my year 7 Sydenham team.<br />
Interestingly, the Pajero Sport is available<br />
now in only one specification, and that<br />
is high grade VRX. It is listed now at just<br />
$58,990, which makes it a most appealing<br />
purchase; not only do you get a lot of<br />
vehicle for that price, it is finished with all<br />
the goodies that characterise high-grade<br />
Mitsubishi product.<br />
It is swimming in features way too<br />
numerous to mention, but to list just a few,<br />
there are heated seats (full leather and<br />
electrically adjustable), paddle shifters<br />
and a clever new electronic remote<br />
control device which will link to an owner’s<br />
cellphone. It enables automatic opening of<br />
the tailgate when approaching the vehicle.<br />
Mechanically, little has changed with the<br />
Pajero Sport other than a few electronic<br />
tweaks to the driveline and four-wheeldrive<br />
system. The Super-Select 4WD-II<br />
system has long proven itself in Triton,<br />
and I consider it one of the best in this<br />
type of vehicle.<br />
Under the bonnet sits a 2.4-litre, fourcylinder,<br />
turbocharged diesel engine rated<br />
by Mitsubishi at <strong>13</strong>5kW and 437Nm. It is a<br />
real powerhouse and drives through the<br />
sophistication of an eight-speed automatic<br />
gearbox. The engine/gearbox combination<br />
is rather special, especially so with the<br />
number of ratios, there is almost seamless<br />
gearing offering the best structures for<br />
both off-road challenges and smooth<br />
momentum for the everyday commute.<br />
Of course, the Pajero Sport also gets a<br />
seriously low ratio transfer system for when<br />
those four-wheel-drive tracks beckon.<br />
The test car was showing only 333km<br />
when I picked it up from the dealership;<br />
that being the case, I was reluctant to<br />
take it off-road for fear of damage and/<br />
or getting it too dirty. However, as good<br />
fortune had it, I offered to take my son to<br />
a rural property in Lansdowne Valley to<br />
pick up some PlayStation games he had<br />
purchased off Trade Me.<br />
The house was located up a private<br />
driveway which meandered for several<br />
Page 22<br />
kilometers on a steep hill. The accessway<br />
was mostly sealed bar for some deep ruts<br />
and broken surfaces. The Pajero Sport<br />
easily conquered the challenge in two<br />
wheel-drive, but what was most impressive<br />
was the way the suspension kept wheel<br />
contact to ground, as well as offering high<br />
interior comfort.<br />
Steering feel was constantly<br />
communicative, and turn in direct through<br />
huge Toyo tyres (265/60 x 18in). On the<br />
steep descent it was also good to know<br />
that the brakes were up to task. That<br />
journey was a good test for the Pajero<br />
Sport, and even though the engine was<br />
still quite tight, it made easy work of the<br />
steep incline.<br />
In terms of performance, against the<br />
clock the Pajero Sport will accelerate to<br />
100km/h from a standstill in 10.5sec, and is<br />
comfortable with a 6.5sec highway overtake<br />
(80km/h to 120km/h).<br />
On the subject of figures, the Pajero Sport<br />
is also listed with a 3100kg tow rating and<br />
218mm ground clearance.<br />
At highway speed it cruises comfortably<br />
with little sound intrusion, there is just a<br />
subdued diesel throb under load, but that is<br />
no louder than any of its competition.<br />
There’s been a lot of fresh product landing<br />
from Mitsubishi in recent months, Triton,<br />
ASX and Outlander have all had a refresh,<br />
along with Pajero Sport.<br />
There’s also genuine enthusiasm at the<br />
local dealership, and with a comprehensive<br />
and dynamic product range on the<br />
showroom floor, it’s going to be a heady<br />
time for those under the Mitsubishi<br />
umbrella in this country.
Change language