Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited has just launched the updated Pajero Sport as part of their 2020 offering. This third-generation model has been with us since 2015 and its Mitsubishi’s answer to the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, Toyota Fortuner and Holden Trailblazer.
“This new Pajero Sport doesn’t only bring a facelift, it offers improvements to practical use. There are a number of small, subtle changes in this new model that add up to deliver a better ownership experience” said Owen Thomson, Senior Manager, Product Strategy at Mitsubishi Motors Australia
As mentioned, the 2020 Pajero Sport isn’t radically new but the brand claims it builds on its already strong premise as a capable seven-seater off-roader which now boasts refinements added to it such as: visual improvements to the exterior, newly-added tech and other premium features.
Starting with the exterior, the Pajero Sport now receives the brand’s Dynamic Shield design language upfront which in this case means a re-sculpted front grille and a slightly higher bonnet. The headlights are now LED and feature new Daytime Running Lights. The rear tail lamps are now slightly smaller than before. Rounding off the changes to the exterior are a set of 18-inch alloy wheels with a six twin-spoke design.
Inside, all variants of the Pajero Sport get an 8-inch centre display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but only the range-topping Exceed gets an 8-inch digital instrument cluster behind the wheel and satellite navigation.
Further, the new Sport receives an Automatic Electric Parking Brake, which when activated, automatically engages when the car is put into Park. Shifting the gear selector out of Park then disengages the automatic parking brake. The Auto Hold works in tandem with this system. Once activated and in gear (Drive or Reverse), the auto hold will disengage the moment the driver presses the accelerator.
The Exceed gets variant-exclusive features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, 360-degree camera with Obstacle Alert, a powered tailgate with kick sensor under the bumper and the Mitsubishi Remote Control App which controls several features and can be used with a smartwatch, which for example, can open the tailgate.
In terms of propulsion, the Sport carries over its 133kW and 430Nm 2.4-litre turbodiesel powerplant from the previous car. However, the brand says they’ve swapped out the iron engine block for a lighter aluminium alloy one instead.
The MIVEC-fitted lump still gets a variable-geometry turbocharger which can which vary the effective aspect ratio of the turbine depending on the load. The four-cylinder is still mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
The Sport gets the Super Select 4WD-II system which not only electronically switches between driving modes but can also split engine torque 40 percent to the front and 60 percent to the back when in 4WD mode.
In terms of safety, the Sport gets tech such Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and (only on the Exceed) Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System. All variants of the Sport will get 7 SRS airbags fitted as standard.
- GLX 5-seat auto - $45,990
- GLS 5-seat auto - $52,490
- GLS 7-seat auto - $53,990
- Exceed 7-seat auto - $59,990
Prices quoted are drive-away. For more information on Mitsubishi and the Pajero Sport, please visit our Showroom.
