Mitsubishi Pajero was introduced in Australia in January 1983 where it was in the
vanguard of the move to refined, easy to drive suburban SUVs. It provided levels of
comfort and convenience that were unknown in moderately-priced off-roaders at that time,
yet with the macho look of a true off-roader.
Now, nearly 40 years later, Pajero is still competing strongly against a vast range of
competitors in the large SUV segment.
The current Pajero Sport isn’t a variant of the standard Pajero, now discontinued, but a
vehicle in its own right.
It comes in four variants: five-seat GLX, and seven-seat GLS, Exceed and GSR. All are
powered by a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine. GLX and GLS come with the choice of two- or
four-wheel drive, Exceed and GSR are 4WD only.
Prices range from $44,440 for a 2WD GLX to $61,440 for the 4WD GSR.
Our test vehicle was the flagship GSR model.
STYLING
Pajero Sport comes with the latest iteration of Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield styling, with the
projector headlamps positioned outside of the daytime running lights in a continuation of
the grille. The grille features a black honeycomb design.
All the exterior lights are LCD.
Depending on the variant there are up to seven body colour options, two of which, Black
Mica and White Diamond are exclusive to the GSR. It also features black exterior and
interior accents, with matching black 18-inch alloy wheels, front and rear bumper garnish,
radiator grille and roof rails. The Diamond Black GSR also gets a black roof.
INTERIOR
Inside the Pajero Sport the design is neat and functional with soft touch features adding a
premium feel. She seats large and comfortable and the steering wheel is adjustable for
both height and reach.
The centre console has a modern shape and there are lower trays in the dashboard
forward of the shift lever and under the tunnel-type floor console, allowing access from
both sides, giving improved utility and convenience.
There’s plenty of headroom in all seats and second row legroom is reasonable. The
second-row seatback can also be tilted. Third row seats, as always, are best suited for
young children.
Rear storage space in the seven-seat Pajero Sport is minimal with the third-row seats in
place although the base can by folded back allowing the back to fold perfectly flat to
expand the space up to 673 litres depending on the variant.
There’s also a shallow compartment in the floor the full width of the back with a lid to hide
smaller items from view.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Power comes from Mitsubishi’s tried-and-true 2.4-litre MIVEC direct-injection turbo-diesel
engine with outputs of 133 kW at 3500 rpm and 430 Nm at 2500 revs.
Transmission is an eight-speed automatic.
All Pajero Sport 4WD models come with Mitsubishi’s Super Select II 4WD system. There
are four drive modes: 2WD High Range, Full Time 4WD and High and Low Range 4WD
with locked centre differential. Four Off-Road modes are also available: Gravel,
Mud/Snow, Sand or Rock.
SAFETY
Standard safety features include seven airbags (front, side, curtain and driver’s knee);
ABS brakes with emergency brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake override
and emergency stop signal; stability, trailer and traction control; forward collision mitigation
system; hill start assist and descent control; adaptive cruise control; reversing camera;
rear parking sensors; and two Isofix child seat anchors.
Exceed and GSR add blind spot warning; rear cross traffic alert; lane change assist; mis-
acceleration mitigation system; adjustable speed limiter and speed limit display; multi
around monitor (optional on the GLS); and front parking sensors.
INFOTAINMENT
All models get an 8-inch colour touchscreen, upgraded to LCD in the Exceed and GSR.
The entry-level GLX comes with Bluetooth connectivity with voice control and audio
streaming; digital radio; Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring; four USB
sockets and one HDMI input; and a 4-speaker sound system.
GLS adds two extra speakers and integrated satellite navigation. Exceed and GSR also
get an 8-speaker premium sound system together with access to a smartphone app which
allows a range of features to be operated from outside the vehicle including tailgate
opening; vehicle status check; fuel consumption check; car finder function; set-up
notification and Apple watch connectivity.
DRIVING
Pajero Sport is a large vehicle so getting into it can be a task for smaller occupants
although a side step and grab handle should alleviate the problem. Variants above the
GLX also come with a powered tailgate and a kick-motion sensor.
As with most of its direct competitors Pajero Sport is built on a utility platform, in this case
the Mitsubishi Triton with which it also shares the same engine. So, there’s plenty of grunt
when needed and semi-serious off-road credentials but still smooth and comfortable on
the bitumen.
Towing capacity is 3100 kg.
Around town it has a tight, for its class, turning circle of 11.0 metres. Power assist has
been calibrated to reduce steering effort when stationary or at low speeds while providing
greater feedback at higher speeds.
The Pajero Sport offers an easy, relatively refined drive with a nice blend of power and
control. Given its real off-road capability it is not as compliant or gentle as those bitumen-
only SUVs but it’s certainly comfortable enough.
Fuel consumption is listed at 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres, we averaged 9.6 L/100 km.
SUMMING UP
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a genuine all-rounder that’s equally at home carrying out
domestic duties in the urban environment where it’s likely to spend most of its time, as it
will be in demanding off-road territory that would stop its softer rivals.
It’s well-priced and comes with Mitsubishi’s well-promoted 10-year warranty – provided
that its always serviced at a dealership and doesn’t travel more than 200,000 kilometres in
that period. Otherwise, it drops to five years and 100,000 km.
MODEL RANGE
GLX 2WD 2.4-litre diesel five-seat: $44,440
GLS 2WD 2.4-litre diesel seven-seat: $49,190
GLX 4WD 2.4-litre diesel five-seat: $49,440
GLS 4WD 2.4-litre diesel seven-seat: $54,190
Exceed 4WD 2.4-litre diesel seven-seat: $59,690
GSR 4WD 2.4-litre diesel seven-seat: $61,440
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your
local Mitsubishi dealer for drive-away prices.
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 7/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 8/10
SPECIFICATIONS (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4-litre turbo-diesel five-door wagon)
ENGINE:
Capacity: 2.442 litres
Configuration: Four cylinders in line
Maximum Power: 133 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
Fuel Type: Diesel
Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 8.0 L/100km
CO2 Emissions: 212 g/km
DRIVELINE: Eight-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:
Length: 4825 mm
Wheelbase: 2800 mm
Width: 1815 mm
Height: 1835 mm
Turning Circle: 11.0 metres
Kerb Mass: 2125 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity: 68 litres
BRAKES:
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Ventilated disc
STANDARD WARRANTY:
Five year / 100,000 kilometres, or 10 years / 200,000 (subject to conditions).
