Mitsubishi shows off new 2020 Pajero Sport
Mitsubishi’s more upmarket approach to widening their market has brought us a new 2020 Pajero Sport Exceed and it will be on our local line-up. The Exceed will be the new range-topping Pajero, however, Mitsubishi will be bringing two more Sport variants with it. Most changes to the standard Pajero are to the design and technology, but we will get to discuss the engine too.
“The new Pajero Sport is extremely important to Mitsubishi Motors and it ticks all the boxes to become our hero model. It is important to note that Mitsubishi Motors is taking a new direction, focusing on growing market segments and the new Pajero Sport certainly leads the way for our future.” – Nic Campbell, General Manager of Mitsubishi Motors South Africa.
A brand new front end for the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
The biggest feature of the exterior design is the grille. All Pajero Sport models will feature what Mitsubishi describes as a new chrome Dynamic Shield front grille. This much more aggressive design suits the sport title well. The chrome lining also makes us think of a hamster with full cheeks. It’s honestly more charming like that as many “Sport” titled cars tend to have unnecessary sharp angles.
There are new LED headlights with daytime running LEDs as well as fog lamps just below them. The Pajero Sport will also come with 18-inch alloy wheels and an electronic tailgate. Buyers will also have the option of only two very standard colours, White Diamond and Graphite Grey.
More comfort for up to seven people.
With an interior that seats seven, the Pajero Sport boasts a lot of comfort upgrades. Leather covers the steering wheel and seats while the automatic dual-zone air-conditioning keeps the temperature just right. Above the front seats is a sunroof and there are plenty of USB ports to go around.
At the centre of the technology are two 8-inch screens, a digital instrument display and touch screen infotainment system. This comes with Bluetooth, hands-free voice control and will come with both Apple Car Play and Andriod Auto.
2×4 or 4×4, it’s the same engine.
There are three models that get the Sport badge with a mix of 2×4 and 4×4. All three come equipped with the same engine and setup. This includes a four-cylinder 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine with peak outputs of 133 kW and 430 Nm of torque. This is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The range-topping Exceed will also only be available as a 4×4.
Going offroad was a must for the Pajero Sport, especially with the 4×4 models. It has an approach angle of 30-degrees and departure angle of 24-degrees. The 4×4 versions will be paired with Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system which will improve performance for challenging driving conditions. It comes with 4 driving settings; Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand and Rock. As standard, the Pajero Sport will also come with hill-start assist (HAS).
More standard safety features
Coming standard in all Sport models is the updated Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body construction as well as seven airbags. Linked to the infotainment are rear parking distance controls and a rear-view camera. Automatic safety features also include active stability and traction control (ASTC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist system (BAS), dusk-sensing headlights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.
South African price for the new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Exceed.
The new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has a three-year/100,000 km manufacturer’s warranty and a five-year/90,000 km service plan with 10,000 km service intervals.
- 4×2 Mitsubishi Sport: R609 995
- 4×4 Mitsubishi Sport: R659 995
- Mitsubishi Sport Exceed: R679 995
Source & images: Mitsubishi | QuickPic
