IF you are looking for a big 4×4, a thoroughbred pedigree, comfort galore, then the latest facelift Mitsubishi Pajero Sport will be the perfect driving partner, providing outstanding value for money in its range of vehicles.
Woema got behind the wheel of the refreshed edition this week, which just landed at M&Z Mitsubishi Motors, and with more time permitting, could have driven the Cape to Cairo, so relaxing was the drive.
With its revised next generation 2, 5-litre common rail turbo diesel engine which replaces the previous 3.2-litre power unit, it offers improved fuel consumption and lower emissions, with increased power output and maximum torque.
Already a big performer at low engine revolutions, the Pajero Sport boosts power from 120kW at 3 500r/min to 131kW at 4 000r/min, while the maximum torque reading moves up from 343N.m at 2 000r/min to 400N.m at the same engine speed in the manual transmission model.
There is only one spec level and it’s indulgently kitted with leather seats, climate control with separate rear controls, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control and a six-speaker touch-screen audio system with reverse camera. Safety highlights include six airbags and Active Stability and Traction Control.
This full size seven-seater has plenty of interior room, which is a versatile contender for both passengers and luggage, with the third row of seats folding flat to provide more loading space. Ground clearance on these 4x4s is also very impressive, especially for us girls who like to park on pavements.
The exterior appearance of the new model features a number of enhancements, with aggressively styled look for the 17” alloy wheels.
Both gearboxes are 5-speed units, with the automatic transmission being an all-new product with paddle shifts if the driver wants to shift gears manually. The renowned Super Select 4×4 system is used to control the 4×4 system drive facility of the Pajero Sport. The system provides a choice of four different driving modes, 2H, 4H, 4HLc and 4LLc to suit almost any terrain, and when the going gets tough you can always engage the rear differential lock. With shift-on-the-fly the Pajero Sport can easily change from 2WD mode to 4WD mode at speeds up to 80km/h thanks to the Super Select 4×4 System.
More important are the additional safety features in the new models are active stability and traction control, six airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake distribution (EBD), as well as Mitsubishi’s characteristic RISE safety cell body structure.
The latest Pajero Sport models will be available in a choice of five handsome colours: Eison Grey Mica, Cool Silver Metallic, Quartz Bronze Metallic, Medium Red and White Pearl.
When one looks at the Mitsubishi’s features and overall capability on offer for the price, it is a compelling deal and well worth a place on your 4×4 shopping list. The pricing at N$435 900 for the five-speed manual and N$445 900 for the five-speed automatic model – undercutting is competitors. Into the deal the Pajero Sport is covered by a 3-year/100 000km warranty and 5-year/ 90 000km Service Plan.
By Donna Collins