Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is the new generation of Pajero launched in 2012. The rugged SUV competes with Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai Sante Fe, Ford Endeavour and other humongous SUVs in India, although, Mitsubishi unlike Toyota is not that active in luring customers through the means of pricing, marketing and dealerships across the country. Mitsubishi has tagged this SUV a notch too higher and this would definitely not wash with Indian customers. 2012 Mitsubishi Pajero is pitched for South East Asian, South American, Latin American, South African and Russian markets.

Mitsubishi India which works in collaboration with Hindustan Motors launched Pajero in India back in 2002. Over the year, Pajero has proved its worth by winning the world’s toughest driving contest: the Dakar Rally. The new Pajero Sport has undergone a sea change from the previous Pajero. The new Pajero is basically built on Triton pick-up truck platform. Its competitor Toyota Fortuner is based on Hilux pickup platform. The SUV Pajero SFX assembles in India (Chennai) through completely knocked down units from Thailand. However, the Pajero Sport is brought as CBU. The pick-up truck derived body on ladder frame, high ground clearance, high riding double wishbone with coil springs and a stabilizer bar suspension set-up at front and three-link set-up with coil springs and stabilizer bar suspension at rear and the gap between the rear wheel arches and the tyres give it a raw SUV look.

Pajero Sport has Mitsubishi's old family grille flanked by a set of attractive clear-lens headlamps with projector beams with self-levelling. The SUV looks supreme with its tight haunches and distinctive wheel arches enclosing 17 inch wheels. Rear of Pajero Sport is dominated by Alfa Romeo-esque tail lamps. Chrome door handles complement the lushness of Pajero Sport. Even the new front chrome grille with slashed bars or either side of the Mitsubishi logo looks amazing. Round fog lamps look like two eyes and skid plate looks like the smiley face. Ground clearance of 215 mm is more than desired and gives a macho look to the SUV. Side silver step helps in easy ingress and exit from of high held Pajero Sport.

Safety gets due advantage in the new generation SUV. While driver and passenger side airbags are much expected features, Pajero is also stuffed with Anti Lock-Braking system, EBD with brake boosters, rear parking sensors, rear wash wiper and defogger. Interiors are refurbished and made similar to Outlander. The steering gets integrated audio controls and cruise controls. Electrically adjustable leather seats, rear aircon and a touch screen navigation interface are well appreciated in the Mitsubishi’s new SUV. The black and beige dual-tone colour scheme along with beige leather upholstery looks deluxe and everything including the finish of plastics is upmarket. Three rows of seat can make space for 7 passengers. An MP3 player with USB slot with a multi-trip function display that shows altimeter, barometer, outside temperature, fuel information and audio information. AC with automatic climate control for front passengers and manually controls for blower is given in the SUV for the rear passengers.  

The sole variant of Pajero Sport doesn’t uses a full time four-wheel-drive like Fortuner, it is equipped with the Super Select 4WD system similar to that on the existing Pajero which allows shifting between rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive at speeds of up to 100kmph. There is an option of locking the centre differential by which all four wheels move with similar speed and thus torque is sent the most to that wheel which has most traction. 36 degree approach angle, 23 degree break-over and 25 degree departure angles. 

The 2012 Mitsubishi Sport runs on a 4D56 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder common-rail turbodiesel engine. The rugged engine churns out 175 bhp of power at 4000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque at 2000-2500 rpm. The engine in this off-roader is mated to a 5 speed manual transmission. Mitsubishi has certainly missed on an automatic variant. The giant competitor-Fortuner, not just comes with auto gearbox but also charges less amount to customers.  So, it is going to be a tough journey for Mitsubishi to sell it Pajero in a price sensitive country like India. If at all it comes with an automatic variant and reduces the price in future it can manage to grab a few customers for itself.

The new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is available only as a diesel variant. It offers an average mileage of 11 kmpl and the fuel tank capacity is around 75 liters. The new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is powered by a 2.5 liter common rail diesel engine that produces a maximum power of 175BHP and a maximum torque of 400 Nm. This SUV certainly offers high engine performance with better fuel efficiency as compared to the previous generation of Pajero.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is available only as a diesel model with an impressive 2.5-liter engine.  This 16-valve intercooled turbocharged engine produces a maximum Power of 178 PS at 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 400 Nm at 2000 - 2500 rpm. The DOHC Common rail DI-D (4D56) Engine uses an electronically controlled injection technique that optimizes fuel dispersion within the combustion chambers. The system makes adjustments to always run at peak efficiency. The resulting controlled power output and minimum exhaust emissions ensure a superior quality of performance with outstanding fuel efficiency. The variable geometry turbo (VGT) ushers healthy power while maintaining fuel efficiency by achieving an optimal turbo aspect ratio at any given speed. The VGT reins in the power of the exhaust emissions, ensuring a constant delivery of fresh air to the engine for perfect output and performance. The intercooler allows more air to be pumped to the cylinders for more complete combustion and greater power. Positioned at the front of the radiator, this design gives Pajero Sport improved air-cooling performance.

These colors are available with all variants of Mitsubishi Pajero

The 2012 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in 15.5 kmph and can reach a top speed of about 190 kmph. This is good for a 2.5 litre diesel engine. However, the figures are not that impressive in comparison to Toyota Fortuner will adorns a 3.0 litre powerful engine. The engine is mated to just 5 speed manual transmission which is nowhere in competition to the rugged SUVs of India. However, the Super select 4WD offers the convenience of smoothly shifting between drive modes.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a pleasant SUV to watch at. For any SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), the exterior appearance matters a lot. Mitsubishi Pajero does not compromise on that front and boasts of a sturdy look on its exteriors. The new projector headlamp cluster with levelling looks very stylish and flanks the front chrome grille with slanting bars. The chrome plated vertical bar-type front grill divided in two halves to let the elevated Mitsubishi logo shine in between. The chromed outer door handles add to the beauty of the SUV. Mitsubishi has put some real effort and innovation in designing exteriors of Pajero Sport to make it a solid build SUV that does not look rugged at all. Right below this is the license plate slightly overlapping with the bumper. The headlamps are uncluttered and separated from the fog lamps below. The silver front skid plate not only provides robustness to the vehicle but also slyly enhances the elegance. It has chrome plated power door mirrors for a finished aggressive front look.

On the rear, an intermittent wiper-cum-washer and a high mounted stop lamp not only contribute to handiness but also to back beauty. The chrome plated and garnished rear license plate adds to the beauty. On the sides, black roof rails and sidesteps for all doors highlight its SUV status while power windows, metallic door handles, keyless entry and illuminated ignition key cylinder lay the impression of luxury. The choice of 17-inch light alloy wheels with front and rear mudguards is perfect for this SUV. The six choices of unique colors give some excitement to buyers. Though overall the thought put in front design does not seem the same for rest of the vehicle.

Exterior Measurements

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has been sized as a standard SUV. It extends up to 4695 mm in length, 1815 mm in width and 1840 mm in height. The ground clearance is a 215 mm while the wheelbase is 2800 mm.

View Mitsubishi Pajero Interior Pictures

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has been blessed with great interiors and exteriors. The interiors have been done carefully and the firm has made sure that passengers get a perfect and pleasurable experience during the ride. The front cabin is spacious and loaded with tons of latest features. Starting with the infotainment segment, the SUV has been equipped with Multi-mode center information display, which shows the time, date, temperature and music info. The 2 DIN touch screen stereo is fantastic accompanied with evenly spread 6 speakers for perfect music and entertainment. The air conditioning system has been installed with the smart climate control system. The AC vents have been spread out evenly so that the rear seat passengers are also be relaxed even in hot summers of India. The seats have been covered in high quality leather, which provides the entire interiors a very posh and luxurious feel. The sporty beige color further adds more charm and a lush ambience to the interiors of new Pajero Sport SUV.

Interior Comfort

There are so many features in the new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV, which add on more comfort to the SUV. The list is pretty long, but the major highlight is the Multi-mode center information display, which is a touch screen display showcasing the music information along with time, date and temperature. The SUV is accompanied with accessory socket inside floor console box, front cup holders on floor console, front door pockets with bottle holders, vanity mirror with lid for sun visors, removable cup-type ashtray, front room lamp with map lamps, sunglass pocket on ceiling that is extremely stylish and convenient, door Courtesy lamps present on all side doors and a very smart and intelligent AM/FM radio and CD player for perfect entertainment. In addition to these, Pajero Sport SUV also comes blessed with windshield sunshade, beige leather upholstered seats and rear sensors. Plenty of headroom and legroom has been provided so that tall persons don’t have any issue while driving and riding. Therefore, it can be said that the new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV not only scores high marks in its exterior and engine segments, but also manages to combine luxury with style and practicality on the inside.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport comes with a 2.5L diesel engine with a displacement of 2477cc. The DOHC Common rail direct injection feeds a high-pressure fuel supply to the cylinders in exactly the same amounts.  The fuel injection is electronically controlled and thus offers better combustion which results in the better performance of the engine. The 16-valve intercooled turbocharged engine drives a maximum power of 175 BHP at 4000 RPM and a peak torque of 400 Nm at 2000-2500 RPM which is better than the 168 BHP of maximum power and 343 Nm of maximum torque produced by the Toyota Fortuner. The 16 valve arrangement creates a more complete air/fuel mixture and steadier flow for consistent high performance. The precisely balanced roller-rocker arms and scissor gears provide exact valve timing for more powerful combustion. The engine ensures minimum exhaust emissions with a smooth drive on any kind of terrain. The average mileage of Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is 11kmpl whereas its biggest competitor Toyota Fortuner has a maximum mileage of 11kmpl.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport achieves 0-100kmph speed in about 15.5 secs only. This powerful off-roader is packed with super select Four Wheel Drive System and a five speed manual transmission and ensures a better handling than its predecessor.  It is surely an outstanding performer on all kinds of roads. The intercooler allots more air to be wired to the cylinders for complete combustion and greater power output. Laid at the front of the radiator, this design gives Pajero Sport an improved air-cooling performance. 

Mitsubishi Pajero is adorned with 15 X 7 JJ alloy wheels which gives the car a robust and a claasy look at the same time. Mitsubishi Pajero comes with a puncture proof tubeless tyre for the smooth and comfortable drive. The tyre size is 265 / 70 R 15 112 S Tubeless, which is needed in this big sized car, this kind of size helps to prevent from skidding on slippery roads and is sufficient in controlling this big size car in case of off-roading.

The 16 inch ventilated disc brakes in front and 16 inch ventilated drum-in-disc brakes are very much suitable to the SUV’s image. The hydraulic operated brakes on all 4 wheels with 2 circuits in front and split brake type at rear ensures terrific braking performance. This is combined with ABS and EBD. A double-wishbone front suspension (with coil springs and a 3-link coil spring rear suspension, both with stabilizer bars, give unmatched traction and stability as well as a high ground clearance. With on-demand 4WD for sure traction, a torsion-resistant rigid ladder frame for improved stability and durable suspensions for maximum balance, even the most forbidding terrain can be tackled with confidence. Pajero Sport utilizes thinner, lighter steel beams that provide the strength equal to thicker beams with lower weight. Built within the frame, the beams help absorb collision energy before it can reach the cabin interior, providing added protection to occupants. The Pajero Sport is designed to climb over and around the most formidable terrain. Pajero Sport's remarkably tight 5.6m minimum turning radius gives you the ability to maneuver through tight spaces with ease.

The new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV 4x4 Manual gets a thumbs-up in handling and safety department as well. The SUV is well-resourced with numerous safety features, which not only protect the car but also make sure that passengers are unharmed in case of any accident or collision. The firm has made use of high tensile steel at main locations, which create an additional rigid frame of beams along with support pillars encircling the cabin. These rigid beams save the car interiors from any damage.The Anti Lock Braking System or better known as ABS is present to control the SUV and prevent the wheels from locking up in case of emergency braking, which in turns averts skidding. The EBD or Electronic Brake Force Distribution helps the SUV by reallocations the braking force to the rear brakes whenever needed thereby facilitating swifter stops even with heavy load and passengers.

Keeping in mind passengers’ safety, Mitsubishi has smartly provided dual front SRS airbags, which means airbags have been provided for both driver and front co passenger. The three point ELR seat belts further proffer an ideal degree of crash safety. In the nutshell, the new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV 4x4 ensures complete safety of the car as well as the passengers.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is well equipped with a multi-mode center information display showing audio settings. It gets a double-DIN touch screen stereo for all the entertainment requirements. A MP3 CD player with AM/FM radio helps to tune in to your favourite number in your favourite SUV. The integrated stereo is surrounded by wooden insert which looks fabulous. Utility vehicles are mainly used for long drives and 6 speakers with 2 tweeters make the ride happy go lucky. The lather wrapped steering wheel is also provided with audio controls. USB port which is gradually becoming very common these days is also present in the glove box.