Mitsubishi Teases Next-Gen Pajero Sport, Global Debut on August 1!

Mitsubishi has released the very first official teaser of the next-gen Pajero Sport. The SUV will make its global debut next month on August 1 in Thailand at Bangkok International Grand Motor Sale. The launch is expected later this year in neighbouring countries while Indian debut is likely to happen next year or early 2017. Mitsubishi might showcase it at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo.

In terms of the design, the shadowy image reveals that the next-gen Pajero will feature the Mitsubishi’s new ‘Dynamic Shield’ design language - sporting a large ‘X’ shaped grille and swept back sleeker headlamps. The 2016 Outlander facelift also features the same design language. Moreover, it also features the same LED daytime running lights found in the facelift Outlander (see Outlander’s image down below).

Like before, the new gen Pajero will also share the platform with its pick-up sibling Triton, which was revealed last year. But unlike the previous-gen Triton which was identical to the Pajero Sport, the 2016 SUV will be different this time compared to the pick-up (see Triton’s image down below).  

Mechanically, it is expected that the 2016 Pajero will get a new 2.4-litre MIVEC diesel engine from the 2015 Triton/L200 instead of the current 2.5-liter unit. The new oil burner is powerful and efficient than the existing one. The 4-cylinder unit muster a whisker over 180 hp and 430 Nm of max twist. Moreover, transmission options will also be updated in the new Pajero and automatic will be offered just like the current car.  

Now, the interesting bit is that the entire segment will be overhauled by the time Pajero enters India. As it will be squared-off against the next-gen Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner along with the facelifted Hyundai Santa-Fe.