2016 Pajero Sport Review Australia - Cars Review Channel

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• published: 06 Feb 2016
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2016 Pajero Sport Review Australia The Pajero Sport sits on an all-new architecture compared to its Challenger predecessor and uses Triton-underpinnings at the front, with a new rear end from around the B-pillar rearward. In fitting with its new platform, the name has also changed from Challenger to the vehicle’s global name, Pajero Sport, placing it in the Mitsubishi lineup as a sub-Pajero offering that looks different but features the same off-road credentials. Starting from $45,000, the entry-level Pajero Sport undercuts its competitors with the automatic-only GLX, moves up to $48,500 for the mid-specification GLS and tops out at $52,750 for the Exceed. All prices exclude on-road costs. From the outside, the Pajero Sport presents with an ambitiously styled front-end. The sharp angles and swooping lines certainly help this SUV stand out from the crowd. A great deal of emphasis was placed on making the front-end look unlike anything else on the road and we reckon Mitsubishi has certainly achieved that. The rear on the other hand can take some time to become used to. The reverse Volvo look almost resembles a teardrop (Spanish gangster, anyone?) and features a progressive LED bank that actually looks pretty interesting at night. Launching with a number of accessories, the Pajero Sport is likely to be kitted out by owners wanting to personalise their ride. Buyers can opt for a bull bar, padded wheel arches and a number of other cosmetic highlights, including a functional under body protection kit for those wanting to partake in some serious off-roading. Inside the cabin it looks similar to the Triton, but features higher quality materials with a greater focus on luxury. The gear shifter has been changed for a shorter, stemmed unit and the manually operated handbrake has been swapped for an electronically controlled unit to increase space. Also new is the seven-inch infotainment system that features a host of new technology across the range. In addition to the usual AM/FM, the system also comes with DAB+ digital radio and the ability to add applications. Even better is the Apple Car Play and Android Auto functionality that works very well. A voice recognition feature allows you to use the vehicle’s onboard voice control or transfer to that of the mobile phone. There are also two USB ports for device connectivity and one HDMI port for video streaming. The doors close with a confident thud and there is plenty of leg and headroom in both the first and second rows. Even taller passengers will find the space quite cavernous. The car doesn’t feel as wide as the Everest, but there is sufficient room to comfortably fit two adults side-by-side — a third would be a squeeze. Three critical elements of the equation that are missing from the Pajero Sport are second-row air vents, a third row of seating and 12V power sockets in the second row. While a third row is available in Thailand, Mitsubishi Australia didn’t think there would be sufficient demand for a seven-seat option at launch, but says it is coming. On sealed roads, the Pajero Sport’s ride really shines. The Triton’s leaf-sprung rear-end has been swapped out for a three-link coil sprung suspension layout. The advantage is two-fold on the ride and handling front. Not only does the Pajero Sport ride softly over smooth surfaces, it also sits respectably flat through corners. Additionally, the steering remains communicative and has feel about centre, which is missing from other vehicles in this segment. The only issue that presented itself with the suspension was reverberation through the cabin following sharp bumps while on the move. A very quiet cabin atmosphere at both city speeds and highway speeds bolstered that smooth ride. There was some engine noise intrusion as the revs increased, but nothing overly noticeable. The variation between GLX, GLS and Exceed comes down to features. The Exceed comes with all of the gear and a number of safety items not seen on most of its competitors. Some of these include radar cruise control, forward crash mitigation, blind spot monitoring and a new safety technology that prevents a driver from accidentally pushing the throttle when there is an object in front of them. The feature highlights include: GLX (priced from $45,000): Dynamic shield styling 18-inch alloy wheels with 265/60R18 tyres LED headlamps, DRLs and rear combination lamps 2.4-litre MIVEC diesel engine Emissions Standard: Euro 5 8-speed automatic transmission Super Select II 4WD system Off-road Terrain Control System Hill Descent Control Hill Start Assist Trailer Stability Assist Emergency Stop Signal ABS/EBD/EBA Electric park brake Speed sensing auto door locking Keyless entry, push button start Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment Auto A/C Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA) Digital Radio (DAB) Rear view camera Reversing sensors Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0YMNkbWE39ABDUGVUnUWEQ