India Bound, 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Unveiled in Thailand
After much anticipation and several spy images later, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has officially revealed the new Pajero Sport mid-size SUV at the world premiere in Thailand. However, we may have to wait for some more time before this new SUV reaches our shores.
Sales in Thailand would commence from this fall while MMC plans to introduce the all-new Pajero Sport sequentially in Australia, the ASEAN nations, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Russia and, as with its predecessor, to sell the new model in some 90 countries.
Design
The new Pajero Sport uses the MMC’s new “Dynamic Shield” front face design concept, a further evolution of the design nurtured in successive models of the Pajero series. The design uses both sporty and dynamic elements to give the new set it apart from conventional cross-country SUVs. The interior uses a high console proportion dashboard, as befits a larger SUV, while dynamically styled silver-finish ornamentation add to its premium feel.
Mitsubishi claims that the handling stability, ride and quietness have all been improved through optimization of the suspension and improvements to the body mounts. In addition, the new diesel engine and upgraded sound insulation also provide a significant reduction in interior noise.
New Pajero Sport uses the MMC’s new “Dynamic Shield” front face design
Interior uses a high console proportion dashboard and dynamically styled silver-finish ornamentation add to its premium feel
And then there is a space… a lot of space
Mitsubishi Multi Entertainment system sits right above the climate control
Sculpted seats add to the premium look and finish of the new Pajero Sport
Automatic Transmission, drive select and electronic parking brake gelled well together in the console
Electronic safety features such as Multi-around Monitor, Blind Spot Warning system enhance the driving experience
Illumination duties are performed by projector headlight along with LED daytime running lights
Engine
Pounding under the bonnet of the new Pajero Sport is a 2.4L MIVEC turbo diesel engine (first for a Pajero Sport). The engine is mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission (first for a Mitsubishi model) developed for the new Pajero Sport and is claimed to deliver 17-percent improvement in fuel economy over its predecessor. Mitsubishi has remained tight lipped about the power output figures. But the performance numbers for the LS200 pickup truck, with whom the Pajero Sport shares its engine, are already known. The 2.4L MIVEC turbo diesel engine on the pickup truck delivers 154 PS (113 kW) & 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) and 181 PS (133 kW) & 430 Nm (317 lb-ft).
The new Pajero Sport uses an updated version of MMC’s own Super-Select 4WD-II four-wheel drive system. This updated system, along with the new Off-road Mode (first on a Mitsubishi model), is claimed to deliver better all-terrain performance and stability as the road surface requires, and by Hill Descent Control (first on a Mitsubishi model).
Safety and Features
The new Pajero Sport comes with a comprehensive active and passive safety features. MMC’s own RISE impact safety body design and a total of seven SRS airbags handle the passive safety while the active safety features include Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM), the Blind Spot Warning system (BSW, a first on a Mitsubishi model) and the Ultrasonic misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS).
In addition the new Pajero Sport is also equipped with many advanced features such as an electric parking brake (first on a Mitsubishi model), a Multi-around Monitor and fully automatic climate control allowing different temperatures to be set for driver and front seat passenger.
Check out this video that shows the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport in action:
