Mitsubishi has unveiled an updated Pajero Sports SUV featuring a few cosmetic changes and interior revisions as well as a more powerful common rail turbo diesel engine with improved fuel consumption and lower emissions. The 2014 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, as a contender against the popularToyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Nissan Pathfinder and Chevrolet Trailblazer, is expected to be more competitive with lower pricing and even better stylish rugged looks.

Powerful new engine with Variable Geometry Turbocharger

The new generation engine replaces the previous 3.3-litre power unit with a more powerful 2.5-litre unit that delivers an increased 131kW of power at 4000 rpm and maximum torque that moves up from 343Nm to a healthy 400Nm at the same engine speed of 2000 rpm. Models using the 5-speed automatic transmission will have a torque figure of 350Nm at 1800 rpm.

The engine uses a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) that works to optimise the turbine flow rate in order to achieve high torque at low speeds and maximise power at high speeds.

Fuel consumption for the manual version is a claimed 7.8-litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of 206 g/km, and 8.5-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 225 g/km for the automatic.

Super select with rear differential lock

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport comes with 215mm ground clearance and departure angles of 36 and 25 degrees. 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.The Super Select 4WD lets you move from smooth 2H mode highway performance to rugged 4H mode traction without breaking stride, and offers a convenient shift-on-the-fly of up to 100km/h.

Stylish rugged design features

Designed to “perform best through natures toughest terrains”, the Pajero Sport features a revised front grille, bumper and tail lights, redesigned 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear licence plate garnish, as well as body colour door handles and electric rear view mirrors – which incorporate repeater indicator lenses. The Pajero Sport models will be available in a choice of five colours which include Eison Grey Mica, Cool Silver Metallic, Quartz Bronze Metallic, Medium Red and White Pearl.

The model further benefits from plenty of interior space, featuring seven seats and luggage space of 1149 litres with the third row of seats folded flat. The seats are covered in black leather, while the steering wheel is also leather lined and incorporates multi-function switches, including cruise control, Bluetooth control and audio control.

Additional features include climate control with separate rear controls, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control and a six-speaker touch-screen audio system with reverse camera, six airbags and Active Stability and Traction Control.

2014 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Price

Prices start at R435 900 for the manual and R445 900 for the automatic, featuring a three-year/100 000km warranty and five-year/90 000km service plan.

2014 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Gallery