The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is already one capable 7-seater bakkie-based SUV, but the Arctic Trucks treatment takes it to another level entirely.

Bakkie-based SUVs are a popular segment in South Africa. With the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Isuzu MUX, and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport all featuring 7-seats and impressive offroad capability, it’s no wonder they sell in commendable numbers.

The 4×4 capability of these products is already excellent, with only the challenging of offroad situations being able to blunt progress. Arctic Trucks has a stellar reputation for making offroad-focused upgrades on both bakkies and SUV, and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is the latest product to receive the treatment.

Officially it is called the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport AT35 and the first thing you’ll notice is the tyres. These specific tyres are dedicated all-terrain units. To accommodate the massive 315/70 R17 wheels, there are fender extensions There has been a big uprade in the suspension department too, and this sees the vehicle sit higher, with the claim being 270 mm of ground clearance.

Being higher off the ground means you can clear obstacles and the offroad claimed numbers show a marked improvement in comparison to the standard vehicle. There’s a 34.5-degree approach angle (standard car 30 degrees), and a 28.8-degree departure angle (standard car 24.2 degrees).

Arctic Trucks did not touch the engine. For the South African market, the Pajero Sport is offered in a 3-model lineup which all share the 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel 4-cylinder motor. This produces 133 kW and 430 Nm, paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Prices start from R655 000. The Pajero Sport received a meaningful facelift in 2020which saw the introduction of a range-topping 4×4 Exceed derivative.

View the latest Mitsubishi Pajero Sport specs and prices.

Further Reading

2024 Mitsubishi Triton spotted

7-Seater SUV Buyer’s Guide