2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport REVIEW | GLS And Exceed – Rugged, But Refined, Mitsubishi Gets It Right
THE NEW 2016 PAJERO SPORT IS ONE WE CAN COMFORTABLY RECOMMEND. IT IS ROOMY, COMFORTABLE AND QUIET ON-ROAD, HAS AN ENORMOUS BOOT, AND A VERY MEAGRE THIRST.
It also has a stout 2.4-litre turbo-diesel and a very well-matched eight-speed sports automatic (with paddle shifts in the GLS and Exceed models).
And, though it rides much like a conventional light-duty SUV, but with a little more 4WD 'jiggle', it can climb a wall – or cross the Simpson, or take you to The Kimberley and back.
We drove it at its international launch in Japan and came away impressed for its smoothness and refinement. We thought it then a four-star car, but reserved judgment until Australian pricing was known.
Starting at $45,000 neat for the base-spec, but very well-kitted, GLX, we’re convinced: Mitsubishi has a very good car here in its new Pajero Sport.
Vehicle Style: Heavy Duty 4X4 SUV Wagon
Price: GLX $45,000; GLS $48,500; Exceed $52,750 (plus on-road costs)
Engine/trans: 133kW/430Nm 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo-diesel/8-spd sports automatic
Fuel Economy claimed: 8.0 l/100km | tested: 8.6 l/100km
OVERVIEW
The Triton-based Challenger is gone. Tough, but coarse, it didn’t quite hit the mark for Australian buyers. Now we have the new Triton-based Pajero Sport, it is a vastly improved car on that hoary Challenger it replaces.
And, for pricing, this one is right on the money. It comes in three grades, the Pajero Sport GLX at $45,000, GLS at $48,500 and Exceed at $52,750.