Driven: 2020 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has spanned for over three generations, with its first model being first produced in 1996. Over the years, the Pajero Sport has gained some popularity but not as much as it should. In fact, it’s a very underrated big SUV, with many people turning their heads to its competitors the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest. We recently got to spend some time with the new Pajero Sport 4x4 and let’s just say that it's more than capable. Not only is it ridiculously spacious, seating seven passengers but it’s also quite comfortable.
A slightly sleek exterior
The Pajero Sport is certainly doesn’t look bad, it’s kind of sleek in its own unique way. Well, the front that is, as for the back, a little questionable. The Pajero Sport’s front grille gets the new ‘Dynamic Shield’ treatment giving it a more visually striking and modern look. It also comes standard with LED headlamps, daytime running lights, and fog lamps. As for wheels, the Pajero Sport rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and even gets repositioned side steps. Most of the outside of the Pajero Sport looks quite nice, but I do have one bit of critique, what is up with those strange taillights? Seriously Mitsubishi I thought we are leaving the old behind. The taillights certainly contribute to a box-like design in the back, not the most appealing thing to see these days.
Powering the giant
The new Pajero Sport derivatives are all powered by a 2.4-litre MIVEC Turbo-Diesel engine. It produces a moderately impressive 133kW with 430 Nm of torque. On the road, it certainly offers a smooth drive. The Pajero Sport does benefit from Mitsubishi’s advanced 8-speed automatic transmission, making for smooth gear changes and simple driving manner.
Comfortable interior
Stepping inside the Pajero Sport is quite comfortable not to mention extremely spacious. The Pajero Sport seats seven passengers making it ideal for big families planning to go on road trips. It features a range of improved luxury features, including tilt and telescopic adjustments for the steering column, as well as a multi-function leather steering wheel with audio and cruise control settings. Mitsubishi has further modernized the Pajero Sport with its new 8-inch colour LCD cluster that offers different display options and settings. It also gets an 8-inch smart link display with Apple Car Play and Android Auto for your smartphone. It seems that Mitsubishi is really aiming for a higher standard of luxury.
Safety features
In terms of safety, the Pajero Sport comes packed with the same safety features that all Mitsubishi owners have become so accustomed to. It comes with 7 airbags as well as ISOFIX child seat anchors. It also has Active safety features which can be found in all models and will even include active stability and traction control (ASTC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and an emergency brake assist system (BAS).
Verdict
The Pajero Sport is exactly what one would expect in its class, its ride quality is quite enjoyable for a bakkie-based wagon. There is really nothing that one can fault the Pajero Sport on besides its oddly box-shaped rear. Besides that, the Pajero Sport is smooth on the road, extra spacious and comfortable, in fact, this might one of Mitsubishis finest work to come out of 2020
Pricing:
Mitsubishi Sport 4x2 Auto R609 995
Mitsubishi Sport 4x4 Auto R659 995
Mitsubishi Sport Exceed R679 995
The new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport does come with a 3-year/100 000km manufacturer’s warranty and a 5-year/90 000km service plan with 10 000km service intervals.
Also worth a look: the Mitsubishi Triton and the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Mitsubishi's Value Punch in the .
FAQ
Q: What does the 2020 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport cost in South Africa?
The 2020 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport starts from around R599,995 for the base 2.4 DI-D 4x2 manual, while the top-spec 2.4 DI-D 4x4 automatic will set you back approximately R729,995, making it a competitive option against the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest.
Q: Is the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport reliable and worth buying?
The Pajero Sport is surprisingly reliable with Mitsubishi's proven 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine and comes with a 5-year/90,000km warranty, plus it offers genuine seven-seater space and proper 4x4 capability that many rivals can't match at this price point.
Q: How does the Pajero Sport compare to the Toyota Fortuner?
The Pajero Sport offers more interior space, better ride comfort thanks to its independent rear suspension, and a more refined 8-speed automatic transmission, while the Fortuner has stronger resale value and a more extensive dealer network across South Africa.
Q: What is the fuel consumption of the 2020 Pajero Sport?
Mitsubishi claims the Pajero Sport 2.4 DI-D returns around 8.0L/100km on the combined cycle, though real-world driving typically sees figures closer to 9.5-11.0L/100km depending on driving conditions and whether you're using the 4x4 system.
Should You Buy It?
The best seven-seater SUV under R750,000 in South Africa is definitely the 2020 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and yes, you should absolutely consider buying one. At R729,995 for the top-spec 4x4 automatic, it offers genuine off-road capability, acres of interior space, and that brilliant 8-speed gearbox that makes the Toyota Fortuner's transmission feel prehistoric. Sure, those taillights look like they were designed by someone's uncle at a braai, but everything else about this big SUV makes sense. The 133kW/430Nm turbodiesel has enough grunt for overtaking and towing, the ride quality is surprisingly refined, and you get proper third-row seating that adults can actually use. If you need space for the whole family plus weekend adventures, the Pajero Sport delivers serious value for money.
