HomeCar NewsNew Mitsubishi Pajero Sport showcased at 2017 Bangkok Motor Show

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport showcased at 2017 Bangkok Motor Show

New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has been showcased at the 2017 Bangkok Motor Show. Known by various other names (including Montero) in international markets, the 7-seat ladder frame premium SUV has clearly moved upmarket to satisfy ever growing demand of customers.

Sharing the underpinnings with its pickup sibling, Triton, new SUV benefits from flamboyant exterior design details and spruced up interior. Right now, Pajero Sport is the only product sold by the brand in India and the next iteration is expected to make it to our shores later this year.

Exterior

Next gen SUV looks much more aggressive than its predecessor although it retains the basic shape. The front fascia with its signature chrome highlighted X motif (grille, secondary air dam, headlamps, floglights combined) and a contoured bonnet make for a sporty appeal.

The profile is characterized by a long silhouette, a belt line which has a gap in the middle, accentuated wheel arches and a sleek daylight opening which sweeps upward towards the rear. The rear fascia sports massive waterfall LED taillights, generously proportioned windshield and a chrome strip above license plate enclosure.

Overall design with abundance of chrome would appeal to younger customers, especially in Asian markets.

Dimensions

The SUV retains its wheelbase and width of 2,800 mm and 1,815 mm respectively but its 90 mm longer than the outgoing model at 4,785 mm and is 35 mm shorter in height at 1,805 mm. The ground clearance is increased by 13 mm to 218 mm.

Interior

The dashboard design is derived from new Triton but has more premium appeal to it, thanks to the silver accents and a plethora of features including a touchscreen multimedia infotainment system. New four-spoke multifunction leather wrapped steering wheel, instrument binnacle, modern looking centre console are the highlights.

The fully loaded variant comes with black leather seats which could be changed to beige in the India-spec variant. In comparison, new Pajero Sport’s interior is a much better place to be in than the current car.

Features

Mitsubishi has packed its flagship SUV with enough features to take the fight towards all-new Toyota Fortuner which has also moved upmarket. The equipment list includes 7 airbags, ABS with EBD, Stability Control, powered driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, Blind Sport warning, powered driver seat adjustment, multi-around mirror technology with 4 cameras, touchscreen infotainment system with split screen display (for driver and passenger), wireless infrared headphone, Forward Collision Mitigation system, LED headlamps and taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels, disc brakes on all the four wheels and so on.

Engine and gearbox specs

A 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine comes as standard across the range. Mitsubishi has pleasantly surprised the market by introducing a new 8-speed automatic transmission. The motor produces 181 PS and 430 Nm of torque which are dispersed to all the four wheels via a Super Select 4WD system.

The motor is claimed to be a good 17% more fuel efficient than its predecessor and emits less that 200 gm of CO2 per km.

Variants and prices

  • 2.4 GLS – 1,138,000 bahts (around INR 20.82 lakhs)
  • 2.4 GT – 1,250,000 bahts (around INR 22.87 lakhs)
  • 2.4 GT 4WD – 1,450,000 bahts (around INR 26.51 lakhs)

Rivals

In the Indian market, the latest Mitsubishi SUV will lock horns with promising new ladder frame SUVs which also have their roots derived from rugged pickup trucks. Primary rivals will be new Toyota Fortuner, new Ford Endeavour and Chevrolet Trailblazer.

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