ABOVE THE CROWD |
Of the slew of bakkie-based SUVs South Africans can choose from, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is undoubtedly the most distinctive. With two models available in the marque’s upmarket Aspire trim, it also adds loads of street cred to an already competent package.
In March, Mitsubishi announced that it intends to deck out some of its most popular cars in the brand’s bespoke ‘Aspire’ livery. The first to don what the company describes as trim that “symbolises superior sportiness and technology” are two models in the keenly-priced Pajero Sport range – in either 4×2 or 4×4 guise.
Aspire is to Mitsubishi what N-Series is to Hyundai – a cosmetic way of enhancing the brand’s appeal while, in the case of the Pajero Sport Aspire, also raising the value bar.
The Pajero Sport is one of the most overlooked SUVs in the local market. This is a great pity, as it easily meets (and often exceeds) the abilities of its body-on-frame segment rivals like the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X. So good is the Pajero Sport that it officially outsold all but the Fortuner in its class in May this year.
ASPIRE TO INSPIRE
Limited edition Aspire models are distinguished by cosmetic additions that are not available on others in the Pajero Sport range, including a striking Dynamic Shield front end design, unique Jet Black or White Diamond exterior finishes, a two-tone roof in black, and a black rear spoiler. There are also black roof rails, an oversized black grille, and 18” black multi-spoke alloy wheels. Inside the cabin, Aspire models boast black leather seats, power settings and newly-added power lumbar support for the driver’s seat, as well as one-touch electric windows all-around.
Although Aspire models don’t get additional cabin luxuries or safety specs over their siblings (seven airbags and ISOFIX child seat anchors), there is enough comfort and technology as standard to deliver a plush yet formidable ride.
Should you opt for the 4×4 version we had on test, you get the legendary 4×4 capability that Mitsubishi is known for – perfected in the world’s toughest race, which Mitsubishi has participated in 26 times, racing to the Dakar podium in first place an astounding 12 times. The system offers four selectable off-road modes (Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand and Rock) to ensure optimal engine output and transmission settings over different surfaces.
Both Pajero Sport Aspire models are powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine that’s good for 133 kW of power and 430 Nm of torque, all directed by an eight-speed torque converter auto transmission.
COMFORT AND SAFETY
Unlike some of its direct rivals, the Pajero Sport Aspire cabin offers excellent comfort and luxury at the price point. Besides solid build quality and generous use of premium materials, baked-in safety features such as Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction, and active safety features including stability and traction control, ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, and emergency brake assist, add peace of mind to the driving experience.
The safety package includes auto-levelling LED headlights, front fog lamps, daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, hill-start assist (the 4×4 version also gets hill-descent control), trailer stability assist, rear park distance control, and a rear-view camera for better manoeuvring of the 4.8 m-long off-roader.
LAST WORD
Assembled in Japan, the Pajero Sport’s overall quality feel usurps its rivals. As body-on-frame SUVs go, it demands respect and delivers on the promises set by its legendary heritage. It may not be the longest, widest or tallest in its class, and at 218 mm, the Pajero Sport’s ground clearance falls short of its rivals, but the overall package is worth considering for the adventurous family who demands capability, comfort and a distinctive look of their daily runner.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © MITSUBISHI MOTORS SA
