Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Exceed
Taking its lead from the Triton bakkie, the latest version of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, launched in September last year, now features a Dynamic Shield front grille, new features, and additional luxury items. The line-up was also expanded with the Exceed, the flagship model in the range …
While essentially a facelift of the third generation Pajero Sport introduced in 2016, the new Dynamic Shield front grille with LED headlights, daytime running lights, and fog lamps, plus some smaller detail design changes on the latest derivative has transformed its looks – giving the Mitsubishi SUV flagship a much more rugged and purposeful visage.
In the light of a spate of upgraded derivatives from Toyota and Ford (such as the power-uprated Fortuner and the Everest Sport) and the imminently expected Xterra from Nissan, the update is most timeous – as it also includes luxury upgrades such as soft padded door and knee trim, an upgraded centre console, a new full colour eightinch LCD meter cluster, and an eightinch smartphone-link display audio (SDA).
Yes, the rear end design with its unconventional (now shorter) vertical taillights and smallish back window may not be to everyone’s taste but the latest iteration is overall aesthetically more pleasing than before. Add to this better-quality interior trim, seven comfortable leather seats, a power sunroof, electronic tailgate, remote control connectivity, additional USB and accessory sockets, and a power plug, and the Sport now presents a compelling package in a highly competitive segment.
BESPOKE 4×4 SYSTEM
The 2.4litre MIVEC fourcylinder intercooled turbodiesel engine has been carried over unchanged. Offering 133 kw and 430 Nm of torque, it drives the wheels through an eightspeed auto transmission, now with seemingly improved software for even smoother shifts and low-revs cruising that enhances fuel efficiency.
Besides the great engine and gearbox combination, the Super Select 4WDII system in the Exceed is in our view the best of its kind in this market segment. With selectable off-road modes (Gravel, Mud/snow, Sand, or Rock) to maximise traction on and across various surfaces, it makes the Mitsubishi virtually unstoppable when the going gets rough.
The active safety features on the Exceed is on par with the rest in class and include active stability and traction control (ASTC), ABS, EBD, BAS, hill-start assist (HAS), dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, rear park distance control, and a rear-view camera.
The new full-colour digital instrument display and automatic dual-zone airconditioning with rear passenger controls, as well as the standard sunroof, makes life so much easier in the sevenseater. It now is a comfortable and very desirable longdistance cruiser …
PRICE COMPETITIVE
Add to this its price competitiveness – the luxuriously appointed Exceed is now available for R704 995, a price difference of around R13k compared to the Ford Everest 2.0 SIT XLT Sport (R718 000), nearly R30k less than the R734 600 for the lower-specced Fortuner 2.8 GD6 RB auto (the VX model is in excess of R100k more expensive), and a saving of over R40k over the Isuzu MUX 3.0 4×4 AT6 (R747 900).
Taking all this into account, as well as its legendary Dakar Rally heritage and competitive warranty and service plan, the latest Pajero Sport in flagship Exceed configuration exceeds all expectations – and must be seriously considered by anyone now interested in purchasing a family-oriented leisure market ladderframe based SUV…