I believe it was the seven dwarves who whistled while they worked. So does Mitsubishi’s new Pajero Sport. But it’s no dwarf.
As part of a major facelift launched a couple of months ago, this Pajero was given a more powerful and more fuel-efficient 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine to replace a dated 3.2-litre unit - and boy, can it whistle. The turbo here whirs away like an 18-wheeler’s, and if the burliness of the vehicle itself doesn’t bring out the five o’clock shadow in you, the diesel-clattering, wastegate-chirupping, intake-whining engine noise certainly will.
Power is up to 131kW from the outgoing engine’s 120, and torque in manual versions is now at 400Nm from 343. Five-speed automatic models, like the one on test here, are de-tuned to 350Nm as a gearbox-saving measure, but even so the Pajero Sport is (ever so slightly) more powerful than its arch nemesis the Fortuner. And that counts a lot in a segment where “mine’s bigger than yours” means everything.
There may be a lot of power here, but don’t expect to get places in a hurry.
This seven-seater SUV’s geared with ratios more suited to climbing rock faces and towing khaki-coloured caravans, than it is for out-dragging zippy hatches between city blocks; and this can be a frustrating thing while contesting suburban grands prix. But somehow, when that turbo begins its high-pitched lullaby, and the floaty suspension rockabyes like a cradle in a tree top, there’s a calming effect that makes the outside world slow in pace a little.
This is a very comfortable SUV. A tall up seat and a steering column with no reach adjustment take some getting used to, but once accustomed to the position the Pajero Sport’s a tranquil place where the hours of long-distance trips while away easily. With so much space, the rest of the family should be happy too. The cabin is huge and airy, with tons of leg and shoulder room for everybody on board.
The third-row seating, as expected, can be a little tight for grown-ups, but when tucked away into the floor the rear cargo area is immense. Both passenger rows fold up and down easily, and when both are flat the loading area becomes almost bakkie-like in size.
I threw a bicycle in there, both wheels attached, and there was plenty of space to spare.
Of course the Pajero Sport is indeed based on the Triton bakkie chassis - a fact given away by its nearly identical front end - which should offer some perspective of its size. It should also offer some perspective of how it drives too, and where some SUVs might take on more luxurious personas, this one definitely falls into the butcher, manlier end of the segment.
Even with side-step running boards (which are slightly too narrow and more decorative than functional) you’ll need to hoist yourself into the high-rise cabin, but once up there the 215mm ride height adds to an awesome sense of invulnerability.
The transfer-case gear lever is of the old-school mechanical type and almost requires two hands to wrench through its gates, while the steering system seems to take endless turns from lock to lock. Just parking the beast has your arms flailing around like the Karate Kid waxing on and waxing off.
LAVISH FURNISHINGS
There are some lavish furnishings, however, that help disguise the fact that this is a glorified double-cab; I liked the dusk-sensing lights, rain-sensing wipers, and easy to use touchscreen radio/rear-view camera with one simple volume knob positioned off to one side.
I never did get its voice-activated Bluetooth function to communicate with my phone, though.
Standard leather upholstery is also a nice feature that will wipe down easily after dusty holidays in the bush - but a set of F1-style paddle shifters are, I’m sorry to say, very out of place and almost useless in a car like this. I wonder how much money could have been saved if they were left out.
INCREDIBLE OFF-ROAD ABILITY.
The sheer capability of the Pajero is incredible, but there are none of those fancy control knobs or electronic systems that do all the work for you in more expensive SUV’s. Instead you get Mitsubishi’s signature Super Select 4x4 system that works the old-fashioned way with mechanical differential locks operable by the aforementioned manual lever.
You get Normal, 4 High, 4 Low and 4 Low with centre diff-lock positions - each offering varying degrees of un-stuck-ifying. Get stuck in its top position, and you’ll need call the army for help.
Certain okes, who prefer knee-high socks and cigarettes without filters, will certainly like the Pajero Sport’s mechanised four-wheel drive system without any computers taking the fun out of bashing bundu.
VERDICT
An unsung hero in the rugged, bakkie-based SUV market. Supremely comfortable, practical and spacious.
At R445 900 for this flagship model, it also undercuts its nearest Toyota rival substantially in price too. Bargain. - Star Motoring
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