2015 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Mitsubishi in styling shock, actually delivers good looking Pajero Sport
Imthishan Giado
With Toyota having shown the dramatically restyled Fortuner, it was only a matter of time before the other Japanese manufacturers responded. Here’s Mitsubishi’s response, the Pajero Sport. And against all odds given the last 10 years of Mitsubishis, it’s surprisingly good looking.
Strong character lines, flared haunches, a new shield grille that’s set to become the face of future Mitsus and aggressive details like the tail lights that stretch all the way to the bottom; hard to believe this is actually based on a pickup underneath.
Yes, it’s still an L200 underneath but then again, everything else in this peculiar segment is as well. From the aforementioned Fortuner to the Ford Everest, to the Chevrolet Trailblazer, they’re got all humble pickup underpinnings. This makes them cheap to run, cheap to build and easy to service, why is why they’re so popular in Thailand, where the Pajero Sport was unveiled.
The interior’s a lot better too, and visually compares similarly to the T-motif used in the Fortuner, except with more expensive-looking materials. For the moment, the only engine announced is the 2.4-litre 181bhp turbodiesel with 2WD, 4Wd and an eight speed auto. If it comes to the Middle East – and if it does, you’ll probably see it at the Dubai Motor Show – expect one of Mitsu’s many V6s replacing the diesel.
