Mitsubishi Australia has launched the 2016 Challenger, which receives a name change and is now called the Pajero Sport.
The company is calling it the “most technically advanced off-road capable SUV” it has ever produced. Now that’s a pretty bold claim, considering the range of SUVs it has created in the past. Nonetheless, the company says the new model “combines the spaciousness and versatility of a full-size SUV”, while offer “genuine four-wheel drive ability” and “advanced powertrain technology”.
In Australia the Pajero Sport comes in three variants, spanning from the GLX, GLS, to the top Exceed. All versions are powered by a new 2.4-litre turbo-diesel – from the Triton – producing 133kW and 430Nm. It comes with a fresh eight-speed automatic on all models.
Fuel economy is rated at 8.0L/100km on the combined cycle for all variants, with all models coming with a Super Select II four-wheel drive system with four operating modes. Modes include 2H, 4H, 4HLc and 4LLc, with the latter two locking the centre differential.
Drivers can select between four different off-road driving modes as well – gravel, mud/snow, sand, and rock – with each altering the active traction control and automatic shift pattern, as well as the stability control in some modes to maximise off-road performance.
As revealed earlier this year, the 2016 Pajero Sport showcases Mitsubishi’s latest design language incorporating the new-look “dynamic shield” front end. The interior has also been vastly updated over the outgoing Challenger, with the inclusion of a 7.0-inch touch-screen media interface offering Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
Standard features across the board include digital radio, 18-inch alloy wheels, hill descent control, keyless entry and push-button start, trailer sway stability control, LED headlights, and a rear-view camera.
The new model will officially go on sale in Australia on December 7. All models come with a five-year/100,000km warranty, and capped-price servicing. See below for the starting prices (excludes on-roads), and further below for the highlight features of each variant.
2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLX 2.4 auto – $45,000
2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS 2.4 auto – $48,500
2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Exceed 2.4 auto – $52,750
GLX:
- Dynamic shield styling
- 18-inch alloy wheels with 265/60R18 tyres
- LED headlamps, DRLs and rear combination lamps
- 2.4-litre MIVEC diesel engine
- Emissions Standard: Euro 5
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Super Select II 4WD system
- Off-road Terrain Control System
- Hill Descent Control
- Hill Start Assist
- Trailer Stability Assist
- Emergency Stop Signal
- ABS/EBD/EBA
- Electric park brake
- Speed sensing auto door locking
- Keyless entry, push button start
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
- Auto A/C
- Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA)
- Digital radio (DAB)
- Rear view camera
- Reversing sensors
GLS (over and above GLX):
- Differential lock
- Dusk sensing headlamps
- Rain sensing wipers
- Electrochromatic rear view mirror
- Dual zone A/C
- Leather interior trim
Exceed (over and above GLS):
- Multi around Monitor System
- Blind Spot Warning
- Forward Collision Mitigation
- Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System
- Heated front seats with power adjustment
- 8-speaker audio
- Rear seat entertainment system (DVD)
This should be outstanding with the 8-speed automatic, as long as they’ve fixed the throttle mapping of the 2.4-litre; and use the torque converter well to spool it up- its gutless off boost in the Triton.
Is this a Challenger with new name? I love my Pajero NW with the 3.2 turbo diesel donk. Heaps of power, safety, comfort and dependability make it an easy car to live with.
Yes, the name change is to align Australia with other markets. Also, perhaps, to acknowledge the lack of prospect for a new Pajero. Agreed, the Pajero is a great car…