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)
