Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Quick Review

PLUS

Engine refinement: The Sport’s engine is quiet and refined, offering performance better than its numbers suggest (133kW of power and 430Nm of torque). Thanks to the light feel of its eight-speed automatic, the Sport never feels wanting for power.

Fuel economy: compared to a lot of 4x4 wagons on the market, the Sport offers good fuel economy, at 8.1L/100km. That’s a good thing, since it has a pretty small fuel tank.

Off-road: If you want to take the family on a quick off-road adventure, the Sport will get the job done. The eight-speed auto works well off road and has the lowest crawl ratio (it goes slow down steep hills). The soft suspension tune also means a very comfortable off-road ride.

Handling: The Sport’s selectable full-time 4x4 offers safe driving on wet bitumen, gravel and constantly changing surfaces (having four wheels driving gives you more grip on unstable surfaces). With a traditional part-time 4x4 system, you can’t drive on bitumen in 4x4 mode without seriously damaging your vehicle. This is where the Sport’s full-time 4x4 comes into its own.

Cabin: The Sport has a very modern and expensive feel to its cabin. Tilt-and-reach steering wheel adjustment is also a plus and the driving position should please short drivers.

MINUS

Handling: The Sport would feel a lot sportier if it had a harder suspension tune. The soft suspension means there’s a fair bit of body roll and understeer when pushed hard.

Fuel Tank: Compared to other wagons on the market, the Sport has fairly small fuel tank – just 68 litres.

Off-Road: The Sport won’t win a great deal of praise amongst serious off-roaders. Sure, it gets the job done, but over-bonnet vision, ground clearance and its departure angle aren’t outstanding. The traction control system could also be better.

Cabin: The dash is complicated and the cabin feels small compared to other wagons on the market. Tall drivers will be cramped, the second-row seat is small and there’s no third-row seat.