JOHANNESBURG – In a bold move to strengthen its value-for-money proposition, Mitsubishi Motors South Africa has given its highly regarded Pajero Sport a comprehensive refresh, introducing a series of styling, technology and safety enhancements — all without altering the vehicle’s price tag. This facelift underscores the brand’s commitment to delivering reliable, intelligent engineering without compromising affordability.
Jeffrey Allison, General Manager of Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA), puts it succinctly: “The latest iteration of Pajero Sport is much more than a facelift. It’s a reflection of our ongoing recalibration strategy, tailored to meet the evolving needs of the modern South African motorist.”
Assertive New Looks
Externally, the Pajero Sport now sports a bolder front fascia, courtesy of Mitsubishi’s signature Dynamic Shield grille design, flanked by newly sculpted under garnishes that add to its assertive stance. The visual updates continue with redesigned front and rear bumper detailing and a new set of contemporary 18-inch alloy wheels that add a dash of sophistication to the SUV’s rugged persona.
These design refinements don’t just refresh the Pajero Sport’s looks — they reaffirm its position as a capable, go-anywhere SUV with unmistakable presence.
Elevated Interior Comfort and Technology
Step inside, and the enhancements continue. The cockpit receives a major upgrade in the form of an 8-inch fully digital driver display, now standard across the range. A redesigned steering wheel not only feels more modern and tactile, but retains multifunction controls to ensure ease of use. Mitsubishi has also upgraded the ceiling trim to a sleek black headliner, lending the cabin a more premium feel.
Comfort remains top of mind, with standard features including plush black leather seats, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, and an intuitive 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone-link display audio (SDA) for seamless connectivity. Additional highlights include a sunroof, remote connectivity, electronic tailgate, and keyless entry — all part of the Pajero Sport’s already impressive standard specification list.
Proven Power, Legendary Capability
Beneath the bonnet, the Pajero Sport retains its trusted 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel engine, delivering 133kW and 430Nm through a refined 8-speed automatic gearbox. This drivetrain is renowned for its efficiency and smoothness, offering low-rev cruising and ample torque for towing or off-road scenarios.
The brand’s tried-and-tested Super Select 4WD-II system comes standard on 4×4 models, delivering dependable off-road performance. A full suite of selectable off-road modes — Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand and Rock — further enhances its terrain-conquering credentials, while the ladder-frame chassis ensures strength and durability where it counts most.
Advanced Safety for Modern Living
With the latest update, Mitsubishi has placed even greater emphasis on safety and driver assistance. New additions include the Ultrasonic Mis-acceleration Mitigation System (UMS), designed to prevent unintended acceleration in tight spaces, and a Multi Around Monitor that enhances all-round visibility when navigating narrow roads or parking.
These features join an already robust safety portfolio, built on Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body structure. Seven airbags, ISOFIX child seat anchors, stability and traction control, ABS with EBD, emergency brake assist, hill start and descent control, and dusk-sensing LED headlights are just some of the systems that ensure peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
No Price Increase, Just More Value
Perhaps the most compelling part of the Pajero Sport story is that all these enhancements come at no additional cost. In a competitive, price-sensitive market, MMSA’s decision to hold pricing steady while improving the product is a welcome move — one that reflects a deep understanding of local consumer needs.
“All these enhancements come with no change to the selling price of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, ensuring that this popular enthusiast’s model remains an excellent choice in the adventure SUV category,” Allison concludes.
A Focused Three-Model Range
The updated Pajero Sport is available in three well-specified variants, each crafted to deliver exceptional value without compromise:
- Pajero Sport 4×2 Auto
- Pajero Sport 4×4 Auto
- Pajero Sport 4×4 Auto Exceed
Each model is backed by Mitsubishi’s comprehensive aftersales support, including a three-year/100,000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a five-year/90,000 km service plan, and five years of roadside assistance, with service intervals every 10,000 km.
Final Thoughts
With this latest update, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport reinforces its standing as a rugged yet refined SUV — one that’s equally at home on the school run or off the beaten track. By offering more style, smarter tech and enhanced safety at no additional cost, Mitsubishi Motors South Africa has delivered a product that speaks directly to the heart of the value-conscious adventure seeker.
