Large Pajero more budget-friendly
2012-03-17 05:23
TWO FOR ONE: Along with the addition of a manual transmission, Mitsubishi's Pajero Sport also sees a number of changes for 2012.
Mitsubishi’s seven-seater Pajero Sport is now available in South Africa with a manual transmission.
The Pajero Sport is not new; it’s been available in South Africa since 2009 with a four-speed tiptronic auto transmission mated to its 3.2-litre turbodiesel engine shared with the Triton bakkie range. The engine delivers 120kW/343Nm and, as it's a Euro 3-compliant engine, is perfectly happy running on 500ppm diesel fuel that's freely availble across the country.
All Pajero Sport models, including the latest five-speed manual, have part-time all-wheel drive with low-range, a centre diff and a rear diff-lock.
This Super Select 4x4 allows the driver to select the 4H off-road setting from 2H tar-road mode while driving below 100km/h - as has the Pajero since its first models. The 4H setting gives a 33:67 power split between the front and rear wheels, respectively.
EASIER ON THE POCKET
CEO of Mitsubishi Motors SA, Jaco Oosthuizen, said: “The addition of a Pajero Sport with manual transmission will extend the appeal of this model significantly - particularly as it is R10 000 less than the auto - perfect for families who need the space of a seven-seater that has the flexibility of 4x4 with low-range.”
Additionally, the Pajero Sport has been upgraded for 2012 with a number of equipment changes. The headlights have been slightly tweaked; washers (mounted on the front bumper) have been added. They also have a revised instrument cluster, a USB port to complement the MP3-enabled, a six-speaker audio system and new leather upholstery.
CHANGES WITHIN
Aircon ducts are fitted in the roof lining over the second row of seats to make it more accessible to those in the back two rows and additional storage space and cupholders are now provided for those seated on the third row.
The second and third rows of seats can be folded to provide seating for one to five people depending on load requirements.
The Pajero Sport comes with a high level of standard equipment that includes cruise control, a multifunction display (with a compass and altimeter along with your regular outside temperature and range readings), parking radar and power windows.
Safety features include a reinforced body, six air bags and anti-lock brakes with electronic pressure distribution and traction control.
The Pajero Sport is sold with a three-year or 100 000km warranty and a five-year or 100 000km service plan. Service intervals are 10 000km.
PRICES:
Pajero Sport 3.2 manual - R435 900
Pajero Sport 3.2 auto - R445 900
