James Cleary brings the family into play for a suburban pressure test of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS, now with seven seats standard. His road test and review includes specs, fuel consumption and verdict.
When your competitors are enthusiastically zigging, you have two choices - join the pack and go with them, because they’re clearly on to something, or suck it up and zag, because what’s the point of doing something that’s already been done to death.
Of course there’s a third strategic option, which is thinking inside the box; completely vacant territory these days. But it’s safe to say, when faced with a slew of well credentialed and hugely popular full-size SUVs Mitsubishi decided to zag like it had never zagged before.
It’s a courageous expression of the brand’s ‘Diamond Shield’ design philosophy, intended to convey notions of “protection, performance, and form following function.”
The Pajero Sport’s styling is as polarising as Batman v Superman, but there’s no doubt its design is as clever as it is functional.
Initially a five seater only, the top two of three variants (GLX, GLS, Exceed) were upgraded to seven seat capacity last year, so we’ve wheeled the mid-range GLS variant into the CarsGuide garage for a family-focused road test, assessing its abilities exclusively within the confines of the urban jungle.
Is there anything interesting about its design? 6/10
While we’re not exactly sure which functions the Pajero Sport’s form follows, we do know its bold exterior styling rivals the US President-elect as a catalyst for polarised opinions and caustic commentary.
A frantic combination of angular highlights, beefy bulges and super-size lighting stands it light years apart from the usual large SUV suspects like Ford’s Everest, the Mazda CX-9, and Toyota’s Kluger.
At close to 4.8 metres it’s long, and it’s tall... like, 1.8 metres tall, which combines with a width measure of just over 1.8 metres to give the rear two thirds of this family truckster the proportions of a loaf of bread (Wonder White not bakehouse).
There’s also around 18m (okay 18cm, but it’s still a lot) of air space between the top of the tyres and the roof of the wheelarches, which makes it look like the car’s in the early stages of lift-off.
The distinctive styling approach arguably reaches its zenith at the back where an otherwise unexceptional rear end is dominated by tail-lights that look like they’ve melted and drizzled down each side of the cargo door. If there are any lengthier lights in the business, I’d like to see them.
That said, seriously pumped guards front and rear combine with a subtly sloping roofline and tapered side glass to give the Sport an agreeably muscular stance overall.
Inside, things are closer to conventional but still pretty swooshy around the centre console and doors with dramatically sloping silver-grey accent pieces and piano black inserts setting the tone.
A centrally-located 7.0-inch colour touch screen adds a nice touch of tech, but the orthodox analogue instruments (no digital speedo) are very 20th century and the entire interior is finished in roughly 50 shades of grey, without restraining straps.
Yes, the Pajero Sport’s styling is as polarising as Batman v Superman, but there’s no doubt its design is as clever as it is functional.
As mentioned, this is a tall vehicle, and on approach shorter climbers in particular may be thinking about a ladder and oxygen to aid ascent into the cabin.
But Mitsubishi got there first with generous (standard) side steps running down each side, and strategically placed grab handles to help with the final push to the summit. In fact, there are no less than 10 perfectly located grab handles around the interior.
My family of five’s normal ride is a seven-seat station wagon, so sliding and folding seats is standard operating procedure for any Griswold-style excursion.
We found the Pajero sport to be flat-out fantastic in terms of its accommodation and seating flexibility. Head and legroom are generous across the front and middle row seats, with the pair of third row chairs folding out of the cargo floor quickly and easily via a simple tether pull arrangement.
The 50/50 split folding wayback seats (as the Clearys like to call them) are best for kids up to early teen size, although, depending on their demeanour, grown-ups could squeeze in for short trips. Access is via a single flick of a release handle on either side of the 60/40 split folding centre seat, which causes the backrest and cushion to automatically roll and fold forward. Brilliant.
There are roof level air vents for second and third row passengers, not to mention a generous glove box, numerous oddments trays as well as door bottle/storage bins and two cupholders in the front. It’s the same bottle, bin and cupholder count plus map pockets in the centre, and a there’s a pair of cupholders for the waybacks.
No surprise cargo space is jumbo size, with 673 litres available with the second row seat up, and 1624 litres with it folded (flat). Although a cargo box is hidden under the floor behind the third row seats, in seven seat configuration the load capacity is trimmed dramatically, so all seats filled means day trips only, a roof box up top, or a cheeky trailer on the back.
Tie-down eyes and hanging hooks are sprinkled liberally around the back, as well as a 12-volt outlet and specific lighting, although, unlike the five seat GLX, a roll-out cargo security blind is MIA. The spare wheel is full size slung under the rear of the car.
Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with? 7/10
The volume seven seat SUV players watch each other like card sharps in a poker tournament, looking for a tell signalling the slightest change in spec or price.
Mazda and Toyota are pros, fine-tuning the AWD CX-9 (from $46,490) and AWD Kluger (from $46,190) to deliver sharp value, but it feels like Ford’s been bluffing, with the excellent AWD Everest priced a clear step above the pack (from $54,990).
Mitsubishi is definitely a player, kicking off the Pajero Sport from $45,000 for the (five seat) GLX, moving through $48,500 for the GLS, to the top-spec Exceed at $52,750.
The GLX standard equipment list includes keyless entry with push button start, Smartphone Link Display Audio for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, DAB radio, six-speaker audio, reversing camera and rear parking sensors, the Super Select II console-switchable 4WD system, as well dual-zone air-conditioning, leather trim, electric front seats, cruise control, leather bound steering wheel and gear knob, rain-sensing wipers, LED auto headlights and an electrochromatic rear view mirror.
What you won’t find is sat nav, although there is a GPS function that provides your exact longitude and latitude. But then, nav through Android and Apple apps is obviously possible.
What are the key stats for the engine and transmission? 8/10
It’s a single engine and transmission combination for the Pajero Sport range, and that’s a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, driving all four wheels through an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
The alloy block engine features some tricky gear including variable valve timing and common rail fuel injection, as well as a variable geometry turbocharger and electronic throttle control.
Maximum torque (430Nm) arrives at 2500rpm, with peak power (133kW) taking over at 3500rpm, while claimed combined fuel economy is just 8.0L/100km, and we averaged 9.8L/100km on test. Not too shabby for a two tonne, seven seat four-wheel drive. Fuel tank capacity is 68 litres.
The transmission incorporates a sport setting as well as an adaptive control system with modes to optimise shift mapping uphill (particularly when towing), as well as a ‘throttle release control’ which temporarily prevents upshifting when the accelerator pedal is released to provide engine braking, and maximise engine response when you get back on the gas.
Braked towing capacity is 3100kg, and unbraked you’re looking at 750kg.
What safety equipment is fitted? What safety rating? 7/10
The Pajero Sport scores a maximum five star ANCAP rating, and despite its light commercial roots, packs an impressive array of active safety tech including ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist, active stability and traction control, a rear view camera, as well as trailer sway control.
On the passive side of the safety ledger the Sport incorporates Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body architecture, plus seven airbags (driver and front passenger, side, side curtain and driver’s knee).
There are ISOFIX child seat locating points on the outer two positions of the middle row seat, with a top tether hook fixed in the roof for the centre.
Warranty & Safety Rating
Basic Warranty
5 years / 100,000 km
warranty
ANCAP Safety Rating
What does it cost to own? What warranty is offered? 8/10
Mitsubishi’s new car warranty is five-years/100,000km, with a five-year body perforation corrosion warranty, and a 12 month/unlimited km battery warranty running in parallel.
Service pricing is capped at $350 for the first service (15,000km/12 months), $450 for the second (30,000km/24 months), and $550 for the third (45,000km/36 months), meaning scheduled maintenance for the first three years or ownership won’t go past $1350.
Verdict
If you’re a fan of its brave styling, great. If you’re not, we won’t give you a hard time. But no matter what you think of its looks the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport offers heaps of room for seven, exceptional practicality, simple functionality, solid value, reassuring safety and low cost of (initial) ownership.
However, although the name says Sport, this bus doesn’t live on the sporty car spectrum, with middle-of-the-road performance, dynamics and refinement.
Despite that, we enjoyed our time in it and warmed to its unique personality. Well done to Mitsubishi for executing a snappy zag in a category full of zigs.
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
