What's the difference?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GSR is the top-spec wagon in an updated line-up.
The next-gen performance-enhanced Pajero Sport is expected here in 2025 but, in the meantime, Mitsubishi looks determined to squeeze the last bit of sales juice out of the current line-up as the entire range has now undergone a notable refresh including the introduction of 18-inch alloys, design tweaks to the front and rear, as well as new styling inside and new exterior paint choices.
Is this upgraded Pajero Sport a noteworthy rival for the likes of the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X and, more importantly, does it represent a solid buy?
Read on.
Yep, here comes another new brand.
The Australian new car market has been flooded with new car brands in recent years, not exclusively but predominantly from China. GAC is the latest, joining the likes of BYD, Deepal, Geely, GWM, Leapmotor, MG and Xpeng in an increasingly crowded market.
Quite simply, the market is now so crowded it means any new company with long-term aspirations will need to find a way to cut through. Being cheap alone won’t do it, nor will being stylish or nice to drive. No single trait will be enough, instead you will need to tick as many boxes as possible to secure any long-term security.
Which puts a lot of pressure on the Aion V, the brand’s mid-size, all-electric SUV that has just arrived in Australia. It will go head-to-head with the likes of the Geely EX5 and Leapmotor C10 at the more-affordable end of the electric SUV market. But does it tick enough boxes to make an impact? Read on to find out…
The Pajero Sport is reasonable on-road, more than satisfactory as a daily driver and it’s still a very effective 4WD.
This is a proven touring vehicle and while this update treatment doesn’t add a whole lot to the Pajero Sport package – and nothing in terms of power, torque or performance in general – it’s easily enough to tempt those who aren’t patient enough to wait for the next-generation version to arrive here.
Candidly, I questioned the logic behind GAC entering the Australian market, especially now given the seemingly non-stop influx of other brands. How could it really hope to stand a chance against so many similarly priced and similarly equipped rivals?
Well, the answer is by providing a better product. The Aion V is simply a better package than many of its rivals, Chinese and otherwise, at least based on our initial impressions.
It combines value and practicality but also adds a level of driving comfort and manners its Chinese rivals can’t match.
Is that enough to guarantee success? Not at all, but it’s a strong foundation to start with and at least gives GAC a fighting chance to not get lost in the crowd.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with accommodation and meals provided.