As Pajero, Montero, and Shogun, it is known all over the world. The name borrowed from the that of a South Argentinean wild cat Leopardous pajeros is absolutely matching for this Japanese rally champ. Pajero, whose manufacturing began in 1982 is coming to India as its new avatar Pajero Sport, mixing up 30 years of experience.
DESIGN
Size, style and ground clearance all these SUV features merged into one in their best form, that is Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Chromium grill and delicate xenon lamps are pasted on the face as a strap. The fog lamps on the bumper, aluminium coloured stun plate and protruding wheel arches make it ready for off-roading. The body that is built upon ladder frame is very much steady. The chrome finished rear view mirrors add to the showiness of Sport. Roof rails and pillars are finished in black. The aluminium coloured foot board questions if it is suited for the Indian roads. A black colour would have suited it better. Compact rear windshield with wiper, tail lamps spread across the body and backdoor are features that should be pointed out.
Interior is fully leathery, seats are in beige colour and the gear knob is black coloured. Three spoke steering wheel with multifunction switches, dual toned dashboard, stereo sound, electronic controlled driver seat etc. are so much for the power SUV. Another eye catching feature is interior space. Seven persons can travel comfortably in the new Pajero Sport. Air Conditioner which gives the same cooling effect everywhere, cup holder and other storage facilities adds to the other features.
DRIVE
The steering Wheel is very simple and easy to work with. Good view giving windows makes journey enjoyable all the way. Comfortable journey on and off the road. Double wishbone in the front and 3-link coil spring in the rear forms the suspension.
The 2.5L common rail diesel engine gives a power of 175bhp at 4000rpm and torque of 400Nm at 2500rpm. The 5-speed manual transmission lags a little behind in smoothness. A small vibration is often felt in the gear knob. But its performance off road is far better ahead of its opponents. The 4 wheel drive system can be adjusted on a small knob near the gear knob. It is the world famous Super Select 4 wheel drive that has made Pajero so much popular. The 2 wheel drive to fly in the highways and the 4 wheel drive for the slippery off roads. High range wheel drive with Locked Central Differential is ready for rough surfaces. The 4 wheel low range wheel drive with Locked Central Differential helps to crawl on like tractors. The angle between front wheels and bumpers is approximately 36 degrees. This implies that a hill with even 35 degree tilt could be climbed with ease. These are the features that made Pajero the real Pajero. 5.6m turning radius helps Sport's city rides. And the 16 inch ventilated disc-drum brakes give accurate performance.
VERDICT
Masculine, famous car legacy Pajero is going to be the favourite choice of the power and adventure lovers.
