MITSUBISHI’S Pajero Aspire Sport has enough muscle to take on any rough ride during a bundu bashing trip.
I was behind the wheel of the Pajero for a week, and I was left impressed with its performance on the open road as it offers a smooth comfortable ride.
Under the bonnet is a 2.4L Mivec turbodiesel engine that has enough grunt when you need to overtake or tackle a mountainous gravel road. It’s mated with an eight-speed auto transmission, delivering 133kW and a healthy 430Nm. Gear changes are smooth and at reasonably low revs. And, the claimed fuel consumption is 8,1L/100km, of which I wasn’t too far off the mark.
When it comes to off-roading, the Pajero is what you need. The Mitsubishi is loaded with the latest version of its super select 4WD system, offering four drive modes. To further enhance the off-road experience, hill descent control has been added for additional safety when on tough terrain.
The Pajero has good ground clearance of 218mm that comes in handy when bundu bashing.
Jump inside and you are treated with luxury, including a multifunction leather steering wheel with audio and cruise control, Bluetooth with hands-free voice control, smartphone-link display audio with CarPlay and Android auto connected to an 8” touch-screen, colour digital instrument display, automatic air-conditioning with rear passenger controls, dual-zone auto climate control, USB and accessory sockets (dual USB at back) as well as a power plug 150Watt.
The Aspire Sport also has safety features including reinforced impact safety evolution, body construction, seven air-bags and Isofix child seat anchors, active stability and traction Control, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist system, hill start assist, dusk sensing headlamps, rain sensing windscreen wipers, rear park distance control and a rear-view camera.
The Pajero makes a good impression in looks. Its sporty look reminds me of a Land Rover Discovery in the front and Volvo at the rear. Detail is also added with a black roof with rails and black radiator grill. The mirrors are electrically adjustable and fold-away.
The seven-seater is spacious and with the 60/40 split, you’ll fit in a drum kit easily. The driver seat is also electrically adjustable.
The Pajero Sport has tough competition in its segment but it doesn’t shy away from its competitors – Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu MU-X and Ford Everest. It offers enough muscle and performance as an off-roader plus enough comfort and space as a family SUV.
PRICING
Mitsubishi Pajero Aspire Sport 4x4 – R726 995
Mitsubishi made this review possible.
