Snapped by Thailand’s Headligtmag, with the images being subsequently published by indianautosblog.com, the Tokyo-based automaker’s rival for the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Nissan Terra sported extensive black-and-white masking at the front and nearly nothing at the rear, suggesting it could receive the same updated Dynamic Shield design language clip as the Triton.
Based on the Thai online platform’s claims, the prototype came with 19-inch alloy wheels and is reportedly also due to feature a new touchscreen infotainment system slated to debut on its pick-up sibling as well.
Expected to continue unchanged are the Pajero Sport’s line-up of engines, which, depending on the market, will once again consist out of a 2.5 DI-D turbodiesel developing 100kW/324Nm, the familiar all-aluminium 2.4 DI-D that makes 133kW/430Nm and a 3.0-litre petrol V6 that punches out 162kW/285Nm.
On the former oil burner, transmission choices consist of a five-speed manual or similar ratio automatic, while the 2.4 can be had with a six-speed or eight-speed automatic, the latter being the sole option available for the petrol.
According to the Indian publication meanwhile, the Pajero Sport is expected to arrive in India around April next year, at which point it will likely come to South Africa a few months later.
