Other contenders in the segment include the recently introduced Isuzu MU-X and the recently refreshed Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, which I had a brief stint in recently.
What’s new?
On the face of it, the 2019 Car of the Year finalist is no different to the car that was introduced locally in 2017. However, in a response to customer feedback, the brand has introduced the Sport with an improved towing capacity in addition to more standard safety features.
The 4x2 variant now boasts a 2 700kg braked towing capacity while the 4x4 is able to haul along 2 790kg. In terms of the improved safety features, ISOFIX child seat anchors are now standard, while the addition of a driver’s knew airbag takes the total airbag count to seven.
Driving Pajero Sport
My brief tenure with the Pajero saw me putting the 4x4 variant’s gravel road prowess to the test. The Super Select II four-wheel drive system features four different driving modes and made light work of the muddy gravel tracks of the Lowveld, however, I did find myself questioning the 215mm of ground clearance when the segment leading Fortuner boasts an impressive 279mm.
The interior proved a practical and well-appointed place to be, with a more intelligent seven-seat configuration than the Everest and certainly the Fortuner, however, it was in the infotainment stakes where things became less impressive.
Despite the fact that the colour touchscreen features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, I found its user-friendliness to be lacking while the Android Auto, which I have made use of in other press vehicles, did not work at all.
I’ve been a fan of the brand’s rather nifty 2.4-litre turbodiesel motor and eight-speed automatic gearbox since it was launched a couple of years back. The unit produces 133kW/430Nm which allowed for comfortable and effortless progress, with a respectable fuel consumption figure of 9.2-litres/100km, lower than what I was able to achieve in its Isuzu rival.
Verdict
The relatively low ground clearance, annoying infotainment system and those controversial taillights aside, the Pajero Sport is a supremely capable and value-filled offering within its segment.
Pricing
Pajero Sport 2.4 DI-D 4x4 AT R619 995
