Driving Mitsubishi’s recently facelifted Pajero Sport 4WD – more specifically, the mid-spec GLS seven-seater, on special at $53,990 drive-away and benefiting from Mitsubishi’s recently upgraded 10-year/200,000 km warranty. Highly packaged for that money too gaining a new 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple Car Play and Android Auto on top of full leather trim, power front seats, adaptive cruise control and a power tailgate but sadly missing out on front and rear parking sensors. The 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine is mated to a slick 8-speed automatic and on-demand four-wheel drive – the latter benefiting from a low range transfer case and locking differential.

A competent  performer off-road with great wheel articulation and strong engine torque. On and off the beaten track it’s suspension offers a very comfortable ride for a heavy 4WD although its soft nature has a tendency to wallow at times on large imperfections and undulations.  Good economy – I managed 9L/100 mainly around town from an engine that smooth and quiet for its class with a great spread of torque. A high point is the excellent 11.2 metre turning circle. Visually the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport bears a strong resemblance to the Triton ute on which it shares the same chassis frame – good interior room but luggage space limited with all three rows in use – better when configured as a five-seater. Towing capacity 3100 kilos.

I’m David Berthon

Click PLAY to listen!

Download this podcast here