Japanese automaker, Mitsubishi has released Pajero Sport with an automatic transmission in the Indian market. Along with the AT, the 4x4 variant has also been launched at a price of INR 23.80 lac. Offered only in 4x2 avatar, Pajero Sport AT is priced at INR 23.55 lac (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Earlier it was believed that it would be introduced with the 4x4 version also but the company opted for the 4x2 option. Most of the things in the legendary SUV have remained unchanged besides the automatic gearbox and few tit bits.
The only survivor in Mitsubishi’s India portfolio, Pajero, is one of the names in the crossover segment that is hard to ignore when it comes to pure off-roading skills. The same legacy continues in the automatic version as well with the vehicle now boasting 5-speed automatic Sportstronic transmission. As far as fuel efficiency is concerned, the Pajero Sport AT variant is more economical than manual 4x4 version.
The rugged utility vehicle gets similar embellishments as seen in the Limited Edition version launched a couple of weeks back. It embraces leather wrapped steering wheel with mounted audio controls, 2-DIN multimedia system with integrated DVD player, reverse parking display and navigation system. Other features in the car include vanity mirror, sunglass holder, cooled box placed in the boot, etc. Interior space was never a problem with Pajero Sport and the same lavishness is retained in the AT version too. Be it legroom headroom or knee room, the Japanese SUV ticks all the checkboxes to be a comfortable yet performance based vehicle. Moreover the seats of the third row are foldable to make way for extra luggage.
On the exterior front, there aren’t any major alterations apart from few cosmetic changes. The front is adorned with chromed grille having Mitsubishi’s logo nicely tucked in the center, sharper projector type halogen headlamps with manual leveling and fog lamps. Side profile boasts of chrome finished ORVMs, sportier & practical roof rails, 17 inch 12-spoke alloy wheels, sporty side steps along with smart rear profile that contains trendy rear spoiler and wrap around taillights. The broader tyres offer excellent road grip and increase the stability of Pajero at high speeds. The road presence of Pajero Sport was always great and AT model just adds on to that dynamism. The car is being offered in five colors; White Solid, Titanium Gray, Cool Silver Metallic, Deep Blue Mica and Black Mica.
Powering the new Pajero Sport AT is the same 2.5 litre 4-cylinder diesel engine, propelling 175bhp of top power along with peak torque of 350Nm. However, the torque values have fallen down by 50Nm as in the manual version it reaches 400Nm. Laden on a ladder frame chassis, Pajero Sport is underpinned by double-wishbone for front suspension with coil springs while the rear one gets three-link coil spring suspension linked to anti-roll bars. The SUV comes loaded with safety features like front dual SRS airbags, ABS with EBD, anti-intrusion brake pedal, crash detection door lock system, engine immobilizer and 3-point ELR seat belt for all the passengers.
Mitsubishi started its operations on Indian soil in 1998 in collaboration with Hindustan Motors and till date it has launched enthralling cars like Cedia, Lancer, Lancer Evolution X, Outlander and Pajero. Most of the cars managed to taste success but eventually faded away with limited Mitsubishi outlets and service centers across India. However, the only vehicle to survive is the Pajero nameplate. Moreover, just when we thought it’s all over for Mitsubishi in India, they have announced that by 2016, five new SUVs will be making way in to the subcontinent to tap the growing utility vehicle segment. With the buyer sentiments shifting towards SUVs in the country, this is a perfect platform for Mitsubishi to bounce back in the game and display its core potential.
With enough arsenal in its armoury, Pajero Sport AT is ready to take on the segment rivals like Ford Endeavour 4x2 AT (all new coming in 2015), Toyota Fortuner 4x2 AT, Chevrolet Captiva AWD and Mahindra Ssangyong Rexton RX7 AT. The competition will eventually sore as other automakers plan to upgrade their resources.