The new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Aspire has been launched in South Africa, bringing the series up to five models in total.
The Aspire is available in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models, with a starting price of R674,995.
This makes it the new “mid-range” offering in the Pajero Sport line-up, and we take a look at what it has to offer, below.
Styling
The most noticeable aspect of the Aspire’s design is its two-tone colour scheme.
It has a black roof, roof rails, rear spoiler, lower front and rear bumpers, and black 18-inch alloy wheels – which give the vehicle a stylish look when standing next to its siblings.
The SUV itself is then available in two colours – jet black and diamond white – and has a dynamic shield front grille which is framed by daytime-running lights, LED headlamps, fog lights, and corner lamps.
The Aspire’s wing mirrors can be adjusted with interior switches, its headlights are dusk-sensing, and it has rain-sensing windscreen wipers, too.
Interior
The five-door Mitsubishi SUV, equipped with remote central locking and keyless start, seats up to seven passengers.
The driver’s seat is electronically adjustable with a new lumbar support function, while the leather steering wheel gets buttons for audio and cruise control.
Furthermore, all seven seats have black leather trim and the third row can be stored under the boot floor to provide more storage space.
The centre console then includes an 8-inch touch display with hands-free voice control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, three USB ports, and a power outlet.
One noticeable difference between the two models is that the 2×4 Aspire has automatic air conditioning with rear passenger controls, while the 4×4 version features dual-zone climate control.
Safety
Boasting a reinforced impact safety evolution (RISE) design, the Pajero Sport Aspire is equipped with seven airbags and a range of standard safety features.
These include:
- ABS
- Brake assist
- Hill-start assist
- Traction control
- Stability control
- Rearview camera
- Rear park distance control
The 4×4 Aspire also has hill-descent control, as well as a selectable “Off-Road Mode” with four settings for gravel, mud/snow, sand, or rock.
This adjusts the transmission and engine output to suit the terrain, said Mitsubishi.
Performance
All models in the Pajero Sport line-up are powered by a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine, which has an output of 133kW and 430Nm.
This power is delivered via a 60/40 distribution to the front and rear wheels, respectively.
Drive is handled by an eight-speed automatic transmission, which Mitsubishi says provides efficient driving with smooth acceleration, and low revs while cruising at high speed.
The result is a stated range of 840km on a single tank, with fuel consumption averaging at 8.1l/100km.
The differences
The main differences between the two-wheel and four-wheel drive models of the Pajero Sport Aspire can be found in the amount of weight they can carry.
This includes the maximum braked towing capacity:
- 2×4 Model – 2,700kg
- 4×4 Model – 2,850kg
And the maximum load capacity:
- 2×4 Model – 620kg
- 4×4 Model – 695kg
For serious off-roading, the Pajero Sport Aspire has a max wading depth of 700mm, while the 4×4 model is also offered with a rear differential lock.
Both SUVs have a 30-degree approach angle, a 24.2-degree departure angle, and a 23.1-degree breakover angle – with a ground clearance of 218mm.
Price
The South African pricing for the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Aspire is as follows:
- Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4DI-D Aspire – R674,995
- Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4DI-D 4×4 Aspire – R724,995.
All versions come with a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 5-year/90,000km service plan.
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