WHAT'S NEW?
The Pajero Sport 4WD _ an SUV based on the Mitsubishi Triton pickup _ now comes with an improved engine replacing the 3.2-litre inline-four diesel-turbo unit.
The VG Turbo motor _ based on the 2.5-litre block used in the 2WD Pajero Sport (see sidebar) _ has a new variable geometry turbo, as the initials suggest. In layman terms, the revised turbo spreads usable power across a wider engine speed range.
The VG produces 178hp at 4,000rpm compared to the 3.2's 165hp achieved at the same revolutions. Although torque remains basically the same at 350Nm, the VG delivers it at between 1,800-3,500rpm as opposed to the 2,000-3,000rpm range of the 3.2.
Also new is a five-speed automatic transmission in place of the 3.2's four-speeder. And in top-spec GT form, the Pajero Sport 4WD gets additional gear-shifters mounted behind the steering wheel.
Other new features include 17-inch rims, rain and parking sensors, headlamp washers, automatic climate control and electric seats up front.
As the number of features increase, so do the prices. The Pajero Sport 4WD now costs 1.16 million baht in GLS trim and 1.31 million in GT spec, compared to the old range of 1.13-1.27 million.
WHAT'S COOL?
Performance has arguably been a weak point of the Pajero Sport ever since it was launched in Thailand two years ago. No, it's not for the shortage of power but rather the way it deploys to the tarmac.
With the new turbo and automatic, performance is now more tractable at medium to high speeds. Although we didn't have the chance to test fuel economy, both technical aspects should help increase touring range over long distances.
With the availability of more creature comfort items, there's a higher sense of luxury in the Pajero Sport's cabin. In fact, it feels the most opulent in its class, where the Toyota Fortuner dominates the sales chart.
Two other inherent strong points are the vehicle's off-roading capability and class-leading interior versatility.
Lastly, if you compare the Pajero Sport with the Fortuner, it is still reasonably priced. The cheapest Fortuner 4WD will already set you back 1.34 million baht _ 187,000 more than the Pajero Sport 4WD GLS.
WHAT'S NOT?
Despite the welcome dose of tractable performance, the VG Turbo doesn't make the basic motor any refined. In other words, the motor still feels coarse and has an occasional howl when pushed.
Petty it may be, but Mitsubishi's decision to still outsource its audio head unit means that you need time to get acquainted to Alpine's small and closely stacked controls.
And just a reminder: the Pajero Sport is designed as a weekend-mover and not a city commuter, so it's cumbersome to drive in town, the steering isn't that light or direct and there's turbo lag at low speeds in spite of the wider powerband.
BUY OR BYE?
That Mitsubishi has managed to semi-plug one of the Pajero Sport's key deficiencies would be commended by potential buyers who prioritise sheer grunt over refinement. The engine is better than before but still flawed.
If you are looking for a seven-seat SUV with proper 4x4 driving ability _ along with decently capable on-road driving manners _ then the Pajero Sport has become a better vehicle than ever.
No, the Pajero Sport still isn't the best SUV in its class.
But when you combine aspects of practicality, value for money and go-anywhere attitude, the Pajero Sport is a decent buy in the 4x4 SUV sector.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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