Go back to the mid 1980s and the Mitsubishi Pajero was the 4WD of choice around town and off the beaten track – in 1983 when it first arrived it was the bees knees in four-wheel drives but today in its fourth generation a fairly old design and one can understand why Mitsubishi will end its production next year after 39 years. However, I’ve just spent some time with Mitsubishi’s smaller updated Pajero Sport GLS 7-seat 4WD and came away impressed. Currently on special at $53,990 drive-away and sharply priced given what it offers – five-star safety,  full leather trim, power front seats, adaptive cruise control, auto headlights and wipers, a power tailgate and privacy glass.

Like Toyota’s Fortuner its built on a one-tonner ute chassis, in this case the Triton, with a stylish body and unlike a lot of around town SUV’s it has considerable off-road ability. A 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine matched to an eight-speed automatic able to operate as a rear wheel drive but with on-demand 4WD when the going gets really tough, aided at that point with a centre diff lock, a low range transfer case and a locking rear differential. Built in Thailand the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport surprises on road, quite agile despite its bulk with a great spread of torque, helped no end by the very slick eight-speed automatic. Mitsubishi’s new  ten year/200,000 km warranty further makes the Pajero Sport a value buy and provides real peace of mind motoring.

I’m David Berthon

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