Category: Mitsubishi Pajero
Battle Royale: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport vs Toyota Fortuner
Posted by Group1 Mitsubishi on 15 Dec 2022
Comparing the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the Toyota Fortuner can be a difficult task, as both vehicles have a lot to offer. However, there are some key differences between the two that set the one apart from the other in terms of driving requirements, driving style and budget.
Which SUV Has Sold The Most Units In South Africa?
The Toyota Fortuner, introduced to the South African market in 2006, has become a staple among locals. Its reputation has strengthened significantly over the years, propelling its sales figures well into the thousands every month, far outweighing the Pajero Sport. The truth is, sales numbers are hardly a deciding factor as it all comes down to performance, reliability and value for money. Let’s take a closer look at some of the recent changes and how they compare.
How Does The Pajero Sport Design Match Up To The Toyota Fortuner?
Exterior Comparison
While the Fortuner and Pajero Sport have both received some small cosmetic changes, South African motorists won’t be able to experience the Toyota’s enhanced front-end design since it is only available in Thailand. The test car included slight updates to the front grille, headlamps and lower bumper. The only noticeable change on the rear was to the taillamp arrays. This VX model featured a chrome beltline, a roof spoiler and the Fortuner badge on the tailgate.
The Pajero Sport’s revised aesthetic is most notably the new and improved Dynamic Shield face, which was seen on the recently revised Triton bakkie. This addition makes quite a statement while changes to the rear are less dramatic with a redesigned faux diffuser and a tailgate-mounted spoiler. Although the new 18-inch alloy wheels and repositioned side steps give the Pajero Sport a more dynamic look, the overall silhouette remains largely the same.
Interior Styling And Feature Comparison
The Fortuner’s cabin looks largely the same upon first inspection, even though there have been some subtle changes.
The brown faux-leather upholstery has been replaced with black, and new instrumentation, as well as an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system complete with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (as seen in the updated Hilux), have been added. Both the driver and front passenger seats are heated.
Besides this, Toyota improved safety by outfitting the Fortuner with its Safety Sense package. This includes features such as lane departure alerts, adaptive cruise control, and road sign recognition that work together to help avoid collisions.
The cabin on the Pajero Sport has changed as well – boasting more elbow space for those in the front seats, as well as an updated centre console with features such as soft-padded cruise control, lane-departure warning and active emergency braking.
The eight-inch LCD screen displays essential information like your car’s speed and how far you’ve travelled. You can also control key features from the steering wheel, like adaptive cruise control, hands-free voice commands, and audio entertainment for a safer, more convenient ride.
Not only does the new Mitsubishi Pajero have enough head- and legroom for seven people but its third-row seats fold down so it can double as a cargo carrier. A power tailgate makes it easy to load up luggage, groceries, or other bulky items—even a surfboard!
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport VS Toyota Fortuner Engine Specifications
The Toyota Fortuner comes with a 2.8-litre petrol engine that delivers 123 kW and 245 Nm of torque. The diesel variant is powered by the 2.8-litre 4-cylinder common rail inter-cooled turbocharged diesel engine delivering 132 kW and 420 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission and comes with an option of 4WD.
On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport features a 2.4-litre MIVEC Intercooled Turbo Diesel engine that churns out 133 kW and 430 Nm of torque. This impressive engine is mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission with an option of 4WD as well. While there is a 2.8-litre petrol version in other markets, it is not available in South Africa.
In terms of performance, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has better power and torque output than the Toyota Fortuner. The Pajero Sport also has a slight edge, reaching 0-100 km/h in 11.2 seconds compared to the Fortuner’s 11.31 seconds. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the Fortuner have a similar top speed of around 190 km/h while the fuel consumption figures vary slightly in favour of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
In real-world conditions, the average fuel economy of the Pajero Sport on a combined cycle is around 8.1-litres/100km* while the Toyota Fortuner is 7.9-litres/100 km*.
*Subject to our Fuel Consumption Disclaimer
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport VS Toyota Fortuner Safety Features
In terms of safety, both vehicles are well-equipped, featuring all the technology you’d expect from a luxury SUV. The Toyota Fortuner has safety equipment bundled into its Toyota Safety Sense (TSS). This includes the following:
- Roadsign recognition
- ABS & EBD
- Pre-collision system
- Lane departure alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- 7 Airbags
- Overspeed warning
- Anti-theft Engine Immobiliser
- Traction control
- Trailer Sway Control
- Electronic Stability Control
- Hill-Start Assist
- ISOFIX child anchor points at the rear
The Pajero Sport also has several advanced safety features. Some of the features include the following:
- 7 Airbags
- Active Stability and Traction Control
- Brake Assist
- Hill-Start Assist
- ABS & EBD
- ISOFIX child anchor points at the rear
- Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution
- Dusk Sensing Headlamps
- Rain Sensing Windscreen Wipers
- Rear Park Distance Control
- Rear View Camera
Conclusion
Both are luxury SUVs in every sense of the term, offering plenty of boot space and a roomy interior with comfortable seating for seven people. While the Pajero Sport outperforms the Fortuner in power output, fuel economy, styling and interior feel, the Fortuner slightly edges the Pajero Sport on safety features. However, these added extras come at a cost and you can expect the Toyota Fortuner to have a bigger price tag than the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
In closing, the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport are both popular, reliable and off-road-capable vehicles. We invite you to test drive the Pajero and ask us anything about the range, before making a decision between the two.
The post Battle Royale: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport vs Toyota Fortuner appeared first on Group1 Mitsubishi Blog.
Which One To Choose? The Mitsubishi Pajero 4×2 Or 4×4?
Posted by Group1 Mitsubishi on 11 Oct 2022
Which One Is For You – Mitsubishi Pajero 4×2 Or The 4×4?
We all love the Mitsubishi Pajero with its seven leather seats and large wheels, its space and luxury features, all bought together by its rugged good looks.
The thing is you have a choice of two 4×2 and three 4×4 models, so which one is for you? They all have the excellent 2.4L DI-DC 8-speed A/T 4X2 engine that gives you 133kW at 3500rpm and 430Nm at 2500rpm, the same smooth 8-speed automatic transmission and so on.
Let’s discuss.
Pajero 4×2
So why would you buy a 4×2 if you can get a 4×4?
It depends on your lifestyle. A big SUV is a wonderful format car, but if you are an urban warrior, you don’t need a 4×4. The 4×2 is perfect for city driving and you can take it on quite rough dirt roads for weekends away.
The big difference is cost and complexity. The most affordable 4×2 is R50k less than the most affordable 4×4 and a lot less than the top-of-range model.
A Pajero is not the kind of car people will replace every couple of years. Pajero drivers tend to hang on to them for a long time. A 4×2 obviously has a simpler drive system and will be cheaper to run over time than a 4×4.
So if you prefer malls to mountains, you don’t need a 4×4 and you get to enjoy the Pajero experience for less.
You have the choice of the D4 MIVEC 4×2 and the Aspire 4×2. These cars are essentially the same, but the Aspire features black detailing which makes it stand out a bit more.
Pajero 4×4
The Mitsubishi Pajero is one of the pioneers of luxury bundu bashing and the 4×4 gives you true off-road capability.
Apart from the 4×4 drive, the first two models – the MIVEC 4×4 and the Aspire 4×4 offer similar features as the 4×2 models, plus off-road essentials such as rear diff lock, hill descent control, electronic off-road assistance and the Super Select II 4WD System.
The top-of-the-range Exceed 4×4 gives you all that, plus a power tilt and sliding sunroof, Mitsubishi remote control connectivity and electronic tailgate with dual kick sensors.
The 4×4 gives you more and therefore costs more than the 4×2. It really is a lifestyle choice.
You can have a look at the full of Mitsubishi Pajero range here and book a test drive on the same page.
The post Which One To Choose? The Mitsubishi Pajero 4×2 Or 4×4? appeared first on Group1 Mitsubishi Blog.
Limited Edition Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Aspire Now Here
Posted by Group1 Mitsubishi on 21 Mar 2022
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Aspire
Aspire – Mitsubishi’s two new limited edition badged Pajero Sport trim models come with the full set of luxury features, enhanced by stylish black trim all around. This was done to further enhance the major facelift the Pajero Sport received just over a year ago.
The Aspire models feature a black Dynamic Shield grille, black 18-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails and a choice of White Diamond and Jet Black two-tone colours. This matches nicely with the seven black leather seats, steering wheel and dashboard inside.
The two newcomers are the Aspire 4×2 AT and the Aspire 4×4 AT. Both come with the 2.4-litre MIVET turbodiesel that gives you 133 kW and seriously punchy 430 Nm at 2500 rpm, linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The four-wheel-drive gives you the SuperSelect II system, Hill Decent Control and four off-road modes for gravel, sand, mud/snow and rock.
The new Pajeros come with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment that will talk to either Apple or Android phones, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, cruise control, driver’s seat with electric lumbar support, the excellent Pajero multi-function steering wheel, reverse camera and parking sensors, auto LED headlights with high beam assist, cruise control and trailer stability control and rain sensing wipers.
Mitsubishi is serious about safety in all its vehicles, and the Pajero Sport Aspire does not disappoint. It has reinforced impact safety measures, ABS and electronic brake distribution, seven airbags and ISOFIX anchors, active stability and traction control, brake assist, hill start assist and dusk-sensing headlights.
The Aspire is priced from just above the 2.4 D4 MIVEC 4×2 to just under the Exceed 4×4. It has the standard three-year/100 000km warranty and five year/90 000 km service plan included in the purchase price.
Limited edition models mean just that: Mitsubishi will only make a certain number of the striking Aspire models and then stop. No more. If you want one of these rare beasts, don’t delay. Request a call today. And remember, we will deliver your new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Aspire Limited Edition to your doorstep, no matter where in South Africa you live.
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The Mitsubishi Pajero Boasts Four Decades Of Setting Standards
Posted by Group1 Mitsubishi on 19 Oct 2021
The Mitsubishi Pajero has been around for 40 years!
It is one of the iconic and most loved SUVs in the world, city slick with true off-road capability. The 2021 Both the Mitsubishi Pajero LWB and Sport are true head-turners, solid cars for drivers who demand power, build quality and performance. We all know someone who drives a Pajero, and many of them have driven the same one for many years. The Pajero has been around for a while. Do you know how long exactly? When was the first Mitsubishi Pajero made?
First Generation
The cold war was in full swing. Maggie and Ronnie ruled the West, with Andropov head of the Soviet Union. The first CD players are sold, playing the new Police song Every Breath You take and MAW’s Land Down Under. That was back in 1983 when the first generation Pajero was launched. It featured all-wheel drive three and five-door early SUV bodies, as well as a few soft-top options. In some markets, they were called the Shogun or Montero. The engines ranged from inline-four petrol to a V6 and a couple of diesels as well.
The top of the range 3.0-litre V6 put out 103 kW and could go 0 to 100km/h in about 12 seconds, with a top speed close to 160km/h, rather hot for the day.
So popular was that first generation that it was built, with some facelifts, until 1991.
Generation Two
The next iteration of the Pajero was unleashed in 1992, also with inline-four or V6 motors in mid-sized 3- and 5-door versions. This was the generation that set the Pajero’s off-road credentials, competing in the most gruelling races like the Paris-Dakar Rally. In fact, the Pajero Evolution was built and sold to meet the Dakar homologation criteria.
Generation Three
Born in 2000, the 3rd generation had a new, larger body. It introduced torque vectoring technology that could detect the type of terrain and adjust the power and torque accordingly. It also featured a new 3.8-litre V6 and a 3.2-litre turbo diesel. The 3.8 engine gave 182 kW and could get a top speed of 200km/h.
The Current Generation
The Pajero was class-leading when it came out, and Mitsubishi kept it up to date with new tech, even though there were four generations in forty years. South Africans now have a choice of the large, capable Mitsubishi Pajero LWB or three trim levels of the luxury, 7-seater, super-capable Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
The LWB comes with 4 WD, rear diff lock, electrically adjusted driver seat, six airbags, rearview camera and more. It has the 3.2-litre Direct Injection Diesel Engine that gives you 140kW and a massive 441 Nm of torque.
The Sport comes with a choice of 4×2 or 4×4, the very capable 2.4 MIVEC Turbo Diesel with 133 kW and 430 Nm. It has all the luxury and safety features you would expect and more and gives a smooth and superior ride in town while being able to take on the most challenging off-road conditions with ease.
After nearly 40 years of setting SUV standards, the Pajero is still the luxury go-anywhere choice for many South Africans and any car that keeps setting standards for so long is worth a second look.
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Why The Mitsubishi Xpander 7-Seater Is A Worthy Contender
Posted by Group1 Mitsubishi on 20 Sep 2021
Mitsubishi Xpander 7-seater is already a favourite!
The brand-new offering from the Japanese automaker combines the versatility of an MPV with the sportiness of an SUV. The multi-purpose Mitsubishi Xpander is making waves in a hotly contested market and could become a South African favourite. It’s no surprise, really, as the Mitsubishi Xpander is not only more affordable than similar 7-seaters from other brands but it comes with features you might not expect at this price point.
Mitsubishi Xpander: Rising Through The Ranks
Since the 2016 launch of the Mitsubishi Xpander in Asia, the car has been a resounding success. It’s no different in South Africa as July 2021 showed that the Xpander was Mitsubishi’s second best-selling car with 65 new units which is just two units shy of the much more established Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
While the figures may not seem mind-blowing, it’s almost on par with a Mitsubishi stalwart and that in itself is a worthy statement. Still relatively new compared to other 7-seaters, the Mitsubishi Xpander is already showing its worth and here is a closer look at the styling aspects, technology and performance.
Striking Looks At A Highly Competitive Price
The first thing you’ll notice on the Mitsubishi Xpander is the futuristic-looking front design, taking inspiration from the Mitsubishi Triton and Pajero Sport. Unlike many other 7-seaters that don’t cost a fortune, the Xpander has the interior of a multi-purpose vehicle but it’s all SUV action on the outside.
The daytime running lights, grille, fog and headlights appear as one complete piece which is certainly something different but it’s not out of place against a white body colour. With sporty 15-inch alloy wheels on the manual model and 16-inch on the automatic derivative, wide flared fenders, the Mitsubishi Xpander looks tougher than similar cars in the segment.
The headlights are crystal clear combined with daytime running lights and L-illuminated LED taillights flowing seamlessly onto the tailgate to add further impetus to the overall look. It has a higher ground clearance of 205 mm which is just another feature that not only adds flavour but it also emphasises its sporty but practical capabilities.
Incredible Attention To Detail
The basic interior is what you’d expect with parts like the dashboard and door panels made from hard plastic. However, the quality of workmanship is second to none following the principle of ‘Omotenashi’ for the driver and passengers. Loosely translated, it means “attention to detail and anticipating the guests’ needs.”
A closer look will reveal features with a stitching pattern to emulate a leather trim stitching. Standard features include the following:
- Multi-function steering wheel
- Tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column
- All-around electric windows
- Bluetooth with hands-free voice control
- USB port
- Three 12V sockets
- Full-automatic air conditioning
- Rear air circulator
The multi-information display is not overly massive but it has everything you need and, more importantly, it’s easy to use.
The Mitsubishi Xpander is certainly not short on space as there is ample room across the board thanks to the 60/40 split. It gets even bigger when you fold down the third row of seats and unlike some other brands, it goes completely flat.
Mitsubishi Xpander Performance and Fuel Economy
The new Mitsubishi Xpander seems to have it all figured out with good performance, fuel consumption and reduced noise. According to Mitsubishi, it’s made possible thanks to their durable 1.5-litre DOHC 16-valve aluminium block engine.
It features Mitsubishi’s Intelligent Innovative Valve Timing Lift Electronic Control (MIVEC) system and ECI multipoint fuel injection. This particular powertrain delivers 77kW at 6000rpm, with 141Nm of peak torque at 4000rpm.
With a fuel tank of 45 litres, the average claimed fuel consumption in a combined cycle is 6.9l/100km on the manual Xpander and 7l/100km for the automatic model. The Xpander is available with a four-speed automatic and five-speed manual gearbox.
The Mitsubishi Xpander Is Safe As Houses
Considering its classified as a people carrier, the new Mitsubishi Xpander features a wide range of innovative safety features as standard. The Xpander is designed to protect the driver, all of the passengers and other road users with these safety features:
- Airbags for the driver and front passenger
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Electronic brake force distribution (EBD)
- Side-impact protection bars
- Side-impact beam
- Pedestrian protection
- Child protection rear door locks
- Seatbelt pre-tensioners with force limiters
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body construction proving added safety for all-direction collisions
With a price of only R299 995* for the manual and R319 995* for the automatic, and all the standard features, the Mitsubishi Xpander is a solid contender among other formidable 7-seaters. It will go up against cheaper competition like the Toyota Avanza and Renault Triber but with so much more on offer.
If you want a proper family car without spending a fortune, look no further than the new Mitsubishi Xpander. With all the added extras, price tag, performance, safety features and oodles of space, you can’t go wrong. For more information, or to book a test drive, visit our Mitsubishi Xpander information page today!
*Pricing accurate as of September 2021.
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