Getting by with little in the updated Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Imagine the scene. A meeting is held, attended by specialists of various profiles from Mitsubishi. The agenda is the restyling of the Pajero Sport SUV. What to change? What to leave unchanged? After a short discussion, a simple decision is unanimously made — to slightly touch up the exterior (just a little), revise the equipment, and leave the mechanics as they have been since 2008. And looking at the updated Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, such a situation is easy to imagine, because most likely, that's exactly how it was. The new model received a different front bumper, a modified radiator grille and rear lights, as well as an improved multimedia system. That's it.

Mitsubishi representatives explain that the appearance of the "sporty" Pajero is already modern and moderately brutal (as befits a real SUV), and the mechanics are time-tested and do not need modernization at all. I talked to owners of second-generation Pajero Sport five-doors, scanned thematic forums... Cases of failures of main components and units are isolated and not systematic, but on many other aspects people have enough complaints. They complain about weak paintwork (easily scratched) and corrosion, which sometimes appears on almost new cars.

In addition, according to owners, it would be good to refine the design of the steering rack and its supports, which constantly make extraneous sounds. Some are unhappy with the weak front suspension, which sags at low mileages even on relatively smooth roads, while others lack quality interior trim and proper sound insulation. They also complain that the fuel tank has no drain plug, and about the frequent malfunction of the spare wheel mounting mechanism (the fact that it is under the floor is a separate problem). Even the 2.5 turbodiesel got its share: not everyone is satisfied with the somewhat high fuel consumption on the highway, which differs significantly from the stated figures.

But specialists at the Russian office of Mitsubishi just shrug their shoulders — no modifications to the design or technical content were made. Much that needs modernization awaits its time — the arrival of the third-generation model, which should hit the market in a couple of years. In the meantime, you have to make do with what you have: uncomfortable driving position due to the non-adjustable steering column reach, strong vibrations of the transfer case lever, and rough manners on asphalt. With a steering wheel that makes as many as 4.2 turns from lock to lock, you simply indicate the direction — there is no question of precise control. Add to this strong body rolls, excessive suspension stiffness, shocks transmitted to the steering wheel, and deviation from the trajectory on a straight road with bumps. Pleasure is below average.

The engines have been familiar for years. These are a four-cylinder 2.5 turbodiesel (178 hp, 350–400 N•m depending on the gearbox) and a gasoline "six" 3.0 (222 hp and 281 N•m). With the V6, the SUV is slightly faster and more convenient in throttle control, but this is not worth its gluttony, higher transport tax, and noticeably less torque compared to the diesel. This is especially noticeable off-road, where the Pajero Sport is in its element. Ladder frame construction, part-time four-wheel drive with locking center and rear differentials, and a low-range gear. And this tank plows through mud so that it takes your breath away! You want to drive further and further, choose more difficult routes. Even if you are not an off-road fan, the Pajero Sport will give you that specific pleasure.

However, according to the survey, only 18% of owners chose the Pajero Sport for its advanced four-wheel-drive transmission. Another 13% bought it for reliability. But the main reason for purchase is that the Pajero Sport is ideal for Russian roads, as 63% of respondents answered. And since the situation with our roads is unlikely to change dramatically in the coming decades, the Japanese can count on high demand from Russians in the future. Especially since the modernized Pajero Sport is priced at 1,319,000–1,599,900 rubles (at the beginning of this summer, prices were 20–30 thousand rubles higher). This, for example, is noticeably lower than the price of the main competitor — the five-door Chevrolet Trailblazer 2.8 (180 hp, 440–470 N•m), which costs from 1,444,000 to 1,650,000 rubles in Russia.

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