Say goodbye to the Mitsubishi Challenger, and hello to the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

[csv8]

"Say goodbye to the Mitsubishi Challenger, and hello to the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport — the company’s new-generation, Triton-based off-roader that launches in Australia in December this year.

But that’s weeks away. We’re here in the now and have spent a brief window behind the Pajero Sport’s wheel in Japan, following this week’s Tokyo motor show — a reflection of how important this new model is for Mitsubishi.

Always more of a niche sold on price than anything else, this iteration — which ditches the established Challenger badge and takes on the largely global Pajero Sport moniker — is pitched as enough of a step forward to command significantly more sales for the brand.

And the stage is very much set, considering sales of rugged off-roaders are growing just like every other SUV in the market, a fact enhanced by the recent launch of the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest — both also 4WD wagons built on modified ute platforms.

That’s not even including the tried-and-true Isuzu MU-X, which continues to command healthy sales growth and a growing reputation, and the Holden Colorado 7, not as successful as its cousin but a presence nevertheless.

“[Challenger] was not so popular unfortunately in Australian market… now it is time to renew,” said the Pajero Sport’s project leader, Koichi Namiki. Those polarising looks are no doubt a part of that story. "
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/...s/pajero-sport

[Brazen]

The reviews have been great for it which has been a total surprise. Base model is pretty loaded for 45k for the auto

If it came in 7 seater option it will be a smash.

Carsguide said pretty much it would be a fantastic round Australia vehicle if you don't want to spend Prado money.

[csv8]

Brazen and it tows 3100kg with 310 tow ball weight..must have a strong rear end !!!

[Brazen]

Yeah 5 year warranty and 12 monthly service intervals. Would be a great bus if you don't want to spend Everest money.

[Brazen]

Yep certainly unique lol. Not a deal breaker personally as I like something a little contemporary.

image

[Polyal]

Maybe. Like different though. It's all good on paper but I'm yet to see anything have the rear space like the Everest. The latter actually looks like something Toyota would make btw.

[msman]

Originally Posted by tempted

That would have to be the ugliest rear end I have ever seen on a 4wd.

image

atleast you wont loose it in a carpark

[Warrenk]

This will be the only large 4wd that Mitsubishi will sell as they are about to discontinue the Pajero.


https://practicalmotoring.com.au/car...itsubishi-ceo/

Warren

[deluxe_]

They should sack Mitsubishi design team all together and restart from a clean slate. The direction Mitsubishi is heading down a slippery slope down with no end in sight. They're killing of their two established models and by the looks of things, Mitsubishi is continually downsizing their entire line up. Future looks bleak.

[malazn mafia]

Originally Posted by tempted

That would have to be the ugliest rear end I have ever seen on a 4wd.

image

Looks like a Volvo.

[naddis01]

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

Looks like a Volvo.

Spitting image

[deluxe_]

Originally Posted by naddis01

Spitting image

image

Volvo design seems to be executed more neatly, harmonious with the rest of the entire car.

Mitsubishi on the other hand looks more "industrial" than an actual passenger car.

[csv8]

Renault owns Mitsi maybe their input??

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by csv8

Renault owns Mitsi maybe their input??

Its Renault and Nissan

[Brazen]

Looks like Mitsubishi is applying special driveaway pricing on it too. Will sell a lot.

[Falcon Coupe]

http://www.caradvice.com.au/400081/m...-sport-review/

I figured a 2.4 with 8 speed auto would do better than 9.8L/100km. Still, it looks reasonable value for money.

[csv8]

Originally Posted by DFB FGXR6

Its Renault and Nissan

I was partly right...."A deal between Mitsubishi and Renault-Nissan, which would have resulted in replacements for the Galant and Lancer sedans, has apparently hit a snag.

In November 2013 Mitsubishi Motors and the Renault–Nissan Alliance announced a deal that would result in two new Mitsubishi sedans based on Renault-Nissan architectures.

The first car resulting from this partnership was to be a D-segment sedan to replace the already retired Mitsubishi Galant, which served as the basis for short-lived Australian-made 380. The Galant replacement was to be built in Korea by Renault Samsung Motors, and sold primarily in the US and Canada."
http://www.caradvice.com.au/332455/m...alters-report/

[CyberWasp]

On a side note, does the dropping of the name Challenger by Mitsubishi open the door for Dodge to use the name here?
Has there been some back room dealing going on behind closed doors between the companies?

[4VCLEVO]

Originally Posted by Falcon Coupe

http://www.caradvice.com.au/400081/m...-sport-review/

I figured a 2.4 with 8 speed auto would do better than 9.8L/100km. Still, it looks reasonable value for money.

It does mate, you read it wrong. It claims 8L/100km, 17% better than the current challengers 9.8L/100km.

[Ben73]

Originally Posted by malazn mafia

Looks like a Volvo.

I was going to say the same thing, but Mitsubishi put the long, skinny red bit downwards instead of upwards.

I'm sure it will look better in real life, seams like a reasonable buy for the price.

[Mesa]

I'm surprised they stuck with the 'Pajero' name this long considering the words meaning in Spanish.