Most of the SUVs in the Indian automotive market have become a mere soft-roader nowadays. Whereas these huge torque monsters were meant to do something far more thrilling. Mitsubishi Pajero, though old, still has the kit to do hardcore off-roading and feels right at home there. This full-grown SUV was the weapon of choice for the people looking to wander deep into the woods.
With the implementation of the new emission norms, Mitsubishi has discontinued the Pajero Sport. Talking about the old Pajero, it was set to rest for the rest of its life in 2012. But this is when the new Pajero Sport made its debut in the Indian market. Without any further delay, let us have a peek about what both the Pajeros offered.
The Engine
2006 Mitsubishi Pajero
Both, the Pajero and the Pajero Sport have different powertrains. Talking about the older Mitsubishi Pajero, it came equipped with a 2.8-litre 4 cylinder SOHC turbo diesel engine. The motor generated a slightly low 118ps of peak power and about 300Nm of peak torque. If you are not aware, well, torque is the topmost priority taking the vehicle offroad. The transmission sent power to all the four wheels when required. The Pajero could also run in a two-wheel-drive mode, that its rivals missed.
Engine Specifications
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| Engine | 2.8-litre 4 cylinder SOHC Turbo Diesel |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual Gearbox |
| Power | 118ps@4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 300 Nm@2,000rpm |
| Price (Estimated) | ₹ 19,50,000 (Ex-showroom) |
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
In 2012, Mitsubishi launched Pajero Sport with updated off-roading essentials. The most prominent change was under the hood. The new powertrain was a 2.5-litre 4 cylinder DOHC that produced 178ps and nearly 400 Nm of peak torque. This engine upgrade was duly necessary. With the Sport badge, there was not only a bump in the power but also a 5-speed manual transmission, and an automatic unit was introduced. Like the previous Pajero, this too had an ultimate 4X4, which could be switched on and off on demand.
Engine Specifications
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| Engine | 2.5-litre 4 cylinder DOHC Turbo Diesel |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / 5 Speed Automatic |
| Power | 178ps@4,000rpm / 178ps@4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 400 Nm@2,000-2,500 rpm / 350 Nm@1,800-3,500rpm |
| Price | ₹ 28,05,373 |
LSD or the Limited Slip Differential is something that made it to both the car, Pajero, and Pajero Sport. This allows the wheel with the least traction to get the most power to come out of muddy situations.
Driving Dynamics
Both the SUVs were built on ladder on frame chassis lending them ultimate off-road capabilities.
- The short overhangs in both the Pajeros reduced the approach and the departure angles enabling them to climb steep slopes.
- Even the suspension was set to a little firmer side, to reduce the yaw and pitch movements in slippery conditions.
- The old Mitsubishi Pajero had some intuitive tech which included, vehicle tilt angle display that sure helped in offroading.
- This feature was also present in the Sport but it was a digital unit and not like the mechanical in the older one.
Exteriors
For those who don’t know, Mitsubishi is known for making some capable off-roading toys, Pajero and Pajero Sport are no different.
- The old 2006 Pajero was built ground up with a short wheelbase and shorter track than its rivals.
- It was one of the SUVs to give us the appealing yet functional hood scoop.
- On the other front, the Pajero Sport was based on the Mitsubishi Triton pickup.
- Where the Pajero won hands down is the aesthetic appeal, that was complemented by a bull bar in front straight from the factory.
- Overall the older version looked more purpose full than its Sports sibling.
- Both the SUVs come with the best dual-purpose tyres to extract the most out off and on-road.
The looks might be one of the main reasons that the Pajero Sport didn’t make the mark similar to its older one. With the rounded bonnet, with curved bonnet line that takes away the rugged charm the SUV had.
Interiors
Neither of the SUV fairs good in the interior department. It is the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport that still feels upmarket, of course, it came in the market in 2012.
- Talking about the features in the Pajero Sport it came with automatic climate control, a multi-function infotainment system, 6 speakers (2 Tweeters) audio system are some worth mentioning.
- Sitting behind the wheel, you’ll notice that it is wrapped in leather and so are the seats. Electric seat adjust is also a boon inside the cabin. Exclusive to the Automatic variant were the paddle shifters, sadly it was not available in 4X4.
- 2006 Mitsubishi Pajero, boasted of utility over the luxury. In these terms, the quality of material though good was either hard plastic or rubber.
- Talking about the features, being an off-roader luxury features were absent on the inside. That might not have appealed to many, but the people buying this Pajero had only one thing in mind, off-roading.
Verdict
Mitsubishi Pajero coming at a price of nearly ₹19 lakhs was a fairly good deal considering the overall package. After all, it was meant to do just one thing, and it did it with quite finesse and of course better than its rivals.
Also, Read Old and New Gen cars that are sold alongside in India!
There was a significant price hike when the Sport badge was added to the name. But with name, it also got a ton of updated in the off-road equipment. Looks being subjective, but the average consumer will find the design quite polarizing. Keeping that aside, it sure was a decent deal over its rivals like the Ford Endeavor and Toyota Fortuner.
