The recently revealed new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is expected to roll into Indian showrooms in mid-2017. It will replace the current car, which is the only model that the Japanese company retails in India. The new Pajero Sport looks a lot more radical, has vastly improved interiors, and comes with a host of safety and driver-assist features.

The new Pajero Sport in the overseas markets uses a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo diesel engine which comes mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. This is the same engine that does duty in the pick-up truck that the Pajero Sport is based on, and although power figures haven’t been revealed, one can expect an output around 170-180bhp. It also gets a 4WD system, in combination with a new off-road mode.

The new Pajero Sport gets Mitsubishi’s new design language. There’s plenty of chrome, large grille, sleek headlights and uniquely shaped taillights. Step inside and you see the four-spoke multifunction steering wheel, flowing centre console, brushed silver inserts, and leather upholstery.

Equipment on the new car includes a touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree camera, seven airbags and an electronic hand brake. Other new assistive features are autonomous braking, blind spot monitoring, descent control and a system to avoid misacceleration.

Mitsubishi will be manufacturing the new Pajero Sport in Thailand, and it’ll be brought to India via CKD. Assembling will take place at Hindustan Motors’ Chennai Car Plant (CCP) in Tamil Nadu. Upon launch, the Pajero Sport will rival the new Ford Endeavour, new Toyota Fortuner and the upcoming Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Suraj Kannan