The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLX is an entry-level offering within a three-model SUV range. It is a wagon version of the Triton ute, and it has been updated for 2020 with some visible enhancements to the exterior. 

It currently offers everything one could ask for from a large and capable off-roading machine. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLX is presented as a rugged wagon, great for the outdoors, but it is also comfortable and easy for regular road use.

Exterior

Mitsubishi adopted the Triton's new headlight Dynamic Shield fascia for the Pajero Sport, and some would say it does complete the look. More improvements can be seen at the back as well. The long taillights which annoyed some have been cut to look tidier. It may sound like a minor change, but it has significantly changed its look from behind. 

The new alloy wheels and the slightly lifted side steps improve the off-road aesthetics. Overall, the Pajero Sport GLX makes for a compelling case combining brute looks with sharp aesthetics.

Interior

If the exterior gave any hint that the interior could be spartan in any way, those thoughts are quickly dispelled as soon as one slides into the cabin. Most of the materials are great to look at and soft to the touch. The GLX provides for manual adjusting on the seating, and there is a good range of movement. The steering wheel is also tilt-and-reach. There has been a rethink of the layout, which now has storage spaces for keys, phones, and wallets.

The reflective materials have also been toned down, so less light is being beamed back onto the occupant's face at different times of the day. The dash and the centre console have been arranged to give the drive a wraparound cockpit feel. On the road, the Pajero, though large, feels agile and rides quite smoothly as opposed to the ute from which it was derived. That is thanks to the revised suspension with soft riding coils.

Technology

Some of the standard equipment aboard the GLX includes an eight-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, single-zone climate control, AEB, non-adaptive cruise control, and automatic headlights and wipers. The GLX gives the right balance of features that one could need or want without having to struggle with packages like lane change self-help or an app that is hardly user-friendly. If the user plugs in a compatible smartphone, the touchscreen may illustrate a simplified version of the phone’s home screen, allowing the user to access apps, get directions, or make calls. 

The Bluetooth phone connectivity as well is controlled from the steering wheel or touchscreen. A sound system with AM and digital radio, and iPod and USB inputs, also have controls on the steering wheel. Review cameras assist by providing a view to the back in case of traffic or obstacles. 

The GLX uses trailer sway control to stabilise the vehicle if a trailer it tows moves from side to side. Its LED headlights and taillights are brighter than the normal ones, and they use up less power. LED daytime lamps make the GLX much more visible on overcast days.

Performance

The Mitsubishi GLX is powered by a 2.4-litre turbo diesel unit that was also present in the previous year model. The MIVEC engine (for Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control), is linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission and churns out 133 kW and 430 Nm of torque. Like majority of modern engines, it employs the variable valve timing technology, meaning the valve lift and timing control on the intake camshaft may vary according to the driver's demands. 

The 8-speed transmission allows for a quick supply of power. In sport mode, it does offer manual gear changes with the use of paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. They are relatively swift during the response. It does not feel like a lack of forward gears strains the engine. The relatively swift first gear is there to give a smooth power curve instead of the slower than usual delivery that is found in most diesel SUVs. When confined to the suburbs, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport returns a fuel consumption of 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

Safety

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is badged with a five-star ANCAP rating and comes equipped with airbags, electronic stability control, and traction control. It is fitted with the usual complement of seven airbags and a reversing camera, among other things. The side curtain airbags extend past the third seat row, so those riding in the rearmost seating position get more cushioning from the side impacts. 

All the current versions come equipped with autonomous emergency braking, which was previously exclusive on the Exceed version. The Forward Collision Mitigation that sounds a warning when detecting a potential collision is also there. If the driver does not take any action, it would automatically apply the brakes to prevent or mitigate the impact. The Pajero Sport also has blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts, which senses oncoming vehicle from either side, especially when reversing.

Pricing

The Pajero Sport GLX entry-level retails at an estimated $45,000. The mid-range option is available at over $50,000. There is a range of genuine accessories that are provided with the Pajero Sport from underbody protection to the floor mats. The Pajero Sport is also covered by Mitsubishi's Diamond Advantage providing for five years or 100,000 km.

Final thoughts

The Pajero Sport GLX combines the aggressive exterior and off-road capability of the previous models with stepped-up comfort options. Under the hood, everything remains the same. The additions to the exterior, though, make it look sharper and more streamlined. The Pajero Sport GLX also has new technology features to improve comfort options. The GLX is a complete package, and the price tag makes it even more attractive.

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