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Adrian PatonMoscow preview: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (Challenger)
July 18th 2008 07:55
Japanese car maker Mitsubishi is set to unveil the next generation Pajero Sport SUV - or the Challenger as we know it - at the upcoming Moscow Motor Show before sales begin in South-East Asia, South America, Australia and the Middle East towards the end of the year.
Powered by a choice of three engines: a 2.5-litre and 3.2-litre common rail direct injection diesel units and a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, power is sent to all four wheels via Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD system - the all-wheel control philosophy forged through the manufacturer's participation in the Dakar Rally.
Unlike a lot of the SUVs on our roads today, the new generation Challenger is set to tackle the toughest of terrains with a cabin that sits up to 7 passengers comfortably and on very practical water-repellent seats too. There is also a waterproof luggage compartment floor.
The Challenger will be joining the Pajero and Outlander in the SUV ranks when it is launched in Australia later this year.
The Official Mitsubishi Press Release:
New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV to be unveiled at 2008 Moscow Motor Show
Tokyo July 17 2008 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil its new Pajero Sport*1 SUV model at the Moscow Auto Salon 2008 (The Moscow Motor Show) to be held at the Crocus Expo in Moscow between August 26 and September 7 (opens to the public on August 29). The new Pajero Sport will be phased in selected regions*2 such as Russia, the ASEAN area, the Middle East, Latin America and Oceania starting in the fall this year.
*1 The model will carry a different name in different markets: Montero Sport in South America, Nativa in Latin America and Challenger in Australia.
*2 The new Pajero Sport will neither be sold in Central & Western Europe nor in North America, where other types of SUVs are favored.
The new Pajero Sport features dynamic and sporty exterior lines, complemented by a stylish and vast interior space that engenders a sense of comfort, purpose and safety. This cabin, available in either a 2-row (5-passenger) or 3-row (7-passenger) seating configuration is also very practical with water-repellent seats and a waterproof luggage compartment floor, ideal for leisure use.
Mitsubishi's latest SUV will be powered by a choice of three engines which all deliver outstanding motive performance and fuel economy: 2.5-liter and 3.2-liter common rail direct injection diesel units and a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline unit*3.
In terms of architecture, the body of the Pajero Sport is mounted on a new ladder frame to realize high levels of durability and reliability, consistent with the needs of its target markets.
Mitsubishi's All Wheel Control philosophy, forged through its participation in the Dakar Rally and other contests, informs all of the company's 4WD systems. The new model will use the Super Select 4WD system, also used in the Pajero*4 SUV, which transmits drive torque effectively to all four wheels on all types of surface. The body, frame and driveline not only give Pajero Sport outstanding off-road performance but allow it to deliver excellent drive dynamics over all surfaces.
The choice of the Moscow Motor Show to unveil the new Pajero Sport is a clear indication of Russia's eminent position within Mitsubishi Motors. In fiscal 2007 Mitsubishi Motors sold some 100,000 vehicles on the Russian market, boosted by the ever successful Lancer line-up and a popular range of SUVs.
MMC is confident that the new Pajero Sport SUV will make a strong addition to its SUV range, which also includes the Pajero and Outlander. Coming on the heels of the introduction of the Lancer*5 sports sedan last year, this will allow MMC to expand SUV sales and hit a total sales volume of 140,000 units on the Russian market in fiscal 2008.
*3 Russian-spec vehicle will only be available with the 3.2-liter diesel engine and 2-row, 5-passenger capacity seating arrangement.
*4 "Montero" in Spanish-speaking countries and "Shogun' in the UK.
*5 Galant Fortis in Japan.
[Source: Mitsubishi]
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