2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport released

Mitsubishi New Zealand has released the new 2017 Pajero Sport, with an increased focus on safety features. Both the XLS and VRX variants contain a 2.4-litre diesel engine, which produces 135kW of power and 437Nm of torque and gives the vehicle a 3-tonne towing capacity. The 4WD is the first in the Mistubishi range to include an advanced off-road mode and can drive through water up to 700mm deep. “For no extra cost, we’ve improved on what are already very high safety specifications across the range,” says Mitsubishi head of sales and marketing strategy Daniel Cook. Forward collision mitigation is new to the XLS, which detects when the vehicle ahead rapidly slows down and applies the brakes. A blind spot warning is also introduced, and both features come as standard. The VRX also contains a multi-around view monitor, ultrasonic miss-acceleration mitigation system, sensor-activated wipers and headlights, and adaptive cruise control. Speed is matched with the vehicle ahead to maintain a safe following distance via radar in the front of the car. Both variants also come with multi-mode anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, active stability control, active traction control, and seven airbags as standard. The Pajero Sport also features hill-start assist, which prevents rollback on steep hills, and tractor stability assist. ANCAP awarded the SUV a five-star safety rating. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport XLS is available for $49,990+orc, and the VRX is priced at $60,990+orc.  Both are available at registered Mitsubishi dealerships nationwide.