TECH TALK
By Ralph Longley
TOW COMPARISON -
PAJERO SPORT -V-
PAJERO
Now here is something a little different!
Mitsubishi released the Pajero Sport back in 2015 initially as a 5 seater, then in 2016
releasing the 7 seater models. Just to make things interesting, the Pajero 'As we
Know It' is still manufactured and now competing with the Pajero Sport for the
consumer sale.
Will the Pajero Sport be the replacement for the Pajero?
So, what should I buy? The Pajero Sport with it's flashy design and slightly better
towing capacity, or should I stick with the older technology, this being the well
proven Pajero?
I guess the best answer is to test both as tow vehicles over a set distance, taking in
local, freeway and hilly terrains.
Now, before you read too far into this article, I should explain that my objective is not
to test all the features of both vehicles, but to concentrate on the towing capabilities of
both the Pajero Sport and the Pajero.
Vehicles Tested
Pajero Sport GLX 7 Seat. Motor, 2.4 diesel
8 speed automatic, in comparison with the
well tested and proved NW Pajero Exceed
3.2L diesel 5 speed automatic.
It's interesting that the smaller capacity
motor in the Pajero Sport still provides
133kW @ 3,500rpm and 430Nm @
2,500rpm. It's a credit to Mitsubishi that
the much smaller Pajero Sport motor, is only 8kW and 11Nm down on the 3.2 Pajero.
Is this a fair test? A 5 year old Pajero V a new Pajero Sport? Yes, I believe so when
you consider owners of the current shape Pajero may be looking for an update to a
NX Pajero 4x4 purchase or an alternative which could be the Pajero Sport.
Read on to further to find out which motor provides the best towing result.
Test Route - Bayswater (Vic) to Reeves Beach Camping area in South Gippsland.
Total distance to Reeves Beach and return - 460k. The test circuit included 260k of
freeway, 160k of hilly terrain and 40k of suburban driving.
This test circuit provides a great variation for any towing vehicle.
Questions to be answered - "Can the tow vehicle maintain a constant speed on the
freeway? How will the tow vehicle cope with the constant uphill climb and down hill
descent?" Read on.
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Vol 34 No. 6- AUG/SEP