<p>A weekend calls for that much-needed break from the busy week gone by. Turning the weekend into a fast, rugged and power-pumped adventure drive adds meaning to the adage, ‘cherry on the cake’.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Our choice of vehicle for the adventure is the Pajero Sport. That’s right. Think Pajero, think all-terrain! The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is an awesome utility vehicle and takes off pretty well after its legendary namesake — ‘The Mitsubishi Pajero’. The latter was imported to India from Japan in March 2002 in the form of a completely built unit (CBU). The Pajero Sport was relaunched in the Indian market by Mitsubishi Motors India in association with Hindustan Motors in March 2012.<br /><br />After driving into and out of different terrain with the super SUV, we are happy to state that our weekend adventure with this formidable sports utility vehicle is a ‘piece of cake’.<br />Our morning begins on a sedate note. <br /><br />We survey the humungous Mitsubishi Pajero Sport manual version, and its intimidating aura. Standing at a length of 4,695 mm, with a width of 1,815 mm, and a height of 1,840 mm, the Pajero Sport is a head-turner with its sharp and highly sophisticated looks. Its contemporary design at once commands respect and speaks of refinement.<br /><br />The SUV is based on Mitsubishi’s Triton pickup truck, and like its rival Toyota Fortuner is based on the Hilux platform. <br /><br />The Pajero Sport is sportier as it gets. Its magnificent chrome front grille, sporty side step and roof rails add character, even as the trendy rear spoilers, 12-spoke alloy wheels, chrome finished outdoor rear view mirrors (ORVMs) with indicators, rear intermittent wiper and washer, front fog lamps and wrap-around rear tail lamps assume a menacing, yet dignified look. The large headlamps flanking the nicely sized and centre-placed Mitsubishi logo, Three Diamonds, is the most stunning aspect of the car’s overall beauty.<br />The SUV, as we find, is also large enough to comfortably seat seven people (including the driver). <br /><br />The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is another word for good space and relaxed seating. With three rows of seating, including the dashboard area, the car is fit for a pretty big family with leanings for off-roading and adventure. The seats are plush and king-like, and the versatile nature of the second and third rows is commendable and they can be folded in the desired fashion to provide for more space.<br /><br />A few intelligent features about the interiors impress us. The premium leather-wrapped steering wheel is a joy to hold. Several striking elements such as the sunglass holder, vanity mirror, front door pockets with cup holder, second row seat armrest, front room lamps with map lights, and front cup holders on floor console, ensure its place as a family car even more.<br /><br />The front instrument cluster, though simple, is fitted with many relevant specs. Most impressive of all is the touchscreen in the centre-console, which helps control the music system, bluetooth connectivity, watch movies if need be and also allows the driver to easily reverse and manoeuvre the car, aided by the reverse camera. <br /><br />Mention must be made regarding the high-quality air conditioning system. Rear AC vents have been carved above the last two rows, and the cooling and speed can be controlled independently. <br /><br />Peaceful rev up sans noise<br /><br />It’s time to test the all-terrain capabilities of the Pajero Sport. We decide to take the machine through the wide and elevated Tumakuru Road, all the way through the inclined hairpins towards Devarayanadurga. The route will allow us to check the car’s behaviour as it transcends from one type of terrain into another.<br /><br />The engine revs up with a peaceful burst of energy, with little or no ambient noise whatsoever. The refinement of the engine begins to dawn on us, as we begin moving the car slowly forward in the 4X2 mode. We mildly begin to hit the acceleration pedal harder, and suddenly the car wakes up and begins to come into its own.<br /><br />This beast is composed of a 2.5-litre, four cylinder DOHC diesel engine, which delivers an impressive output of 178ps. As it cruises at a gradually accelerating pace, the Pajero Sport builds up speed that is quite strong in the mid-range. Having already crossed the 100 kmph speed threshold, we are hitting the pedal on the Tumakuru Road at an average speed of 130 kmph, while we have been told that it can easily hop onto the 200 kmph mark on continued acceleration. <br /><br />The car is behaving seamlessly, even as it takes on pockets of traffic dotting the road. A massive SUV charging like a bull from behind might intimidate a few people, as we see many motorists give way to us on seeing the Pajero Sport loom large in their rear-view mirrors. <br /><br />In terms of power, though there is touch of turbo-lag below 1,800 rpm, the mid range is quite inspiring to drive. It pulls quite effortlessly to 4,000 rpm and overtaking becomes a joyous affair and commands a bullying (read condescending) presence on the road. <br /><br />In terms of its engine build-up, we learn that a common rail fuel system delivers a precise, steady fuel supply to each cylinder, enabling maximum output with minimum waste for better efficiency and reduced emission. The computer-controlled feedback system allows for continual adjustment, ensuring peak performance at all times. <br /><br />The car’s 16-valve layout arrangement creates a more complete air/fuel mixture and steadier flow for consistent high performance. The precisely balanced roller-rocker arms and scissor gears provide exact valve timing for more power and combustion.<br /><br />The variable geometry turbo (VGT) delivers effortless power, right when you need it, while maintaining fuel efficiency by achieving an optimal turbo aspect ratio at any given speed. The VGT harnesses the power of the exhaust emissions, ensuring a constant delivery of fresh air to the engine for optimal output and performance.<br /><br />We have begun taking off on the rising road on the hillock leading to the temple town of Devarayanadurga. It’s past midday, and the heat has just set in. It is here that the true prowess of the car’s AC is felt. Throughout the cabin, the cooling is well-maintained. <br /><br />For music and entertainment, the car features a high-quality audio system, which can be handled through steering-mounted controls. <br /><br />The Pajero Sport doesn’t use a full-time 4WD, but is powered with rally-tested, shift-on-the-fly ‘Super Select 4WD’, which is a bliss. This enables the driver to shift to 4WD and 2WD without stopping the car, up to speeds as high as 100 kmph. This gives the car an edge over the competition, and makes the ride all the less bumpy.<br /><br />Best SUV to drive<br />Though the Pajero Sport is meant essentially for off-roading, it is not the easiest of the SUVs in town, thanks to its heavy clutch and tight steering. But it is surely one of the best SUVs to drive. <br /><br />The super stable suspension and the 215 mm ground clearance just tops it all. An unimpressive aspect that catches us off-guard is the hard manual transmission. The five-speed manual gearbox is a hassle to shift on a high-speed adventure drive. Its ladder-frame chassis, however, has been engineered quite well for driving comfort. <br /><br />The double wishbone setup does the job for the front suspension and at the rear, the car sports a three-link setup with coil springs, besides sporting anti-roll bars at both ends. <br /><br />Be it a puddle, a ditch or a gravel by the side of the road, the Pajero Sport makes mincemeat of them all. With a steady climb speed, and a turning radius of 5.6 metres, the car is sure to take the driver by surprise, besides adding that sense of security. We attempt to mount the SUV on a rock and lo! It perches on it like a ‘rock’.<br /><br />An SUV needs to keep its passengers safe, and precisely for that, the Pajero Sport includes a host of safety features. Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (ABS with EBD), collapsible steering wheel, crash detection door lock system shutdown and electronic immobiliser are just few of the safety features. Though we hope that the car carries more than the mere two (passenger and driver) airbags. <br /><br />Primarily, SUVs are not considered to be fuel-efficient vehicles, but this belief is pleasantly dashed by the Pajero Sport, which gives a reasonable 12 kmpl mileage owing to a lighter engine. On reaching the summit of the hillock, it’s time to ponder over the safe drive and how the relaxed downhill descent might be.<br /><br />For those wanting to pick up a Pajero Sport, the SUV is priced at Rs 25,62,000 for the manual, while a recently launched automatic variant costs Rs 25,31,000 (all ex-showroom Bengaluru prices).<br /><em><br />(With inputs from Shreyas N)</em><br /><br /></p>
<p>A weekend calls for that much-needed break from the busy week gone by. Turning the weekend into a fast, rugged and power-pumped adventure drive adds meaning to the adage, ‘cherry on the cake’.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Our choice of vehicle for the adventure is the Pajero Sport. That’s right. Think Pajero, think all-terrain! The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is an awesome utility vehicle and takes off pretty well after its legendary namesake — ‘The Mitsubishi Pajero’. The latter was imported to India from Japan in March 2002 in the form of a completely built unit (CBU). The Pajero Sport was relaunched in the Indian market by Mitsubishi Motors India in association with Hindustan Motors in March 2012.<br /><br />After driving into and out of different terrain with the super SUV, we are happy to state that our weekend adventure with this formidable sports utility vehicle is a ‘piece of cake’.<br />Our morning begins on a sedate note. <br /><br />We survey the humungous Mitsubishi Pajero Sport manual version, and its intimidating aura. Standing at a length of 4,695 mm, with a width of 1,815 mm, and a height of 1,840 mm, the Pajero Sport is a head-turner with its sharp and highly sophisticated looks. Its contemporary design at once commands respect and speaks of refinement.<br /><br />The SUV is based on Mitsubishi’s Triton pickup truck, and like its rival Toyota Fortuner is based on the Hilux platform. <br /><br />The Pajero Sport is sportier as it gets. Its magnificent chrome front grille, sporty side step and roof rails add character, even as the trendy rear spoilers, 12-spoke alloy wheels, chrome finished outdoor rear view mirrors (ORVMs) with indicators, rear intermittent wiper and washer, front fog lamps and wrap-around rear tail lamps assume a menacing, yet dignified look. The large headlamps flanking the nicely sized and centre-placed Mitsubishi logo, Three Diamonds, is the most stunning aspect of the car’s overall beauty.<br />The SUV, as we find, is also large enough to comfortably seat seven people (including the driver). <br /><br />The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is another word for good space and relaxed seating. With three rows of seating, including the dashboard area, the car is fit for a pretty big family with leanings for off-roading and adventure. The seats are plush and king-like, and the versatile nature of the second and third rows is commendable and they can be folded in the desired fashion to provide for more space.<br /><br />A few intelligent features about the interiors impress us. The premium leather-wrapped steering wheel is a joy to hold. Several striking elements such as the sunglass holder, vanity mirror, front door pockets with cup holder, second row seat armrest, front room lamps with map lights, and front cup holders on floor console, ensure its place as a family car even more.<br /><br />The front instrument cluster, though simple, is fitted with many relevant specs. Most impressive of all is the touchscreen in the centre-console, which helps control the music system, bluetooth connectivity, watch movies if need be and also allows the driver to easily reverse and manoeuvre the car, aided by the reverse camera. <br /><br />Mention must be made regarding the high-quality air conditioning system. Rear AC vents have been carved above the last two rows, and the cooling and speed can be controlled independently. <br /><br />Peaceful rev up sans noise<br /><br />It’s time to test the all-terrain capabilities of the Pajero Sport. We decide to take the machine through the wide and elevated Tumakuru Road, all the way through the inclined hairpins towards Devarayanadurga. The route will allow us to check the car’s behaviour as it transcends from one type of terrain into another.<br /><br />The engine revs up with a peaceful burst of energy, with little or no ambient noise whatsoever. The refinement of the engine begins to dawn on us, as we begin moving the car slowly forward in the 4X2 mode. We mildly begin to hit the acceleration pedal harder, and suddenly the car wakes up and begins to come into its own.<br /><br />This beast is composed of a 2.5-litre, four cylinder DOHC diesel engine, which delivers an impressive output of 178ps. As it cruises at a gradually accelerating pace, the Pajero Sport builds up speed that is quite strong in the mid-range. Having already crossed the 100 kmph speed threshold, we are hitting the pedal on the Tumakuru Road at an average speed of 130 kmph, while we have been told that it can easily hop onto the 200 kmph mark on continued acceleration. <br /><br />The car is behaving seamlessly, even as it takes on pockets of traffic dotting the road. A massive SUV charging like a bull from behind might intimidate a few people, as we see many motorists give way to us on seeing the Pajero Sport loom large in their rear-view mirrors. <br /><br />In terms of power, though there is touch of turbo-lag below 1,800 rpm, the mid range is quite inspiring to drive. It pulls quite effortlessly to 4,000 rpm and overtaking becomes a joyous affair and commands a bullying (read condescending) presence on the road. <br /><br />In terms of its engine build-up, we learn that a common rail fuel system delivers a precise, steady fuel supply to each cylinder, enabling maximum output with minimum waste for better efficiency and reduced emission. The computer-controlled feedback system allows for continual adjustment, ensuring peak performance at all times. <br /><br />The car’s 16-valve layout arrangement creates a more complete air/fuel mixture and steadier flow for consistent high performance. The precisely balanced roller-rocker arms and scissor gears provide exact valve timing for more power and combustion.<br /><br />The variable geometry turbo (VGT) delivers effortless power, right when you need it, while maintaining fuel efficiency by achieving an optimal turbo aspect ratio at any given speed. The VGT harnesses the power of the exhaust emissions, ensuring a constant delivery of fresh air to the engine for optimal output and performance.<br /><br />We have begun taking off on the rising road on the hillock leading to the temple town of Devarayanadurga. It’s past midday, and the heat has just set in. It is here that the true prowess of the car’s AC is felt. Throughout the cabin, the cooling is well-maintained. <br /><br />For music and entertainment, the car features a high-quality audio system, which can be handled through steering-mounted controls. <br /><br />The Pajero Sport doesn’t use a full-time 4WD, but is powered with rally-tested, shift-on-the-fly ‘Super Select 4WD’, which is a bliss. This enables the driver to shift to 4WD and 2WD without stopping the car, up to speeds as high as 100 kmph. This gives the car an edge over the competition, and makes the ride all the less bumpy.<br /><br />Best SUV to drive<br />Though the Pajero Sport is meant essentially for off-roading, it is not the easiest of the SUVs in town, thanks to its heavy clutch and tight steering. But it is surely one of the best SUVs to drive. <br /><br />The super stable suspension and the 215 mm ground clearance just tops it all. An unimpressive aspect that catches us off-guard is the hard manual transmission. The five-speed manual gearbox is a hassle to shift on a high-speed adventure drive. Its ladder-frame chassis, however, has been engineered quite well for driving comfort. <br /><br />The double wishbone setup does the job for the front suspension and at the rear, the car sports a three-link setup with coil springs, besides sporting anti-roll bars at both ends. <br /><br />Be it a puddle, a ditch or a gravel by the side of the road, the Pajero Sport makes mincemeat of them all. With a steady climb speed, and a turning radius of 5.6 metres, the car is sure to take the driver by surprise, besides adding that sense of security. We attempt to mount the SUV on a rock and lo! It perches on it like a ‘rock’.<br /><br />An SUV needs to keep its passengers safe, and precisely for that, the Pajero Sport includes a host of safety features. Anti-lock Braking System and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (ABS with EBD), collapsible steering wheel, crash detection door lock system shutdown and electronic immobiliser are just few of the safety features. Though we hope that the car carries more than the mere two (passenger and driver) airbags. <br /><br />Primarily, SUVs are not considered to be fuel-efficient vehicles, but this belief is pleasantly dashed by the Pajero Sport, which gives a reasonable 12 kmpl mileage owing to a lighter engine. On reaching the summit of the hillock, it’s time to ponder over the safe drive and how the relaxed downhill descent might be.<br /><br />For those wanting to pick up a Pajero Sport, the SUV is priced at Rs 25,62,000 for the manual, while a recently launched automatic variant costs Rs 25,31,000 (all ex-showroom Bengaluru prices).<br /><em><br />(With inputs from Shreyas N)</em><br /><br /></p>
