Mitsubishi Prepping New Pajero/Montero Sport, Chassis Mule Spied in the Open

3 months, 1 week ago - 12 September 2024, autoevolution

You probably forgot that the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, also sold in some markets as the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, exists. After all, the current one has been around for almost ten years, and it's an aging product in today's fast-moving car world.

However, the Japanese automaker, which joined the Renault-Nissan Alliance a few years back, is aware that the Pajero Sport/Montero Sport is old and in dire need of a significant makeover. Thus, it has set out to replace it, by the looks of it, as our spy photographers recently nabbed a tester in the open.

Mind you, our man with the cam believes it's not a regular prototype but more of a chassis mule. This makes sense when spotting the brand-new front fascia, which seems almost the same as the one of the latest L200/Triton. And don't consider that a surprise, as this model will basically be the SUV version of the pickup truck.

What does this tell us? Quite a few things, as we can expect it to further mirror the workhorse in terms of exterior and interior designs. This would be a welcomed upgrade, especially on the inside, as there is a good chance that it will gain the same 9-inch infotainment system with smartphone integration and a 7-inch multi-information display behind the steering wheel.

We also believe that Mitsubishi will offer higher quality materials on the inside, additional technology gear, improved comfort, and enhanced safety features. Most gizmos will likely carry over from its pickup truck sibling, and that includes the ladder frame chassis, which would turn it into a veritable off-roader and not just another compact crossover that we forget exists shortly after the grand unveiling.

Mitsubishi's latest L200/Triton comes with a turbodiesel engine, and the upcoming Pajero/Montero Sport might also make use of it. If that's the case, then expect it to have a little over 200 horsepower in the most agile flavor and close to 150 horsepower in the entry-level specification. The four-wheel drive system will probably be optional, and rumors claim that a six-speed transmission will be responsible for channeling the thrust to the wheels.

Now, as we already mentioned, this is likely a mule rather than a prototype, meaning that the company still has a lot of things on its plate regarding the new Pajero Sport/Montero Sport. We expect pre-production prototypes to hit the road in the coming months, as only then can we delve more into the design and other features.

It's possible that Mitsubishi won't launch it until next year or maybe 2026, and reports indicate that the larger and more luxurious Pajero/Montero will join it, perhaps with plug-in hybrid firepower. Let's hope the carmaker also revives other models from its past, like the Lancer EVO.