Mitsubishi adds no-cost third row to Pajero Sport

MITSUBISHI has introduced a no-cost third-row option to higher-spec variants of its popular Pajero Sport SUV to further boost sales in the ultra-competitive pick-up-based SUV market.

While only available to mid-tier GLS and range-topping Exceed versions, pricing remains identical to their five-seat counterparts at $48,500 before on-road costs and $52,750 respectively.

Entry-level GLX versions ($45,000) cannot be optioned with the third row.

Aside from the addition of two extra seats, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited head of corporate communications Shayna Welsh said that the differences between the five- and seven-seat versions are minimised to just side curtain airbags.

“So the cars that get the seven seats, the GLS and Exceed, they also get the side curtain airbags that cover the third row as well,” she said. “They all get the airvents in the rear – the second and third row – and they all get the airbags.” Ms Welsh could not confirm how much storage space is taken away by the third-row seats, but the additional pews appear to stow flat into the boot floor.

“From what we’ve seen, the boot space is still very generous,” she added.

All versions of the Pajero Sport are powered by a 133kW/430Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine – shared with its Triton donor car – with power fed through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels.

Standard features on the Pajero Sport GLX include an electronic park brake, reversing camera, Mitsubishi’s Off-road Terrain Control System, keyless entry, push-button start and power-folding side mirrors, while moving up to the GLS adds dual-zone climate control, leather interior, a rear locking differential, and automatic headlights and wipers.

Exceed versions gain blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats and a surround view camera system.

Ms Welsh said there was room on the market for both versions of the Pajero Sport, with five-seat variants catering to a more specialised buyer.

“In our market research, before we even sold Pajero Sport, there were still a lot of people that wanted a five-seater, for example grey nomads who tow caravans,” she said.

“They don’t need the extra seats because they’re usually a couple of retirees, so they prefer the boot space.

“So at least this way, we can cater to both markets.” Rivals to the Triton-based Pajero Sport include Ford’s Everest (based on the Ranger), the Toyota Fortuner (built on the HiLux), Isuzu’s D-Max-based MU-X and the Holden Colorado 7 – all of which include seven-seat options.

Mitsubishi has sold 1875 Pajero Sports in the first five months of this year, placing it ahead of the Ford Everest (1486), Toyota Fortuner (1767) and Holden Colorado 7 (1188), but behind Isuzu’s MU-X (2783).

A total of 2371 Pajero Sports have been registered since its debut in Australian showrooms in December last year.

2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport pricing*

GLX (a)	$45,000
GLS (a)	$48,000
Exceed (a)	$52,750

*Excludes on-road costs