Though it is no longer sold in much of Europe or North America, Mitsubishi Motors has continued development of its long-running Pajero Sport model – called Montero Sport in South America, Nativa in Latin America and Challenger in Australia – and will launch an updated line at the Moscow motor show late next month.
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Sales start in Russia, the ASEAN region, Middle East, Latin America and Oceania next (northern) autumn.
The restyled line offers two- (five-passenger) or three-row (seven-seat) layouts with water-repellent seats and a waterproof luggage compartment floor, ideal for leisure use, according to the automaker.
Engine choices are 2.5-and 3.2-litre common rail direct injection diesels or a petrol 3.5-litre V6.
This is a body-on-frame SUV with a new ladder frame chassis.
The latest model has MMC’s ‘Super Select 4WD’ system, also used in the Pajero/Shogun/Montero luxury SUV, which transmits drive torque to all four wheels on all types of surface.
“The choice of the Moscow Motor Show to unveil the new Pajero Sport is a clear indication of Russia’s eminent position within Mitsubishi Motors,” the automaker said. “In fiscal 2007 [we] sold some 100,000 vehicles on the Russian market, boosted by the ever successful Lancer line-up and a popular range of SUVs.”
The Russian unit operates as a stand-alone importer, reporting direct to Japan, having been split off from Mitsubishi Motors Europe some time ago.
MMC also sells the Pajero and Outlander in Russia and expects the updated and the Lancer sedan launched last year to both expand its SUV sales and take fiscal 2008 volume to 140,000 units in the fast-growing market.
