Pajero Sport AT launched at Rs 23.55 lakh

TOD had reported earlier, that Mitsubishi will be launching an automatic version of the Pajero Sport, and today, the SUV has been launched in India, priced at Rs 23.55 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. The Japanese manufacturer has also relaunched the 4x4 variant, costing Rs 30,000 more, and priced at 23.80 lakh.

Besides sporting the new five-speed automatic transmission, the new Pajero Sport gets a new stylish front grille, sporty fog lamps, and side view mirrors with integrated indicators. The SUV’s interiors feature paddle shifters for the first time, and a multi information display.

The same 2.5-litre diesel motor is carried over though it produces 50Nm less than the manual and 4x4 versions, which means it now has an output of 176bhp and 350Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed torque converter automatic transmission with a sport mode and paddle shifts. The 4x4 version gets the same five-speed manual though peak torque is 400Nm.

The Japanese manufacturer has confirmed that they will be concentrating on SUVs, rather than sedans, though there are rumours floating that we may see the Montero brought to India sometime late next year. In addition, a new diesel Outlander and more variants of the Pajero will also come to India under Mitubishi’s New Stage 2016 strategy for the country. To create and meet demand while increasing sales, the Japanese brand has planned to expand from its current dealership network of 31 outlets to 48 by March 2015. Over the next year or so, it expects sell about 3,000 units of the Pajero Sport, as in the past year, it has sold 2,000 units.

All the new models, including the Pajero Sport 4x2 Automatic and the new 4x4, will roll out of Hindustan Motors’ plant in Chennai.