Mitsubishi to roll out new people mover in Oct

Mitsubishi to roll out new people mover in Oct By Kingsley Wijayasinha

The Nation

Published on July 23, 2008

Carmaker expands its SUV range in Thailand with the Pajero Sport PPV

Mitsubishi is finally ready to expand its product line-up in Thailand with the scheduled launch of the Pajero Sport pickup-passenger vehicle (PPV) in October this year.

Mitsubishi Motor Thailand said the company will unveil the new Pajero Sport, based on the Mitsubishi Triton pickup platform, at the Moscow Auto Salon 2008 (Moscow Motor Show) to be held at the Crocus Expo in Moscow between August 26 and September 7 ( it opens to the public on August 29).

The Pajero Sport, produced at Mitsubishi's assembly plant in Laem Chabang where the Triton is made, will be offered in select regions such as Russia, Asean markets, the Middle East, Latin America and Oceania markets starting from September this year.

The Pajero Sport will be available in Thailand in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel-drive versions and powered by a choice of two engines, the 2.5-litre and 3.2-litre common-rail direct-injection diesel units already offered in the Triton pickup.

The new model features dynamic and sporty exterior lines, complemented by stylish and large interior space that offers a high level of comfort, purpose and safety, Mitsubishi Motor said.

"This cabin, available in three-row [seven passenger] seating configuration, is also very practical, ideal for leisure use," the company said.

The body of the Pajero Sport is mounted on a newly developed ladder frame to realise high levels of durability and reliability, consistent with the needs of its target markets.

The Pajero Sport will use the Super Select 4WD system, also used in the Pajero sport-utility vehicle (SUV), which transmits drive torque effectively to all four wheels on all types of surfaces.

Mitsubishi is scheduled to introduce the Pajero Sport in the Thai market in October, confident that the new model will make a strong addition to its SUV range, which also includes the Pajero Exceed that was launched in the Thai market in March last year.

The Pajero Sport will compete against the Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu Mu7 and Ford Everest in the Thai PPV market.

From January to June this year, a total of 11,338 PPVs were sold in Thailand, growing by 3.6 per cent.

At a glance

-- The Pajero Sport will come in 2WD and 4WD versions and two engine options - the 2.5-litre and 3.2-litre common-rail direct-injection diesel units.

-- The new model will make a strong addition to Mitsubishi's SUV range, which also includes the Pajero Exceed that was launched in March last year.