Key Takeaways
- The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport stands out in the 7 seater SUV category with its 1.5L engine, outstanding fuel efficiency, and 225mm ground clearance, balancing power with adaptability for both urban and rough terrain driving.
- The Pajero Sport combines ruggedness with luxury, offering significant towing capacity, advanced safety features, and passenger comfort across three rows of seats, as well as ample power with its 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine.
- The Mitsubishi Outlander presents a luxury experience in a versatile 7 seater SUV package, featuring a 2.5-litre engine, advanced technology integration, and a comprehensive safety suite, making it a compelling value proposition in the South African market.
Exploring the Mitsubishi Xpander: A Family Favourite
In the competitive realm of 7 seater SUVs, the Mitsubishi Xpander carves its own niche amidst stiff competition from well-known models like the Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Everest, and Nissan Patrol. Curious about its unique features? Let’s uncover them.
The Xpander is a master of versatility. Here are some of its key features:
- Fitted with a 1.5L engine, it delivers a power output of 77kW, which ensures it handles the demands of carrying seven passengers efficiently.
- It even outperforms its competitors in fuel efficiency tests.
- It has a commendable ground clearance of 225mm, making it comfortable to drive on both city streets and rugged countryside.
Engine and Performance
The heart of the Xpander is its robust 1.5L MiVEC DOHC 16 Valve Aluminium Block Engine. With a maximum power output of 77kW@6000rpm and a torque of 141Nm, it has the grunt to pull a full load of passengers up steep inclines without breaking a sweat.
When it comes to transmission, the Xpander offers a choice between a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic with Sport Mode. This flexibility allows you to choose the best driving style for your needs. Whether you’re navigating the hustle and bustle of city traffic or cruising along the highway, the Xpander’s wide ratio manual transmission and optimized top gear ratios in the automatic variant ensure optimal fuel economy.
Comfort and Space
The Mitsubishi Xpander is not just about power and performance; it is also about comfort and space. It comfortably accommodates up to seven passengers, thanks to its flexible seating configuration.
The design of the vehicle’s interior prioritizes utmost comfort. The reinforced suspension with shock absorbers and high-performance sound-absorbing materials ensure a quieter and smoother ride, even on those long family road trips. When it comes to passenger comfort, the Xpander is a practical choice that truly stands out among 7 eater SUVs.
Safety Features
Safety has been a central consideration in the design of the Mitsubishi Xpander. It comes equipped with SRS Single Stage Airbags for both the driver and the front passenger, providing cushioning and reducing injuries in the event of a collision.
Furthermore, the Xpander comes with an array of advanced safety features, including:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Braking Distribution (EBD) to prevent wheel lock-up during sudden braking
- Emergency Stop Signal System (ESS) to warn other drivers of abrupt stops by flashing the hazard lights
- Rear view camera for improved visibility
- Pedestrian protection design
- LED manual Day Running Lights (DRL’s) and fog lamps for increased visibility
The Mitsubishi Motors Intuitive Technology (MiTec) wraps all these features into a suite of active and passive safety measures, ensuring that you and your passengers are always safe.
The Rugged Elegance of the Pajero Sport
The Pajero Sport offers a significant 218mm ground clearance, making it a beast on challenging terrains. To top it all off, the vehicle is equipped with advanced connectivity features like Bluetooth and Hands-free Voice Control, providing a convenient and high-tech driving experience.
Towing and Terrain Handling
The Pajero Sport is a powerhouse when it comes to towing and terrain handling. With a towing capacity of up to 2700kg when braked, it is ideal for those family adventures when you need to tow caravans, boats, or trailers.
The Renault Triber delivers robust performance for both on-road cruising and off-road explorations, catering to the needs of South African motorists. Thanks to its maximum power output of 133kW@3500rpm and 8-speed automatic transmission, its interior is designed to ensure stable handling and exceptional ride quality, even on rough terrains or when fully loaded with passengers or cargo.
And for added convenience, the Pajero Sport includes rear park distance control and a rear view camera, which greatly assist in parking and maneuvering during outdoor activities or in tight spaces, ensuring sufficient space.
Passenger Comfort Across Three Rows
The Pajero Sport lays significant emphasis on comfort, as illustrated by its luxurious features:
- Leather seating that provides lumbar support for all passengers
- Second-row seats that can recline and have access to a fold-down armrest
- Third-row seats with split-fold and recline adjustment, ensuring a comfortable ride for all passengers across three rows.
Besides comfort, the vehicle is also designed with practicality in mind. The Pajero Sport includes:
- Seat-back pockets for additional storage, enhancing the convenience of the seating arrangement
- ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors for the two outer second-row seats, ensuring the safety of the little ones
- An additional top tether anchorage in the glove box to be installed above the third row
Enhanced Safety for Peace of Mind
In the Pajero Sport, safety is of utmost importance. The vehicle incorporates comprehensive safety features to ensure the well-being of all passengers. It is equipped with 7 airbags, providing extensive protection in case of a collision.
But that’s not all. The Pajero Sport also features ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors, which offer secure attachment points for child safety seats. This gives you peace of mind, knowing that the little ones are safe and secure during your journeys.
Discovering the Mitsubishi Outlander: Luxury Meets Versatility
Finally, let’s discuss the Mitsubishi Outlander, a 7 seater SUV that brilliantly blends luxury and versatility. It boasts a stylish design, state-of-the-art engine, and advanced technology features that make it an attractive option for those seeking a premium SUV.
The Outlander’s interior is a testament to luxury. It includes luxurious quilted leather door inserts and a black headliner that enhances the overall luxury feel. The vehicle is powered by a 2.5-litre Duel VVT DOHC engine with 135kW and 245Nm, coupled with a simulated eight-speed CVT transmission. This ensures a refined driving experience that matches its luxurious interior. For tech-savvy motorists, the Outlander’s incorporation of Bluetooth with Hands-free Voice Control represents the seamless blend of technology and luxury.
Spacious Interior and High Levels of Comfort
The Outlander provides:
- Ample interior space
- Exceptional comfort
- Flexible seating arrangements to accommodate families and groups comfortably during long drives
- Luxury elements like soft touch surfaces, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated controls and paddle shifters, and premium synthetic leather and suede combination seats.
The vehicle also offers automatic dual-zone climate control for the front seat passengers and dedicated air vents with a cooler for rear passengers. This ensures a comfortable cabin temperature for all occupants. Moreover, the spacious interior with enough interior space is supported by the vehicle’s generous exterior dimensions and a 60/40 split rear seat design with flat-folding capability, providing ample cargo space and enhancing loading versatility. Additionally, the cruise control feature adds to the driving convenience.
On and Off-Road Capabilities
Beyond luxury and comfort, the Outlander also excels in performance and versatility, making it a hugely capable vehicle. It comes with a 210mm ground clearance and Active Yaw Control system, which enhance its off-road capabilities.
The vehicle is powered by a 2.5-litre Duel VVT DOHC engine with 135kW and 245Nm, in combination with a simulated eight-speed CVT transmission. This facilitates robust off-road and on-road driving. Equipped with Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), the Outlander delivers superior traction and stability through its electronically controlled AWD system. Safety is also paramount in the Outlander, featuring SRS Single Stage Airbags for the driver and passenger to ensure protection across different driving environments.
Value Proposition
The Mitsubishi Outlander presents a compelling value proposition in South Africa. With a starting price of R759,995 for the GLS model and R789,995 for the Aspire model, it marks itself as a competitive choice among luxury 7 seater SUVs.
The Outlander models boast a sophisticated 12.3-inch Digital Driver Display and an 8-inch or 9-inch Smartphone-Link Display Audio system, equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enhancing the in-car experience. With the purchase of an Outlander, Mitsubishi offers a 3 year/100,000 km manufacturer’s warranty, 5 years/unlimited mileage roadside assistance, and a 5 years/90,000 km service plan with 15,000 km intervals. This emphasises long-term value and customer care.
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Right 7 Seater SUV
Having delved into the features of the three Mitsubishi 7 seater SUVs, how can you determine the right fit for your needs? To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together this buyer’s guide. It compares models based on price, performance, and features.
In the end, your decision will boil down to your specific needs and preferences. Here are some options to consider:
- If you’re looking for a vehicle that offers space, the Mitsubishi Xpander, with its 7 seats and length of 4,475 mm, might be the right choice for you.
- If you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle rough terrains, the Pajero Sport with its significant ground clearance and robust engine might be your best bet.
- If luxury is what you’re after, then the Mitsubishi Outlander with its luxurious interior and state-of-the-art engine could be the perfect match.
Summary
In conclusion, whether you’re in the market for a family-friendly SUV, a rugged off-roader, or a luxury vehicle, Mitsubishi’s line of 7 seater SUVs has something to offer. The Xpander, Pajero Sport, and Outlander each bring their unique features and benefits to the table. By comparing price, performance, and features, you can make an informed decision to find the vehicle that best suits your needs. So why wait? Start your adventure with a Mitsubishi 7 seater SUV today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the engine capacity of the Xpander?
The engine capacity of the Xpander is 1.5 liters, making it suitable for various driving needs.
What type of engine does the Mitsubishi Outlander have?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has a state-of-the-art engine, designed to provide high performance and efficiency.
What is the ground clearance of the Pajero Sport?
The ground clearance of the Pajero Sport is 218mm, providing ample room for off-road adventures.
Does the Xpander have Bluetooth with Hands-free Voice Control?
Yes, the Xpander does have Bluetooth with Hands-free Voice Control.