Next-gen 2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (India-bound) spotted [Update]

Update - GoAuto has updated the spyshot gallery, with images from its contributor by Mr. Stuart Martin. Mitsubishi were criticized for taking a conservative approach for the new Triton's design, but it looks as if they have saved up the essence of the forerunner GR-HEV utility concept for heavy use on the new Pajero Sport, which is camouflaged sporting the same deep lines, bumper design and highly swept lamps. A Thai report expects the premiere in Q3 2015.

March 12, 2015

Expected to feature a new 2.4L engine.

Mitsubishi is currently developing on the third generation of the Mitsubish Pajero Sport, which, going by Thai media reports, will be launched later this year. Now, the first spyshots of the Triton-based SUV has surfaced from Australia, where it is branded as the Mitsubishi Challenger, courtesy of GoAuto.

The heavily cammo wrapped prototype gives a basic insight at what the next Pajero Sport looks like. The exterior design seems to borrow design cues from the GR-HEV utility concept, for instance the slim swept-back headlamps, similar bumper design and a strong character line running across the side profile.

The current Pajero Sport is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel from the outgoing Triton pickup, producing 176 bhp at 4,000 rpm and 400 Nm of peak torque at 2,500 rpm. The next model could feature the new 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo-diesel engine which, under the hood of the new Triton, produces 181 PS and 430 Nm of torque. Mitsubishi certainly should retain both 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options for the new Pajero Sport.

Also Read: India-bound 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander (facelift) – IAB Rendering

With a Thai market launch likely to take place in Q3 2015, expect it to arrive in India in 2016. Currently the Pajero Sport is assembled at the Hindustan Motors' Tiruvallur plant, and the same manufacturing method (perhaps after a CBU launch) could ensue.

[Source: Go Auto]