India-bound 2019 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (facelift) spotted testing in Thailand

The 2019 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (facelift), which will reportedly launch in India in April 2019, has been spotted testing in Thailand by Headligtmag. The current generation SUV was launched in Thailand on 1 August 2015 and is in a price range of 1,138,000 - 1,399,000 baht (INR 25.51 lakh to INR 31.36 lakh). The mid-cycle refresh is expected to debut at the end of the ongoing calendar year.

While the test mule sports a heavy camouflage on the front-end, it's evident that the refresh will gain tweaked headlamps, a new grille, and an updated bumper. The revised fascia carries an evolved version of the Dynamic Shield design theme.

Other changes will include revised tail lights and a new set of 18-inch alloy wheels. The new model could take some styling inspiration from the Mitsubishi Xpander. On the inside, the 2019 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (facelift) is expected to get an upholstery change along with an improved touchscreen infotainment unit.

Mechanically, the Mitsubishi Pajero facelift should remain unchanged. Presently, the SUV is available with three engine options - 4D56 2.5-litre diesel (100 kW/324 Nm), 4N15 2.4-litre diesel (133 kW/430 Nm) and 6B31 3.0-litre petrol (161 kW/285 Nm or 154 kW/279 Nm). The base diesel motor comes mated to five-speed manual and five-speed automatic transmissions. While the 2.4-litre oil-burner is available with 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmissions, the petrol engine can be had with the 8-speed automatic unit only.

In India, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport should launch in a price range of INR 30 - 40 lakhs. It will rival the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, the Mahindra Rexton and the new Honda CR-V. The latest generation SUV will launch as a CBU and could eventually be assembled. The Indian-spec model will be reportedly powered by a 2.4-litre diesel engine that will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

[Source - headlightmag.com]