Mitsubishi has announced launching its sport SUV, the Pajero Sport in India on 12th of this month. Previously we received the Montero in India, which was sold with the tag Pajero. And it is history being repeated with the Challenger (in international market), being launched in India by the tag of Pajero Sport.
As per sources, the new SUV, dubbed 2012 Pajero Sports will be launched in India next week on Monday. The Pajero Sports was previously seen at the 2012 Auto Expo in Delhi, however the officials did not disclose any detail on its launch following the floods in Thailand. With the Thai facility coming to its full capacity, the Japanese brand is confident on launching its Sport SUV against the giant rival, Toyota.
Launched in 2008, the Challenger was fitted with a four-cylinder 2.5-litre common rail turbo diesel motor. The Indian version, Pajero Sport will be housing the same power plant capable of pumping over 140 PS and 320 Nm torque. Mated to the motor is a 5-speed manual transmission, and there is no word on an automatic transmission yet. It comes with an All-Wheel Control Super Select 4WD mechanism that makes it a good strong off-roader.
India will receive a seven seat Pajero Sport with three rows, and will put it in the segment of Toyota Fortuner, Hyundai Santa Fe and the upcoming Chevrolet Captiva. Other notable features include ABS, EBD, climate control, slide and rear window demister, cruise control, automatic rain sensing wipers, auto headlamps etc.
Initially the Pajero SUV will come to India as Completely Built Units from the Thailand plant with an expected price tag of Rs 24 lacs. Mitsubishi plans later to import CKD kits and assemble the SUV at the Hindustan Motors facility in Tamil Nadu. The SUV will be strategically priced to survive in the market with Fortuner and Captiva.