Say goodbye to the Mitsubishi Challenger, and hello to the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

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"Say goodbye to the Mitsubishi Challenger, and hello to the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport — the company’s new-generation, Triton-based off-roader that launches in Australia in December this year.

But that’s weeks away. We’re here in the now and have spent a brief window behind the Pajero Sport’s wheel in Japan, following this week’s Tokyo motor show — a reflection of how important this new model is for Mitsubishi.

Always more of a niche sold on price than anything else, this iteration — which ditches the established Challenger badge and takes on the largely global Pajero Sport moniker — is pitched as enough of a step forward to command significantly more sales for the brand.

And the stage is very much set, considering sales of rugged off-roaders are growing just like every other SUV in the market, a fact enhanced by the recent launch of the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest — both also 4WD wagons built on modified ute platforms.

That’s not even including the tried-and-true Isuzu MU-X, which continues to command healthy sales growth and a growing reputation, and the Holden Colorado 7, not as successful as its cousin but a presence nevertheless.

“[Challenger] was not so popular unfortunately in Australian market… now it is time to renew,” said the Pajero Sport’s project leader, Koichi Namiki. Those polarising looks are no doubt a part of that story. "
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/...s/pajero-sport