We haven’t heard much from Mitsubishi recently and, to be perfectly honest, there’s been nothing much to speak of. Mitsubishi have been soldiering along with a limited model range and limited sales, but behind the scenes much work is being done to change all that. The familiar saying of, “no news is good news” is thankfully quite apt in the case of Mitsubishi – a brand that began to dwindle under the umbrella of Daimler South Africa and which looks set to be rescued by Imperial Holdings who took over in July 2011.

In the not-too-distant-future we can look forward to a number of new variants in the Mitsubishi product portfolio, which will cater for a wider range of tastes and budgets. To start off with, however, Mitsubishi have introduced a manual version of their proven Pajero Sport SUV.

Launched in late 2009, the Pajero Sport remains largely unchanged for 2012, but the subtle updates to equipment and the interior are worth mentioning. Externally, the Sport has been given a revised set of headlight internals, along with headlamp washers, to bring it up-to-date with other models in the Mitsubishi range, such as the ASX and Pajero. Inside, the driver benefits from a revised instrument cluster and a new batch of ventilation dials that, together, manage to lift the appearance of the cabin. The multi-function display in the centre of the dashboard features a compass and altimeter, outside temperature reading, fuel tank range until empty, average fuel consumption, audio information, as well as the obligatory date/time display. A USB port is neatly hidden in the glove-box and integrates to the RDS radio, which also has CD/MP3 functionality and broadcasts to 6-speakers.

The Pajero still has three rows of leather-covered seats that accommodate a driver and up to six passengers. The two rear rows of seats can be folded to provide seating for one to five people with a large cargo area when all the seats are neatly folded flat. Climate control with additional vents and controls in the rear helps to keep all passengers comfortable, while for 2012, additional storage space and bottle holders have been added in the rear. One feature we wished Mitsubishi had added is that of a reach adjustable steering wheel.

As a refresher, the Pajero Sport is powered by a 3.2-litre, turbocharged and intercooled, 4-cylinder diesel engine, with a maximum output of 120 kW at 3 500 r/min and torque of 343 Nm at 2 000 r/min – a Euro III spec engine that can happily run on 500ppm diesel. Double wishbone front suspension and a 3-link setup in the rear, together with coil springs and stabilizer bar, mean the Pajero Sport offers a smoother ride than some of its competitors, although also exhibits a fair amount of bodyroll.

It’s the new 5-speed manual gearbox that we need to focus on though. The 4-speed tip-tronic automatic model is still available, but the three-pedal model means the Pajero Sport is slightly more affordable and more appealing to the serious off-roaders among us.

“The addition of a Pajero Sport with manual transmission will extend the appeal of this model significantly – particularly as the additional model is priced R10 000 lower than the automatic. This is perfect for families who need the space of a 7-seater, with the flexibility of 4×4 with low-range – perfect for family holidays,” says CEO of Mitsubishi Motors SA, Jaco Oosthuizen.

On the road, the 5-speed manual offers smooth and positive shifts, with a clutch action that’s comfortable and linear. It’s off-road, however, where the familiar and traditional low-range gearbox lever offers control over Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD system. Consisting of a centre differential and a rear differential lock, the transmission enables the driver to select the 4H off-road setting from 2H tar road mode whilst driving at up to 100km/h. The 4H setting gives a 33:67 power split between front and rear wheels respectively.

The Cape Town launch was held at Klipbokkop Nature Reserve where we climbed up to a height of 1 000 m via a steep, rutted and rocky route. With 4HLc and centre differential locked, the Pajero Sport distributes power in a 50:50 ratio between the axles and, in situations where the going gets really tough, a 4LLc option with locked rear differential offers a transfer ratio of 1.9:1. Together with good response from the turbo’d engine and easily accessible torque, as well as a little less pressure in the 265/65 R17 sized, road-biased, Bridgestone tyres, the Pajero romped up the mountain without effort. The 215 mm ground clearance also helped in this regard and is on par with others in its class, while approach and departure angles are 36 and 25 degrees respectively. Perhaps the manual’s only foible is the reminder it gives the driver that low-range is engaged, as the stubby gear-lever occasionally connects with his or her left leg.

After a couple hundred kilometers and some low-range, diff-lock engaged off-roading, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport ultimately stands out as a refreshing alternative to the segment leader, the Toyota Fortuner. With a more rounded and sleeker appearance, a very well built and solidly fitted interior, a proven engine, transmission and 4WD system, and not forgetting the comfortable ride, the Pajero Sport is something of an unsung hero in our book.

Prices include a 3-year/100 000km warranty and 5-year/100 000km service plan.