On June 4th, Mitsubishi launched the new Pajero Sport in Malaysia, and issued the following press release:

Setting new standards in offering dynamic styling and comfort of a luxury SUV, along with exceptional off-road capabilities, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia, the exclusive distributor of Mitsubishi Motors passenger cars and commercial vehicles in Malaysia, officially launched the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV today (June 4th).

Priced at RM RM158,609.80 (US$ 45,300), on the road without insurance, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia aims to sell 500 units of the fully-imported Pajero Sport by the end of 2009.

Using a Common Rail direct injection system for higher power and improved fuel efficiency, the Pajero Sport comes with a 2.5-litre diesel engine which delivers an impressive 136PS output at 3,500rpm and top-class torque of 314Nm at 2,000rpm.

"The Pajero Sport achieves a mix of the various strengths and qualities of Mitsubishi's 4WD flagship model Pajero and stylish and sporty on-road SUV Outlander, offering more of what one is looking for than any other SUV in its class. The Pajero Sport offers ample passenger space and comfort, with plenty of cargo space and multiple storage compartments, while still delivering quality performance, reliability and safety. The legendary Pajero has a huge fan base here in Malaysia and we are confident that the new Pajero Sport will be much sought after by those who are looking for a stylishly elegant, yet rugged off-road SUV capable of heavy-duty usage," said Mr Keizo Ono, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia.

"Mitsubishi Motors has been at the forefront of developing the world's most pioneering 4x4 technologies for over 70 years. We launched Pajero in 1982 and even today the 4th generation Pajero continues to be the benchmark of 4x4 technology and refinement. The popularity of the Pajero Sport is attributed to the proven track record of the legendary Pajero. Its dynamic and sporty exterior lines are complemented by a wide array of performance, control and safety technologies. Pajero Sport has garnered immense response since global debut in Moscow last year. To date, over 9,000 units of Pajero Sport have been sold worldwide since last September," said Mr Ryujiro Kobashi, Vice Corporate General Manager of ASIA and ASEAN Office, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation of Japan.

The Pajero Sport's 3-row, 7-passenger, seating configuration can be varied to accommodate various cargo scenarios. Leather seats and DVD audio visual system with USB connectivity, iPod and Bluetooth ready come standard on the Pajero Sport.

Also used in the legendary Pajero, the Super Select 4WD (SS4) driveline that incorporates the principles of Mitsubishi Motors' All Wheel Control (AWC) philosophy transmits drive torque effectively to all four wheels on all types of surface. With the SS4, switching between 4WD and 2WD when cruising is made possible. Mitsubishi's AWC philosophy, forged through its participation in the Dakar Rally and other contests, is the integration of Mitsubishi's various proprietary technologies, such as 4WD drivetrains, suspension technologies, braking systems, stability/traction control systems and various differential gears.

The Pajero Sport will also have an INVECS-II (Intelligent & Innovative Vehicle Electric Control System) 4-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode which allows the driver to manually select the preferred gear for sportier driving experience.

The riding comfort is made possible by its double-wishbone front suspension with coil springs combined with a 3-link coil spring rear suspension, both with stabilizer bars, giving unmatched traction and stability with a higher ground clearance for going off-road. A power assisted rack and pinion steering system provides good road feel, better response and a class leading turning radius of only 5.6 metres.

Pajero Sport's safety features include front and reverse sensors, projector headlamps and fog lamps, high mount stop lamps, ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), dual SRS airbags, Mitsubishi's exclusive RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body, pre-tensioner and force limiter seatbelts, collapsible steering column and safety brake pedal.

The Pajero Sport will be available at all Mitsubishi Motors showrooms in Peninsular Malaysia from 5 June onwards while in East Malaysia, from 10 July onwards. Colours available are Eisen Gray Mica, White Pearl, Cool Silver Metallic, Dark Blue Mica and Platinum Beige Metallic.

In its commitment to quality and reliability, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia offers a 3-year or 100,000km warranty for the new Pajero Sport.

To take advantage of the Pajero Sport special launch booking offer, please visit your nearest Mitsubishi Motors showroom. For more information, please visit www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my. The new Pajero Sport will join the current line-up consisting of the Lancer sedan, Grandis MPV, Lancer Evolution high performance sedan and the Triton pick-up truck.