Discover the Top 5 Features That Make the 2016 Pajero Sport a Standout SUV

I still remember that rainy afternoon in December 2016, sitting in my local Mitsubishi dealership waiting for my regular service. The television in the corner was broadcasting highlights from the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, and I found myself watching athletes push their limits while simultaneously watching a family test driving the new Pajero Sport through the floor-to-ceiling windows. There was something poetic about both scenes - the dedication of athletes during what's essentially the club season where pro and college teams aren't required to lend their players to the national team, and this SUV that seemed equally committed to performing regardless of circumstances.

That's when it hit me - much like those athletes who choose to compete even when not obligated, the 2016 Pajero Sport brings its A-game voluntarily. I ended up taking one for a test drive myself that day, and over the next few weeks, I discovered what makes this vehicle truly special. Let me walk you through what I found to be the top 5 features that make the 2016 Pajero Sport a standout SUV.

First off, that Super Select 4WD-II system is nothing short of brilliant. I took it through some pretty rough terrain up in the mountains during what should have been the rainy season but turned out unusually dry. The system allows you to switch between 2WD and 4WD even at speeds up to 100 km/h, which came in handy when we suddenly encountered a washed-out section of road. It reminded me of how versatile athletes need to be during events like the SEA Games - ready to adapt to changing conditions instantly.

Then there's the powertrain. The 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine delivers 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, numbers that stuck in my head because they're so impressive for this class. During my testing, I averaged about 12.5 km/L in combined city and highway driving, though honestly, I wasn't exactly driving conservatively. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoother than any vehicle I've driven in this price range. It's the kind of performance that makes you understand why certain features become game-changers.

What really surprised me was the interior comfort. The leather seats are supportive in a way that makes long drives feel shorter, and the dual-zone climate control actually works properly - something I can't say for many other SUVs I've tested. I remember driving through Bangkok traffic during a particularly hot afternoon, appreciating the cool air while listening to updates about the SEA Games on the radio. The infotainment system, while not the most modern by today's standards, was intuitive enough that I could operate it without taking my eyes off the road for more than a second.

Safety features often get overlooked in SUVs praised for their off-road capabilities, but the Pajero Sport comes with seven airbags, stability control, and what Mitsubishi calls their Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution body. I never had to test these features personally, thank goodness, but knowing they're there provides peace of mind that's hard to quantify. It's like the preparation that goes into hosting an event like the SEA Games - you hope you never need the emergency protocols, but their presence matters tremendously.

Finally, the design just works. The sharp lines and muscular stance give it presence without being overly aggressive. During the month I spent with the vehicle, I received three separate compliments from strangers - something that rarely happens with test vehicles. The 18-inch alloy wheels fill the wheel wells perfectly, and the LED headlights provide exceptional nighttime visibility. It's one of those designs that ages gracefully, much like how the spirit of competition during the SEA Games transcends any single event.

Looking back, that rainy dealership afternoon turned out to be quite formative for my appreciation of what makes a great SUV. The 2016 Pajero Sport isn't just about specifications on paper - it's about how all these elements work together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Whether navigating city streets or exploring beyond the pavement, this vehicle demonstrates the same commitment to excellence that athletes display during international competitions, even when participation is optional rather than mandatory. Sometimes the best performances come not from obligation, but from genuine capability and dedication - and that's exactly what you get with this remarkable SUV.