The Pajero Sport has always been one of the sadly overlooked contenders in a category that is dominated by market leaders, somewhat unfairly in my humble opinion.

Recently, the range was given a facelift with the more aggressive Mitsubishi "Dynamic Shield" face being added at the front as well as smaller changes to rear lights and daytime running lights. Overall, the vehicle now looks lean and mean and certainly has road presence.

The mechanics remain unchanged which means that the proven 2.4L diesel powerplant gives you 133kW and 430Nm through an ulta-smooth 8 speed automatic transmission. The base model is rear-wheel driven, with the 2 upper models in the range providing 4 wheel drive in both high and low ranges at the twist of a knob.

Our test vehicle was the range topping Exceed 4x4 version, so what better way to test than heading out for a few days in a game reserve. Long stretches of dirt-road enabled me to select 4H for safety and comfort and this allowed easy cruising at good speeds with complete security and stability. Unfortunately, the road never got tough enough for me to use 4Low, but previous experience with the Super Select II system has proven its prowess to me when the going gets really tough.

On road, the big and heavy vehicle cruises smoothly at highway speeds, with the only issue I found being slightly lazy response when wanting to overtake. Certainly not serious, but simply a case of being aware of what is available under your right foot at all times. Pottering around while game watching in 4H is smooth and easy.

One of my acid tests for this category of large, 7 seater SUV's is the convenience of use of the additional 2 seats in the rear. Here the Pajero Sport scores points for the fact that the seats flip up easily from the base of the boot area. Access to these seats is also easy with the middle row seatback folding over and then flipping forward to create easy entrance. Once ensconced in the rear, leg room is rather limited but passengers are treated to dedicated air-con vents as well as large windows for this section. As with all competitors, boot space is extremely limited when all 7 seats are in use. A tow-bar and trailer would be the answer if travelling with a full complement.

Exceed spec provides all possible luxuries that you would expect as well as 7 airbags for the safety aspect. Personally, I think that the standard sunroof should be upgraded to a much larger panoramic version, this would have been welcome in the game reserve. The provision of 2 USB ports up front plus an additional 2 in the console for middle row passengers is a bonus in this family vehicle. Some competitors should take note here!

The new Pajero Sport range is very competitively priced ranging from R609 995 to R689 995 for the Exceed as tested. A 5 year/ 90 000km service plan is included.

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