All New Pajero Sport

[stament]

All in all, I walked away shaking my head in surprise at how good a drive it actually was.

One thing I can tell you is the more you drive the Everest, the more little pleasant nuances you'll find.

Spend a few days with the Everest's superlight parking speed steering, and everything else just feels 'unsophisticated' by comparison. As you drive over more common routes, you'll notice how much better it's soaking up the bumps, and just how much quieter it actually is on all road surface types. You'll also find yourself driving faster, all the time - the lack of noise and harshness really does take some getting used to. The first time you pitch it into a corner at speed, you'll realise you could have done that much faster - the ride suppleness tricks you into thinking it'll need a much slower corner speed than it actually does... As you drive up hills, you'll notice the car knows this and holds gears longer - as you drive down them, you'll notice it automatically uses a lower gear for engine braking... Then there's the way it learns your throttle pedal movements over time - that slower kick down you noticed it will soon adapt to - right now, your right foot instinctively 'knows' how hard to stab the throttle to get kick down in the Vigo - give the EV a few days and it will learn your movements, so you don't have to learn it's.

Then there's smaller things, like the fact that the stereo (or your hands-free phone call), doesn't just abruptly power down as you instinctively switch off the ignition when parking (I still get out out by that in my other cars) - it waits until you open your door before it powers down. If you've owned another PPV before, your backseat passengers will notice that it's not just an AC in the back, it's also a heater, and not only do both rows get overhead air vents, both rows also have footwell air outlets (yep even the 3rd row where the foot level air comes from the side). Even little things like the way the cabin lights up - not just the placement of the normal interior lights, it uses the stereo screen and instrument cluster screens as interior lighting too.

If you share the driver's chair with someone else, you can program their key with a speed limiter, overspeed warnings, you can remove their ability to turn off safety aids, and even a put volume limiter on the 10-speaker stereo (which is light years better sounding than anything else in the segment).

etc etc

There really has been an awful lot of effort, and attention to detail put into that car, given the price point. It's astonishing what they've achieved with it.

The Everest certainly sounds the better option, but is it worth the extra 200-300k thats a lot when comparing the price of the two top models. Not sure i can justify that as im not loaded and we started off looking at the yaris and jazz. at this rate i will be buying a top of the range RR!

[IMHO]

The Everest certainly sounds the better option, but is it worth the extra 200-300k thats a lot when comparing the price of the two top models. Not sure i can justify that as im not loaded and we started off looking at the yaris and jazz. at this rate i will be buying a top of the range RR!

The PJS GT-Premium's nearest equivalent is the 3.2L Everest Titanium - which is 1,459,000 vs the Mitsubishi's 1,450,000 (Note: the 1,399,000 promo price ended last month). At that price bracket, the PJS wins on outright value, with a number of features the EV Titanium doesn't get:

Reversing camera

Electric passengers seat

Daytime running lights

Blindspot Alert

Cross traffic alert

OTOH, the EV scores a win with it's more advanced 4WD system - but I suspect for most people the only real upside there is bragging rights

Only you can decide whether there's something here that puts the PJS in the lead.... I have to admit that the missing reversing camera is a deal breaker for me - I have kids and dogs. Yes, some Ford dealers are adding aftermarket cameras, but I seriously doubt they're as good as the OEM one, and they certainly won't work in conjunction with the steering input angle and the reversing sensors they way the OEM camera does either.

If you step up to the Everest Titanium+ at 1,599,000, the extra 150K Baht over the PJS gets you:

All the features missing above

Remote rear door

Electric 3rd row seats

Huge moonroof

20" wheels

Trimmed soft touch dashboard

Ambient cabin lighting (this is actually quite nice - I have to admit it was a feature I largely overlooked before owning it)

The hands-off reverse parallel parking system / parking spot finder

And of course the extra refinement.

Is it worth the extra 140-150K? Compared to the Titanium spec, you're not getting 1/3rd of an eco car more, no.. But there's a few features there (electric rear door, powered 3rd row seats, moonroof, soft touch dash) that have for the past 2 years or so have been key highlights drawing me towards buying the Mercedes Benz GL (9M Baht), so for me, totally worth it *

YMMV.

* No, I'm not saying the EV is a competitor for the Benz GL - but it does make you pause longer to think if the extra 7.4M Baht is worth spending

Edited October 19, 2015 by IMHO

[fang37]

When buying a vehicle, I think it wise to consider resale value.

In that case, I would rank as follows -

Toyota Fortuner

Mitsu Pajero

Isuzu

[IMHO]

When buying a vehicle, I think it wise to consider resale value.

In that case, I would rank as follows -

Toyota Fortuner

Mitsu Pajero

Isuzu

Well, you'd certainly never buy a European SUV then

And frankly, especially talking the Isuzu, you're really compromising on product substance for that single criteria.

That said, only a fortune teller can predict what the resale values are going to be - and the MU-X has just got a whole lot less desirable - both as a car, and as a nameplate overall, so that has to impact it's used prices.

[bearpolar]

Most of us are hoping that the ford resale value tay terrible

Cheap everest in 1-2 years nom nom

[IMHO]

Most of us are hoping that the ford resale value tay terrible

Cheap everest in 1-2 years nom nom

555

But that very desire for a used EV will insure they're not cheap - catch 22

[JaseTheBass]

I never paid much attention to the Pajero on the road since I don't really like the body shape. I did rent a new one on a couple of occasions from Thai rent a car about 5-6 years ago and found it more 'sporty' than their regular fleet of Fortuners. I never paid much attention to Mitusbishi's own-goal of naming of the marque as 'w^nker' in the local market where Hispanics are very few.

But I have elevated the w^nker drivers well above the usual up-your-arse-in-the-fast-lane Fortuner after last saturday's jaunt down Highway 33 to Rayong. It looks like the Pajero Sports Club of Bangkok were on their way east on a weekend 'rally' when I encountered them. I have seen these sorts of convoys before with the Mini owners and Volvo owners on a 'ride' to some beach or mountain escape with like-minded individuals. However, these t0ssers, probably well over 50 or 60 of them decided to assume the same dictates as the buses full of Thai boyscouts with police escorts frequently seen in LOS. They were nose-to-tail in the outside lane on a very busy and mostly 2-lane dual carriageway, lights on, some with faux red & blue strobes, some with big whip antennas so assuming 'controlling' the pack and doing their collective best to prevent faster drivers from undertaking by closing the gaps between each other. Rude, arrogant and totally unsafe as they raised the ire of other road users in their ostentatious show of Pajero-ism.

When it comes to Thailand and these particular Pajero owners, the mis-naming is absolutely correct.

Could've also been a pack of Thai motoring 'journalists'. If you ever watch any of their videos they drive in the same moronic way. Pointless reviews anyway as they respond to whoever bribes them most as they certainly know F-all about cars.

[JaseTheBass]

When buying a vehicle, I think it wise to consider resale value.

In that case, I would rank as follows -

Toyota Fortuner

Mitsu Pajero

Isuzu

Bizarre.

I prefer to buy a car based on comfort, driving enjoyment and to make sure it's not a Dullota.

[fang37]

My wife is the resident expert!

Fortuner - too many - every Tom, Dick & Somchai has one.

Pajero - a Touch of Class

Elementary!

[NanLaew]

I never paid much attention to the Pajero on the road since I don't really like the body shape. I did rent a new one on a couple of occasions from Thai rent a car about 5-6 years ago and found it more 'sporty' than their regular fleet of Fortuners. I never paid much attention to Mitusbishi's own-goal of naming of the marque as 'w^nker' in the local market where Hispanics are very few.

But I have elevated the w^nker drivers well above the usual up-your-arse-in-the-fast-lane Fortuner after last saturday's jaunt down Highway 33 to Rayong. It looks like the Pajero Sports Club of Bangkok were on their way east on a weekend 'rally' when I encountered them. I have seen these sorts of convoys before with the Mini owners and Volvo owners on a 'ride' to some beach or mountain escape with like-minded individuals. However, these t0ssers, probably well over 50 or 60 of them decided to assume the same dictates as the buses full of Thai boyscouts with police escorts frequently seen in LOS. They were nose-to-tail in the outside lane on a very busy and mostly 2-lane dual carriageway, lights on, some with faux red & blue strobes, some with big whip antennas so assuming 'controlling' the pack and doing their collective best to prevent faster drivers from undertaking by closing the gaps between each other. Rude, arrogant and totally unsafe as they raised the ire of other road users in their ostentatious show of Pajero-ism.

When it comes to Thailand and these particular Pajero owners, the mis-naming is absolutely correct.

That might have been an 'Pajero owners caravan'. I've done a few with Isuzu 'D-Max'. Yes they all travel in convoy and all are given radios.

All have a great time ... you should try and get an invite when you get your next new cat.

We have also done trips with 'E' class.

Definately what the Thais call 'good fun'. We had a great time .. try it someday.

I have seen many of these convoys over the years but this is the first time I have seen them take over the right-hand lane... and stick there. If that's the precursor to their 'fun weekend', shove it. As you said, the Thai's think it's great.

I never paid much attention to the Pajero on the road since I don't really like the body shape. I did rent a new one on a couple of occasions from Thai rent a car about 5-6 years ago and found it more 'sporty' than their regular fleet of Fortuners. I never paid much attention to Mitusbishi's own-goal of naming of the marque as 'w^nker' in the local market where Hispanics are very few.

But I have elevated the w^nker drivers well above the usual up-your-arse-in-the-fast-lane Fortuner after last saturday's jaunt down Highway 33 to Rayong. It looks like the Pajero Sports Club of Bangkok were on their way east on a weekend 'rally' when I encountered them. I have seen these sorts of convoys before with the Mini owners and Volvo owners on a 'ride' to some beach or mountain escape with like-minded individuals. However, these t0ssers, probably well over 50 or 60 of them decided to assume the same dictates as the buses full of Thai boyscouts with police escorts frequently seen in LOS. They were nose-to-tail in the outside lane on a very busy and mostly 2-lane dual carriageway, lights on, some with faux red & blue strobes, some with big whip antennas so assuming 'controlling' the pack and doing their collective best to prevent faster drivers from undertaking by closing the gaps between each other. Rude, arrogant and totally unsafe as they raised the ire of other road users in their ostentatious show of Pajero-ism.

When it comes to Thailand and these particular Pajero owners, the mis-naming is absolutely correct.

Could've also been a pack of Thai motoring 'journalists'. If you ever watch any of their videos they drive in the same moronic way. Pointless reviews anyway as they respond to whoever bribes them most as they certainly know F-all about cars.

There was more pajero cars in the convoy I witnessed than there are motoring magazines so no, this was a collective of pajero numpties buggering up traffic on a weekend.

Need a new collective noun for them? I think a tossery of pajero's would be a good start.

[BSJ]

The wife and I had a look at the Pajero Sport today. She liked the fact it had an auto box and 7 airbags. I found the seats to be comfortable. Will need to have a test run to see how it drives. I am not taken with the looks but it looks better than their pick-up with a front end styled like a late 90's Buick and better than the new Fortuner!

[IMHO]

After reading your previous post I had already agreed on the 3.2 with the wife, you're a very persuasive writer The PJ with a few extras I specified came to 1.6m anyway so no big deal adding 100k to that for top spec EV. I have some heavy financial commitments in the next month or 2 with building work but know I have to make final decision prior to Jan 1 to avoid price increase. Thanks a lot for taking the time to offer your advice/experience

Well, I'm very happy you test drove for yourself, and didn't just take my words at face value. Same goes for everyone reading - for all you know I could just be some kind of over-zealous fan boy... or.... I could be someone who put my money where my mouth is

On that last part of your post - has your dealer offered you any sort of assertion/guarantee that booking this year will secure you this year's price? (i.e. you'll avoid the 2016 tax increase)

Edited October 19, 2015 by IMHO

[HooHaa]

This is just my experience with the last model year of this car/SUV.

• First it does not 'age' well.
• The molding between the panel gaps dis colors in direct sun light.
• The leather seats (if chosen) is thin and again does not age well.
• Mitz requires the use of factory parts and so finding 3rd party parts will be difficulty if not impossible to find/use.
• It will not be as good as a Toyota (4 Runner/Fortuner)

All in all it is a good vehicle. The company is good at taking care of issues that might crop up. But the larger version (Montero/Panjero) is better. I have owned both and the larger vehicle is a better choice over all. Yes, more money, but better design, the 3rd set of seats, and the dual A/C units offer betrer comfort and utility.

I am NOT saying that the vehicle in question is not worth it or terrible. I am just saying that from my perspective as an owner of 2 over the years (last 2013) and the Montero/Panjero (last 2014) I would pick the latter with out a further thought.

The Pajero "actual" isn't sold in Thailand anymore. When it was, it was 4x the price of a Pajero Sport GT though - so for us, comparing the two is apples and oranges

Mitsubishi does fruit trees too?

I was not "comparing" the two vehicles actually. I was saying that out of the two SUV's that Mitz offers the latter is better overall. Whether or not it is sold here in Thai is not the point. The Sport Montero (as the former is called in North America) is as I stated though a good vehicle, it does not age well and can cost more to repair as one has to use Mitz parts (so you are really paying for the name). But the new model looks good and I am sure will work as designed. I just think that the Forerunner (Foretuner... why the name change escapes me) is better overall.

i would say whether or not it is available in thailand is the entire point.

As for the name changes, it is generally the US market that is out of sync with the rest of the world when it comes to car names.

Edited October 20, 2015 by HooHaa

[huangnon]

The new Everest indeed does look nice, and appears to be a great SUV option. Though after owning a Ranger, I am not over-enamored with Ford Thailand's service.

The 2011 PJS still going strong, and will maybe trade up for the new one early 2016.

[IMHO]

The new Everest indeed does look nice, and appears to be a great SUV option. Though after owning a Ranger, I am not over-enamored with Ford Thailand's service.

The 2011 PJS still going strong, and will maybe trade up for the new one early 2016.

Are you aware that these SUV's will be going up in price by 150-200K Baht on the 1st of Jan 2016? (due to excise tax changes)

[Ace of Pop]

Thank God for that."Stinkin Oilers: .Nothing to beat a nice little City on Gas or E 85 for half the price.

[DavisH]

Love how they call it "moon roof"...no one in their right mind would open it in the daytime here. I guess if you like the pitter-pater sound of rain it'll be a nice edition:)

[stament]

Anyone taken delivery of one yet?

[Ace of Pop]

They announce these new ones ,then can't deliver, they all do it here. It puts me off even going to Showrooms here.Just to be told NO.

[JayRider]

Mine is already in the showroom. Did a small test drive yesterday. Saw about 15 PJS there including the test drive vehicles. The sales rep told me that i can take delivery in 1-2 days but for some reason i am taking delivery only after November.

[Ace of Pop]

Released on August 1st,and you get one in November. Possibly not your first choice either, normally some dam compromise on colour and spec, if not Well Done. Fords a bloody disaster if you want one like the IMHO Rock Hopper. Honda dont seem to know what day it is,only Mazda seem to be awake these days.

[JAS21]

Love how they call it "moon roof"...no one in their right mind would open it in the daytime here. I guess if you like the pitter-pater sound of rain it'll be a nice edition:)

I wonder if the 'pitter-patter' sound will be more relaxing than the 'ping-pinger' sound that the rain makes on a tin roof.

[huangnon]

The new Everest indeed does look nice, and appears to be a great SUV option. Though after owning a Ranger, I am not over-enamored with Ford Thailand's service.

The 2011 PJS still going strong, and will maybe trade up for the new one early 2016.

Are you aware that these SUV's will be going up in price by 150-200K Baht on the 1st of Jan 2016? (due to excise tax changes)

I am now. Thanks for the heads-up.

[stament]

Mine is already in the showroom. Did a small test drive yesterday. Saw about 15 PJS there including the test drive vehicles. The sales rep told me that i can take delivery in 1-2 days but for some reason i am taking delivery only after November.

did you ask why that was?

could it be that perhaps they are letting people who didnt enjoy the early bird discount to jump the queue as the dealer is getting more cash?

if not what is the reason?

[JayRider]

Mine is already in the showroom. Did a small test drive yesterday. Saw about 15 PJS there including the test drive vehicles. The sales rep told me that i can take delivery in 1-2 days but for some reason i am taking delivery only after November.

did you ask why that was?

could it be that perhaps they are letting people who didnt enjoy the early bird discount to jump the queue as the dealer is getting more cash?

if not what is the reason?

well i said that mine is ready to be delivered. If i wanted i would have taken delivery today or tomorrow. Its my decision to take delivery after the month of november. Reasons personal to me. So i am letting someone to jump the queue and get mine from the next months allotment.

[stament]

so u do know the reason then, i misunderstood i thought you meant you didnt know why

[stament]

so now we have the aftersales patter. do we want to pay extra for the better film? do we want those rain window guard things? can someone pls explain what the benefit of these are?

not sure what other extras can be added as top of the range already. is there anything else?

[JAS21]

so now we have the aftersales patter. do we want to pay extra for the better film? do we want those rain window guard things? can someone pls explain what the benefit of these are?

not sure what other extras can be added as top of the range already. is there anything else?

You live in Thailand and need someone to explain to you about window film ...plenty of topics on TV, some very good ones in fact ..just search. Quite day today then for you.

[stament]

not the film the plastic guard type things on the outside, i thought the purpose was to keep a bit of rain off the car, we dont have them in england and we have loads of rain there, so just curious as to their exact purpose and why so many cars have them in los.

kao jai mai krup?

i don't live in Thailand either not sure what gave you that impression jas21

[stament]

I will just wait for my friend IMHO to come along as he is extremely informative and knowledgeable and happy to help.

IMHO, do you recommend paying the extra money for the better quality window film? Think my wife mentioned it was about THB 5000 but lots of different ones she said. She sounds as clueless as me!