Mitsubishi Motors South Africa has handed over a brand new Pajero Sport to Rugby World Cup winning Springbok Bongi Mbonambi. The handover took place following the culmination of the Springboks Trophy tour at Mitsubishi Motors Ballito.
Bongi Mbonambi is known for his strength and talent in the position of hooker. A formidable rugby player that made an impact thanks to his strong defensive abilities and overall imposing physicality was crucial in securing the World Cup win for the Springboks both in 2019 and in the latest 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Similarly, the Mitsubishi Pajero nameplate is synonymous with strength and reliability and is one of the models that truly helped establish the brand. Like Mbonambi it is a true legend, owning the title of the most successful vehicle in the history of the Dakar Rally, with a total of 12 wins, including seven consecutive victories.
“Like the rest of South Africa, Mitsubishi Motors South Africa are over the moon with what the Springboks achieved and are proud to partner with double Rugby World Cup winner Mbonambi by sponsoring him with a brand-new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport,” says Jeffrey Allison, General Manager: Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa (MMSA).
“We feel that the iconic Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, that is renowned for its off-road prowess as well as DNA that was morphed with the Pajero and the motorsport success which that model enjoyed perfectly suits a robust and impactful player like Mbonambi and we trust that it will transport him and his family across many happy miles and to much more rugby success,” adds Allison.
Modern styling and unrivalled off-road ability
The Pajero Sport is visually appealing thanks to the Dynamic Shield front grille that ensures a stylish modern look. This is paired with LED headlamps, daytime running lights, fog lamps and cornering lamps. From the side, 18-inch alloy wheel designs and repositioned side steps perfectly enhance the design. The rear features an improved design incorporating LED rear combination lamps, rear park distance control and a rear spoiler as standard.
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is powered by Mitsubishi’s 2.4 litre MIVEC four-cylinder intercooled turbodiesel engine that offers 133kW and 430Nm. Power is transferred to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system allows drivers to tackle challenging terrain with confidence. Four selectable off-road modes including 2H, 4H, 4HLc (4WD High range with centre diff locked), 4LLc (4WD Low range with CD locked) ensure optimal engine output, transmission settings and braking for superior traction over challenging surface conditions. The result is that the Pajero Sport boasts impressive off-road credentials including an approach angle of 30 degrees, departure angle of 24.2 degrees and a 23.1 degree ramp breakover angle.
Modern high-tech interior
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport boasts a high-tech, well-appointed interior that is perfect for a World Cup winning Springbok. With seven seats the Pajero Sport offers a unique package as it combines real off-road ability with luxury on road comfort for the whole family.
Bluetooth with hands-free voice control, coupled to Mitsubishi’s advanced smartphone-link display audio (SDA) connected to a large 8-inch touch screen will allow Mbonambi to remain connected while on the move via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.
Creature comforts include a full-colour digital instrument display, automatic dual-zone air-conditioning throughout the seven-seater cabin, which includes rear passenger controls and electric windows all round.
Keeping the Springbok hero and his family safe is the fact that the Pajero Sport is built around Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body construction that creates an excellent foundation for occupant safety. Safety credentials are bolstered by a variety of passive safety features such as seven airbags and Isofix child seat anchors. Active safety features include active stability and traction control, ABS, EBD and an emergency brake assist system. In addition the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is fitted with a hill-start assist system, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, rear park distance control and a rear-view camera for easy parking.
Peace of mind comes standard
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is sold with three-year/100 000 km manufacturer’s warranty, a five-year/90 000 km service plan and five-year roadside assistance. Service intervals are set at every 10 000 km.
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