These are the first spy shots of the 2020 Pajero Sport facelift, which
is currently undergoing winter testing in northern Sweden. The body-on-frame
SUV, also known as the Montero Sport and Shogun Sport, remains based on the
same platform as the L200/Triton pickup truck.
For the 2020MY, the rugged three-row SUV will
receive a number of styling updates, although not as many as the full body wrap
would suggest. Changes include the new taillights that receive a fresh LED
signature and don’t seem to reach all the way to the bumper as on the current
model. The camouflage may hide some rear fascia updates as well.
At the front, expect the Pajero Sport to get a
similar treatment as the recently-facelifted L200/Triton. Changes will include
an additional set of lamps placed below the restyled LED headlights, reshaped
upper and lower grilles, as well as a more rugged-looking bumper.
The side profile doesn’t seem to bring anything new
despite the presence of camouflage foil. As for the interior, the updates are
likely to be restricted to the addition of soft pad materials for the floor,
console, armrests, and parking brake. As with the facelifted L200, the Pajero
Sport should get new tech onboard including Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind
Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation,
and the Multi Around Monitor.
There’s no official information on engine updates,
so we can assume the SUV will carry on with the 2.4-liter turbo diesel engine
it shares with the L200 pickup. In the UK, the engine that currently equips the
Shogun Sport produces 181 PS at 3,500 rpm and 430 Nm of
torque at 2,500 rpm.
The power plant is mated to an eight-speed automatic
transmission that sends power to all four wheels via the Super Select 4WD
system that offers low-range capability. The updated SUV might also get the new
off-road mode introduced on the facelifted L200, which features Gravel,
Mud/Snow, Sand, and Rock settings. Given that the spied prototype is
a left-hand-drive vehicle and the testing takes place in Sweden, we can’t rule
out a return of the Pajero Sport to continental Europe.
