Is the Mitsubishi DST Concept a preview of new Pajero Sport?

Remember the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport? It was a SUV based on the Triton which Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) developed primarily for ASEAN markets. Introduced in the mid-1990s, it has gone through 3 generations and is still on sale in some markets but not in Malaysia where the model was discontinued some time ago.

The current third generation of the Pajero Sport was introduced in 2015 and with the Triton generation on which it was based having been superseded by a new one last year, it’s also time for the 3-row SUV model to have a generational change.

New generation of Pajero Sport?
The DST Concept which is on display at the 9th Philippine International Motor Show this week gives a preview of what could be the next Pajero Sport. MMC doesn’t specifically say it is a successor although given its 3-row cabin and midsize SUV dimensions, it seems a very likely candidate.

However, while the Pajero Sport has always used the same chassis frame (or body-on-frame)  construction as the Triton, the DST Concept has monocoque construction, meaning the body and chassis are one piece, just like a passenger car’s and like many modern SUVs. So it won’t be on the same platform as the new Triton.

For now, MMC is not talking much about the technical details though it will have all-weather, all-terrain capability and high ground clearance to drive to cross rough road surfaces. There will also be 5 drive modes, including a Wet Mode that is intended to give better stability in the wet conditions that ASEAN countries can suddenly have.

Although Mitsubishi’s SUVs and trucks are well known for their 4×4 systems, front-wheel drive is mentioned for the DST Concept, suggesting that the automaker may not offer 4×4, which was the case with some variants of the ASX.

Authentic SUV design
The design concept is ‘Gravitas & Dynamism’ and ‘Gravitas’ refers to the ‘overwhelming presence and solidity’, while ‘Dynamism’ represents ‘a design bursting with energy and motion’. Mitsubishi’s styling elements are evident on the exterior with the Dynamic Shield design concept expressing both powerful performance and protection.

The front grille has a 3-dimensional design with a honeycomb-shaped inner grille under a transparent outer cover, while sculpted front and rear fender flares extend over the tyres. The side protectors and large skidplates front and rear give a sense of protectiveness and robustness.

The interior offers comfortable space for 7 persons on three rows of seats. The instrument panel is wrapped in soft, upscale material that exude a premium feel, connecting with the door trim in a dynamic shape creating a sense of vast openness. With a panoramic sunroof allows soft sunlight into the roomy interior, the cabin space is bright and airy with a sense of spaciousness.

Launch in 2025
“The Mitsubishi DST Concept is an embodiment of an all-new 3-row SUV to be launched during our current mid-term business plan Challenge 2025, and the production vehicle will be rolled out primarily in the ASEAN region starting in fiscal year 2025,” said Takao Kato, President & CEO of Mitsubishi Motors.

“The all-new SUV will follow in the footsteps of the XPANDER crossover MPV that was born in the ASEAN region and grew to become a model beloved by customers around the world, and the Xforce compact SUV that has been highly acclaimed since its introduction in fiscal 2023. With the aim of making it a global strategic vehicle, we will further develop it as a distinctively Mitsubishi SUV that expands our customers’ range of mobility,” he added.

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