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Here’s a specification that may have more appeal to caravaners and 4WD enthusiasts than the current Pajero Sport (PS) models. It modifies the PS GLX for a more country-focused, off-road equipped vehicle, right off the showroom floor.This spec is easily achieved by raiding the Triton parts bins to simplify production line changes and keeps costs down.It also avoids cannibalising sales from the higher spec’d and higher priced PS models.Owners won’t have to muck around buying new wheels and tyres, ordering bash plates and wishing they had a diff lock on a base model.It’s also got a more pragmatic Triton interior with more space for the rough and tumble of off-road driving.This model could be made first as a limited production run (eg 1000 vehicles) to test demand.There is not one major sub-assembly that needs to be redesigned.This is a meccano snap fit proposition that could be developed in next to no time, using the same software and passing the same emissions and safety legislation that both vehicles currently pass.Essentially, just fit a Triton fuel economy sticker on the windscreen.
Basically the Triton has been designed as a workhorse with a driveline to suite while the Pajero Sport is a school bus, especially in 7 seater form, designed for weekend getaways with a drivetrain focused on fuel economy. Therefore an opportunity exists to quickly and cheaply develop a wagon that is much better optimised to the towing and scrub bashing brief by using common components to keep costs down and zero time development.The same suspension is used, as is all the other equipment not listed.
The mechanical package below speaks for itself, taking most technical points from this forum that have been raised as gripes. The Triton drivetrain is better optimised for HD towing.The smaller diameter Triton 17” alloy wheels fit the PS and are better for off-road work and permit a broad range of less expensive aftermarket tyres (of all types) to be fitted, compared to the current 18” wheels.The current tyre choice is very limited and in some cases roughly twice the cost of equivalent tyres for 17” wheels.
The Triton interior provides more room across the front of the cabin, is not fussy and is less prone to scratches eg on silver painted interior fittings such as the PS’s interior door grab handles. The standard PS GLX seating is retained because it is more comfortable than the Triton’s, due softer foam.
The colours are all flat, non-metallic paints, for ease of buffing-out scratches after scrub-bashing. Having a small colour range for a limited production run model is a common marketing strategy to ‘identify’ a unique, limited model run – ‘I’ll have the green one please!’No GPS is fitted because this is a budget model and in any case, the target audience usually have their own more capable 4WD GPS units anyway.The only options are dealer fitted accessories such as tow bar, window tinting, etc.
RRP $44,990 drive away (a budget price that the competition will find very hard to willingly match)
Mechanical Changes:
Triton 5 speed transmission (better for bush work & manual shifting when towing)
Triton differential (3.9 is better for towing than 3.7)
Triton engine tune (if different)
Rear Differential Lock
Triton 17” alloy wheels
AT tyres
Heavy duty PS sump and transmission bash plates (rather than the plastic splash guards currently fitted to PS)
Exterior Changes:
Uniquely limited colour range – White, Red (Triton colour) and Earth Green (Triton colour)
White hoods (as per Toyota FJ Cruiser, to reduce cabin heat in high UV climates)
Black unpainted exterior rear vision mirrors (Triton GLX; don’t easily show damage from towing mirror straps)
Unpainted front air dam and rear skirt (avoids unsightly paint scratches from sticks and scrub)
Removal of fog lights
Small size model identification decals on sides and rear
Interior Changes:
Triton GLS dash (to fit the Triton centre console)
Triton GLS centre console (for 5 speed transmission)
Triton GLS infotainment system (including CD player behind the screen)
Triton GLX steering wheel and centre console shifter (plastic is more robust than leather)
Triton GLS paddle shift (better for manual shifting)
Triton GLS interior door panels
Note: Retains PS GLX cloth seats (cooler in hot climates than leather)
Conclusion. I think this tougher styled spec would satisfy the needs and wants of many potential customers much better than the current upmarket spec.Comments anyone?I’ve got my flak jacket on too!Yes, I know, ‘there’s Buckley’s!’
Basically the Triton has been designed as a workhorse with a driveline to suite while the Pajero Sport is a school bus, especially in 7 seater form, designed for weekend getaways with a drivetrain focused on fuel economy. Therefore an opportunity exists to quickly and cheaply develop a wagon that is much better optimised to the towing and scrub bashing brief by using common components to keep costs down and zero time development.The same suspension is used, as is all the other equipment not listed.
The mechanical package below speaks for itself, taking most technical points from this forum that have been raised as gripes. The Triton drivetrain is better optimised for HD towing.The smaller diameter Triton 17” alloy wheels fit the PS and are better for off-road work and permit a broad range of less expensive aftermarket tyres (of all types) to be fitted, compared to the current 18” wheels.The current tyre choice is very limited and in some cases roughly twice the cost of equivalent tyres for 17” wheels.
The Triton interior provides more room across the front of the cabin, is not fussy and is less prone to scratches eg on silver painted interior fittings such as the PS’s interior door grab handles. The standard PS GLX seating is retained because it is more comfortable than the Triton’s, due softer foam.
The colours are all flat, non-metallic paints, for ease of buffing-out scratches after scrub-bashing. Having a small colour range for a limited production run model is a common marketing strategy to ‘identify’ a unique, limited model run – ‘I’ll have the green one please!’No GPS is fitted because this is a budget model and in any case, the target audience usually have their own more capable 4WD GPS units anyway.The only options are dealer fitted accessories such as tow bar, window tinting, etc.
RRP $44,990 drive away (a budget price that the competition will find very hard to willingly match)
Mechanical Changes:
Triton 5 speed transmission (better for bush work & manual shifting when towing)
Triton differential (3.9 is better for towing than 3.7)
Triton engine tune (if different)
Rear Differential Lock
Triton 17” alloy wheels
AT tyres
Heavy duty PS sump and transmission bash plates (rather than the plastic splash guards currently fitted to PS)
Exterior Changes:
Uniquely limited colour range – White, Red (Triton colour) and Earth Green (Triton colour)
White hoods (as per Toyota FJ Cruiser, to reduce cabin heat in high UV climates)
Black unpainted exterior rear vision mirrors (Triton GLX; don’t easily show damage from towing mirror straps)
Unpainted front air dam and rear skirt (avoids unsightly paint scratches from sticks and scrub)
Removal of fog lights
Small size model identification decals on sides and rear
Interior Changes:
Triton GLS dash (to fit the Triton centre console)
Triton GLS centre console (for 5 speed transmission)
Triton GLS infotainment system (including CD player behind the screen)
Triton GLX steering wheel and centre console shifter (plastic is more robust than leather)
Triton GLS paddle shift (better for manual shifting)
Triton GLS interior door panels
Note: Retains PS GLX cloth seats (cooler in hot climates than leather)
Conclusion. I think this tougher styled spec would satisfy the needs and wants of many potential customers much better than the current upmarket spec.Comments anyone?I’ve got my flak jacket on too!Yes, I know, ‘there’s Buckley’s!’
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