1. First Generation (PA Series; 1996–2008)

Production began in Japan in 1996, and was available for most export markets by 1997, where it was variously known as the Challenger, Pajero Sport in Europe, Montero Sport in North America, South America and the Philippines , Nativa in parts of Latin America, the Caribbean and Canada and the Middle East, Shogun Sport in the United Kingdom ,^[1] and Strada G-Wagon in Thailand. Based on the Mitsubishi Strada pickup truck of the same vintage, sharing many components and some body panels (i.e. front doors), the first generation Pajero Sport (Challenger) was also built on the second generation Pajero wheelbase, and served as a junior model to the larger Pajero.

Like the Pajero, it featured independent front suspension with torsion bars and a live rear axle. In addition to numerous face lifts over the years, there was a major suspension change from rear leaf to coil springs in late 2000. As its popularity increased, local assembly for foreign markets was introduced in China in 2003,^[2] and Brazil in 2006.^[3] Sales were discontinued in Japan in 2003, in North America in 2004 (excluding Canada) where it was sold alongside the Endeavor, where it was superseded by the Endeavor),^[4] and central and western Europe in 2008.^[5] In Japan, it was sold at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza.

The 3-liter V6 is the most commonly used engine; it produces 175 hp (130 kW; 177 PS) at 5,000 rpm.^[6] The North American market received petrol V6 engines during all years of production while a petrol 2.4 liter engine was offered on base models from 1997 through 1999. Markets outside of North America also had a variety of turbodiesel inline-fours (excluding Canada, where inline-fours were also available) to choose between.

1.1. Gallery

1998–2000 Mitsubishi Challenger

MY2000–2004 Mitsubishi Montero Sport (US)

2004 - 2006 Mitsubishi Shogun Sport Trojan. By Vauxford - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=65305870

2004 - 2006 Mitsubishi Shogun Sport Trojan. By Vauxford - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=65305871

2. Second Generation (PB/PC Series; 2008–2016)

Mitsubishi Challenger (Australia)

The second generation of the vehicle, based on the ladder frame chassis of the Mitsubishi Triton, was gradually introduced to selected markets (Russia , South-East Asia and the Middle East) through the autumn of 2008, following its debut at the Moscow International Automobile Salon. 2.5 or 3.2 litre diesel and 3.0 or 3.5 litre V6 petrol engines are available as before, while five- or seven-seat interior configurations are offered.^[5][7] As with the Triton pick-up on which it is based, production of the new Pajero Sport for all markets is concentrated in Thailand.^[8]

In the Philippines , in Canada and in Mexico, Mitsubishi Challenger is officially named as Mitsubishi Montero Sport. The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is available in seven variants: GLX-V 4x2 (5-speed Manual), GLS-V 4x2 (5-speed Automatic), GLS-V 4x4 (5-speed Manual), GT-V 4x4 (5-speed Automatic) all equipped with Variable geometry turbocharger giving maximum output of 178 PS and 350 Nm (Automatic) or 400 Nm (Manual) of Torque. Also offered are non-VGT variants GLX 4x2 (5-speed Manual), GLX 4x2 (5-speed Automatic) & GLS 3.0 V6 Gasoline (5-speed Automatic). The Montero Sport mainly competes with the Toyota Fortuner and Chevrolet Trailblazer in the Philippines and several other markets.

In India , Mitsubishi Challenger is sold under the name Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. It is equipped with 2.5-litre 16 Valve intercooled turbocharged DOHC diesel engine giving a maximum output of 175 bhp and 400Nm of torque. It weighs 2065 kg and gives out a mileage of 12kmpl. It sold with a price tag of INR 23.12 lakhs.^[9]

In Bangladesh, Mitsubishi Challenger is assembled by state-owned automotive industry Pragoti and sold under the name Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.^[10]

2.1. Sudden Unintended Acceleration Issue

In 2011, Montero Sport owners in the Philippines reported that their vehicles suffered from sudden unintended acceleration.^[11] Mitsubishi Motors Philippines later responded with a statement saying that they conducted tests on the Montero Sport's electrical systems and found no problems; furthermore, they stated that the accidents related to the issue were more likely caused by human error.^[12][13] Owners of Montero Sports affected by the sudden unintended acceleration issue plan to file a class action lawsuit against Mitsubishi Motors Philippines.^[14] The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) opened an investigation panel to probe the accidents and complaints from 2010 to 2015, and will recommend either a product recall or a total sales ban on the Montero Sport in the country.^[15]

3. Third Generation (QE Series; 2015–present)

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS (Australia). By EurovisionNim - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71639717

On August 1, 2015, Mitsubishi Motors unveiled the third generation of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport in Thailand and would be released as the 2016 model and would be powered by the new 4N15 2.4L MIVEC engine. Since the third generation was unveiled, it has no longer used the Challenger name, and used Pajero Sport/Montero Sport name instead.^[16]

For the Indonesian market, the all-new third generation Pajero Sport was launched on January 29, 2016 in Jakarta, Indonesia, and was initially built in and imported from Thailand. The third generation Pajero Sport is currently built and assembled at the new Mitsubishi Cikarang plant in Bekasi, West Java, Indonesia, since April 2017.

The Pajero Sport/Montero Sport has 3 engine options. The old 4D56 DI-D Common Rail produce 136 PS and 314 NM (GLX Variant in Indonesia) and 4N15 MIVEC with Variable Geometry Turbo producing 181 PS and 430 NM (Dakar Variant in Indonesia and All Variants in Thailand and Philippines.) and the 3.0L 6B31 MIVEC V6 Petrol Engine.

In the Philippines , it is known and marketed as the Montero Sport. As a mass market vehicle, it has added a lot of features compared to its predecessor. The Mitsubishi Montero Sport is available in five variants: GLX 4x2 (6-speed Manual), GLS 4x2 (8-speed Automatic), GLS Premium 4x2 (8-speed Automatic), GLS 4x4 (6-speed Manual), GT 4x4 (8-speed Automatic). All Variants are powered by a 2.4 MIVEC VGT Clean Diesel Engine.

In Bangladesh, it is marketed as Pajero Sport and assembled by Pragoti Industries Limited in Chittagong.^[17] It also manufactured second generation Pajero Sport.^[18]

In the Middle East, it is available with a 6B31 3.0 V6 Petrol Version. It will be released in India and North America soon.

Shogun Sport will be released in the United Kingdom as currently the first and only European market.

Another feature of it is the Aisin 8 Speed Automatic which will improve fuel efficiency while not sacrificing in-gear acceleration and also available with 6 Speed Manual. Other features include a Sunroof, Dual Zone Auto Airconditioning System, Electric Seats, Leather Contoured Seats with Multi-Layer Cushioning, All Around Monitor, All Around Sensors, 7 Seating Capacity, G-Sensors, Multi-Info Display, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a Touchscreen system with Navigation, 6" Two-Piston Front Ventilated Disc Brakes and 6” Solid Disc Brakes.

It is also has a lighter body compared to the predecessor because of the usage of CF Plastics which are tough and lightweight and with the help of the 4N15 Lightweight Alloy Block, the whole body has a low center of gravity.

It is also being exported to LHD markets like Philippines , Middle East, and probably CIS markets.

4. Annual Production