From this month, the seven-seat SUV segment just got bigger with the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport now available with seven seats.

FROM THIS MONTH both the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS and Exceed variants will be standard with seven seats, while the entry-level GLX will remain a five-seat model only. Mitsubishi said curtain airbags would extend through the cabin to cover those passengers travelling in the third row.

Like the Pajero proper, the third row seats in the Pajero Sport fold flat into the floor, but the big difference is that this set will be split 50/50.

The 60:40 split-fold second-row seats can be tumbled forwards to offer access to the third row. Behind the third row seats is a cargo box for additional storage. Air vents in the rear of the Pajero Sport will be standard fit on all variants.

The Pajero Sport GLX is priced from $45,000+ORC; the GLS from $48,500+ORC; and the Exceed from $52,750+ORC. That is no change from the previous pricing with 5 seats.

Further reading:

• Pajero Sport on- and off-road test;
• Isuzu MU-X on- and off-road test;
• Toyota Fortuner on- and off-road test; and
• Ford Everest review.