The VW faces an uphill struggle against brand laden rivals, but is actually just as good.
Pros Sophisticated and high-tech interior plus engines for all situations in the pipeline
Cons Same-price rivals wear more premium badges
Pros Good value in lower trim levels Spacious inside for up to five people Excellent towing capabilities
Cons Cheap-feeling interior plastics Fussy infotainment system No seven-seat option
The 2020 Volkswagen Touareg V8 TDI is expensive, but it also has a very special diesel V-8 under the hood.
Pros Fast enough for the autobahn, diesel efficiency, premium-brand levels of luxury and refinement.
Cons Garish chrome grille; an Alcantara headliner would be nice; we'd love to have it here, but it's premium-brand money.
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a rugged wagon that is very good off road but comfortable – and easy to drive – on the road. There are five-seat and seven-seat versions, both offering excellent fuel economy from a modern diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Pros Excellent value for money, auto braking as standard
Cons Relatively cosy cabin, poor third-row head room
Mitsubishi has given its Pajero Sport large 4WD an update for the 2020 model year, adding further ammunition with which to battle the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, Toyota Fortuner, and Holden Trailblazer. Like the MY19 Triton ute upgrade (the Pajero Sport shares much of the pickup's running gear), the revised SUV looks tougher thanks to its 'dynamic shield' grille and headlight combination, higher bonnet, and new running lights and bumpers.The polarising old vertically-arrayed tail lights have been reduced in size and the bumper made larger. The alloy wheel design is new, and side steps are apparently slightly higher-mounted to bolster ground clearance.
