Mitsubishi Discontinues Pajero Sport and Two SUVs in Australia Amid New Safety Rules
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Hey everyone, let’s talk about a big shift happening in Australia’s car market. Mitsubishi has officially announced that they’re discontinuing three of their SUVs, including the beloved Pajero Sport , along with the ASX and Eclipse Cross . This move is driven by Australia’s updated safety regulations, specifically the incoming Australian Design Rules (ADR 98/00) , which mandate the inclusion of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) in all new vehicles starting March 1, 2025.
For those unfamiliar, AEB is a safety technology designed to detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes to either reduce the severity of a crash or avoid it altogether. While this technology is a huge step forward for road safety, adapting older vehicle models like the Pajero Sport to meet these new requirements has been deemed "not commercially feasible" by Mitsubishi. The company decided it wasn’t worth the cost of redesigning and upgrading these aging models to include advanced AEB systems.
Now, here’s the twist: despite being “old” by industry standards, these SUVs have been strong performers for Mitsubishi in Australia. The ASX, for instance, has been on the market since 2010, and even though it’s been facelifted multiple times, it still managed to sell over 12,000 units in 2024—a 34% increase compared to the previous year! Similarly, the Pajero Sport saw a sales boost of 31%, proving that even an aging model can have a loyal fan base. It’s bittersweet, really, because these SUVs are being retired at the height of their popularity.
But it’s not all bad news. Mitsubishi plans to replenish its lineup with new-generation models. A revamped ASX—based on the Renault Captur—is expected to arrive later in 2025. And while the Pajero Sport and Eclipse Cross are exiting for now, there’s a chance their successors are already in the pipeline, potentially featuring updated platforms and cutting-edge tech.
In the meantime, Mitsubishi has assured customers that existing stock of these SUVs will be available throughout 2025. So, if you’ve had your eye on a Pajero Sport or Eclipse Cross, now might be your last chance to grab one before they’re gone.
The decision reflects a broader trend of manufacturers pivoting to meet stricter safety standards, aligning with regulations already in place in Europe. However, this also brings challenges, such as higher vehicle costs, as automakers pass the expense of these upgrades onto consumers.
In short, this is the end of an era for Mitsubishi in Australia, but also the start of an exciting new chapter as the brand adapts to evolving standards and prepares to roll out fresh models in the coming years. What do you think about this change? Is it the right move, or are you sad to see these SUVs go?
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