A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs Mitsubishi Pajero Sport: the short answer
A-Class and Pajero Sport are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Pajero Sport starts ZAR 15,610 cheaperA-Class from ZAR 805,600 · Pajero Sport from ZAR 789,990
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
A-Class
Pajero Sport
Maximum Power
A-Class110 kW
Pajero Sport133 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
A-Class320 Nm
Pajero Sport430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
Engine Size
A-Class1950 cc
Pajero Sport2442 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
A-Class20.0 km/l
Pajero Sport12.3 km/l
Ground Clearance
A-Class140 mm
Pajero Sport218 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
A 200 d Sedan
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
A-Class
Strengths
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:Published Efficiency
Pajero Sport
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
A-Class
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Pajero Sport
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
Model Introduced Year
2026
2017
Generation
Current South African A-Class generation represented by derivative A 200 d Sedan
Third-generation Pajero Sport, 2025 facelift
Facelift History
Current-generation/facelift specification; derivative-specific South African configuration
South African facelift launched in May 2025.
Facelift Launched Since
Current South African model cycle
Current specification
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Body Style
Sedan
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
Current South African retail range
active
Segment
Premium sedan
Seven-seat ladder-frame SUV
Vehicle Type
Sedan
Passenger vehicle
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
Length
4419 mm
4825 mm
Width
1796 mm
1815 mm
Height
1440 mm
1805 mm
Wheelbase
2900 mm
2800 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
140 mm
218 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
120 mm
190 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
43 l
68 l
Boot/Cargo Space
355 l
193 l
Kerb Weight
1450 kg
2080 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2000 kg
2775 kg
Payload Capacity
600 kg
695 kg
Towing Capacity
2000 kg
2850 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
7 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
3 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.5 m
5.6 m
Front Headroom
960 mm
1022 mm
Rear Headroom
960 mm
957 mm
Front Legroom
900 mm
1067 mm
Rear Legroom
900 mm
880 mm
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
Engine
1950/L4
2.4-litre Intercooled Turbocharged Diesel
Engine Code
OM654
4N15
Fuel Type
Diesel Mild Hybrid
Diesel
Hybrid System
48V Mild Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1950 cc
2442 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
Not Officially Disclosed
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Common-rail direct injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Compression Ratio
15.5:1
15.5:1
Bore
82.0 mm
86 mm
Stroke
92.3 mm
105.1 mm
Maximum Power
110 kW
133 kW @ 3500 rpm
Maximum Torque
320 Nm
430 Nm @ 2500 rpm
Combined Power
110 kW
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
320 Nm
Not Applicable
Motor Type
48 V integrated starter-generator
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
1
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Integrated with transmission / rear axle depending on hybrid system
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
4WD
Transmission
8-Speed DCT
8-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
227 km/h
180 km/h
0-100 km/h
8.2 sec
11.8 sec
Quarter Mile
15.0 sec
18.3 sec
Drive Modes
Comfort, Sport, Individual
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
5000 rpm
4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
63.9 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
206.7 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
0
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
No
Not Applicable
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
Gearbox
8-Speed DCT
8-Speed Automatic
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Front-engine, selectable four-wheel drive
LSD Available
No
Active Limited Slip Differential (brake control)
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Super Select 4WD-II
Differential Lock
No
Rear differential lock
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Yes
Final Drive Ratio
Model-specific ratio; Hagalu Research Team reference
3.692
Number of Gears
8
8
Transmission Type
8-Speed DCT
Automatic
Clutch Type
Dual-clutch
Torque converter
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic with manual shift mode
Floor-mounted selector
Drivetrain
FWD
4WD
4WD Engagement
No
Selectable electronically
4WD Hi Range
0
Yes
4WD Lo Range
0
Yes
4WD Selector
No
Rotary selector
Automatic Shift Paddles
Yes
Yes
Front Differential Lock
No
No
Gearbox Type
8-Speed DCT
8-Speed Automatic
Low Range Ratio
0
2.566
Low Range
0
Yes
Axle Layout
Driven axle configuration: FWD
4x4
Rear Differential Lock
No
Yes
Transmission Speeds
8
8
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
Claimed Mileage
20.0 km/l
12.3 km/l
City Mileage
20.0 km/l
9.9 km/l
Highway Mileage
20.0 km/l
14.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
66 l
68 l
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
23 l
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Yes
No
Real-world Mileage
20.0 km/l
12.3 km/l
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Charging Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
66
68
Combined Driving Range
0
84
Electric Consumption
0
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
0 km
868 km
Range Real World Mixed
0 km
781 km
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
Airbags
7
7
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Mercedes-Benz model-specific chassis equipment
No
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Front Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Yes
AEB
Ventilated disc brakes
No
BA
Yes
Yes
Brake Override System
Ventilated disc brakes
Yes
Curtain Airbags
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Hill Hold
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
No
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Seatbelt Reminder
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Side Airbags
Yes
Yes
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Knee Airbag
Yes
Yes
ABS EBD
Yes
Yes
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
No
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
No
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
No
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
No
Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Ventilated disc brakes
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
No
Auto Highbeam
Yes
No
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Front and rear
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
No
Park Assist
Yes
No
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
No
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
No
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
Seat Material
ARTICO man-made leather / fabric trim
Leather
Heated Seats
Front heated seats
No
Ventilated Seats
Model/option dependent
No
Ambient Lighting
64-colour ambient lighting
No
Steering Wheel Material
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Power adjustable
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric adjustment with memory
Manual adjustable
Seat Trim
Comfort seats with model-specific electric adjustment
Leather-appointed
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
Climate Control
Automatic climate control
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Power Windows
Yes
Front and rear
Keyless Entry
KEYLESS-GO
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
Yes
No
Sunroof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Yes
Electric Tailgate
No
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Rain-sensing automatic wipers
Yes
AC Type
Automatic climate control
Dual-zone automatic with rear air conditioning
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
Infotainment System
MBUX multimedia system
Smartphone-link Display Audio
Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
13
6
Digital Instrument Cluster
12.3-inch digital instrument display
Colour multi-information display
USB Ports
USB-C ports
Front and rear
Infotainment Screen
MBUX multimedia system
8-inch
Touchscreen
MBUX multimedia system
8-inch
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
LED Headlamps
LED High Performance headlamps
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
LED daytime running lights
Yes
Fog Lamps
Integrated LED all-weather lighting
Yes
Roof Rails
No
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Mercedes-Benz model-specific exterior equipment
White Diamond, Graphite Grey Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Jet Black Mica
Headlights
LED High Performance headlamps
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Panoramic sliding sunroof
No
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
Approach Angle
Not Applicable
30 deg
Departure Angle
Not Applicable
24.2 deg
Wading Depth
Not Applicable
700 mm
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, Rock
Locking Differential
No
Rear differential lock
4WD System Type
No
Super Select 4WD-II
Breakover Angle
Not Applicable
23.1 deg
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
Tyre Size
245/40 R19
265/60 R18
Front Brake Type
Ventilated disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
19-inch alloy wheels
Full-size alloy
Wheel Rim Size
19
18-inch alloy
Handbrake Type
Ventilated disc brakes
Electric parking brake
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
Front Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Double wishbone with coil spring
Rear Suspension
Independent multi-link suspension
Three-link rigid axle with coil spring
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
CO2 Emissions
122 g/km
214 g/km
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
Service Plan
5 Years / 100000 km
5 years / 90,000 km; 10,000 km intervals
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
Ownership Role
Displayed price includes 15% VAT; CO2 tax is separate where listed; five-year/100,000 km service and maintenance plan may be excluded.
New vehicle sold through Mitsubishi Motors South Africa
Price Zar
956831 ZAR
904990 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current South African retail price
Official South African recommended retail price
Starting Price
1500000
904990
Starting Price Zar
1500000
904990
Spec
A-Class
Pajero Sport
Warranty
5 Years / 100000 km
3 years / 100,000 km
In depth: how these cars differ
This A-Class and Pajero Sport comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: A-Class 57 vs Pajero Sport 65.
Efficiency index: A-Class 79 vs Pajero Sport 49.
Safety-equipment index: A-Class 95 vs Pajero Sport 72.
Practicality index: A-Class 59 vs Pajero Sport 71.
Ownership-cover index: A-Class not separately scored vs Pajero Sport not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
A-Class and Pajero Sport image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
A-Class leads by 7 points
A-Class and Pajero Sport are close on the comparable published fields, so buyer priorities should decide.
Performance
Pajero Sport +8
Efficiency
A-Class +30
Safety
A-Class +23
Practicality
Pajero Sport +12
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
A-Class
Performance
57/100
Efficiency
79/100
Safety
95/100
Practicality
59/100
Pajero Sport
Performance
65/100
Efficiency
49/100
Safety
72/100
Practicality
71/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexMercedes-Benz A-Class
leads the specification evidence index with 72 pts
vs 65 pts for Pajero Sport
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, A-Class leads. However, Pajero Sport may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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