One of the world’s most popular genres in automobiles now is the midsize SUV. Here is a vehicle that combines the space and versatility of a wagon or MPV, the flood-wading capability of a true off-roader, the fuel-efficiency of a diesel vehicle, and the luxury and comfort/convenience features of a luxury sedan.
There are several 7-seat midsize SUVs on the market, but not all of them can manage to check all the boxes as well as the Mitsubishi Montero Sport GT 4WD. Here are 7 reasons why it transcends the typical jack of all trades and manages to be a master of all.
Assertive style
Sporting Mitsubishi’s second-generation Dynamic Shield design language, the latest Montero Sport exudes a strong and bold image complimented by distinctive lines, striking new upsized front combination turn signal lamps and foglamps, upscale-looking LED rear combination lamps, and a new shark-fin antenna. A flashy new rear spoiler and new 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels in machine-cut silver and glossy deep gray underscore the sporty yet elegant styling of the Montero Sport.
Premium interior
Inside its 7-seater cabin, you’ll feel an elevated experience with the Montero Sport’s spacious interior, premium leather seats with double layered cushioning and host of convenient features that promotes a comfortable drive. With generous exterior dimensions, the Montero Sport offers equally generous headroom, legroom, and shoulder room — even for third-row passengers.
The center console space is freed up with the use of an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) in place of the traditional handbrake lever. For added convenience, it automatically releases when you shift to Drive and engages when you shift to Park. The EPB works with Brake Auto Hold to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards on an incline when you release the brake pedal before you set off.
Luxury car convenience features
With the global tagline of “Elevate your Journey,” the Mitsubishi Montero is armed with innovative technological features that brings driving experience to whole new level. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, which allows you to set a distance between your vehicle and the car ahead even if you release your foot from the gas pedal. When the vehicle in front slows down or stops, ACC slows down or stops your vehicle automatically.
Other smart features include smart keyless system with start/stop engine button, and a smartphone-link 8-inch display multimedia infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and USB. There is also a new 8-inch color LCD instrument panel and a dual-zone automatic climate control system.
The Mitsubishi Remote Control App, meanwhile, allows you to control the vehicle using your smartphone. With the app, you can open/close doors, power windows, switch on/off engine, headlights, position lamp, and hazard lamp with just one swipe. The Remote Control App also reminds you in case you forgot to lock your doors and switch off your headlights. It also helps you locate your vehicle in a large parking lot, displays various information about your vehicle and provides you troubleshooting solutions when the vehicle does not respond to the remote control.
The new Montero Sport also comes with a new power (height opening-adjustable) tailgate that gives hands-free access to open and close the tailgate automatically by placing your foot in front of the rear bumper sensors — very helpful when your hands are full.
State-of-the-art drivetrain
The new Montero Sport is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-4 DOHC 16-valve direct-injection Clean Diesel Engine with Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) and Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC). This cutting-edge amazingly smooth and vibration-free engine delivers 181ps at 3,500 rpm and an enormous 430Nm of torque at an impressively low 2,500 rpm.
The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic with Sports Mode, which lets driving enthusiasts have manual control over the gearbox using the gearshift lever or the magnesium paddle shifters.
Refined suspension and legendary off-road capability
The Montero Sport’s rear suspension has been engineered for better riding comfort whole retaining the vehicle’s off-road toughness. Its superior off-road performance comes from its Super Select 4WD-II with Off-road Traction Control (with Gravel, Mud-Snow, Sand or Rock settings). The system offers the advantage of four drive settings and four different terrain controls. A center differential lock controls torque distribution to the front and rear tires for superior handling while the shift-on-the-fly system lets drivers react immediately to any condition without stopping (except when shifting to 4LLc).
Advanced safety features
The Montero, built on Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body, is also packed with advanced safety features such as the 7 SRS airbags, Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist that prevents you from sideswiping other vehicles when changing lanes, Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS) that reduces accidents when abruptly pressing the accelerator during a standstill position, Forward Collision Mitigation System (FCM) that alerts the driver with a possible risk of collision, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, as well as Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control for better control in negotiating steep inclines. It also has a 360-degree-view monitor to let drivers see objects around the vehicle when negotiating in tight or blind spaces. These smart driver-assist features used to be standard only in high-end luxury cars.
Extensive service network
Apart from the array of feature offerings, the commitment of Mitsubishi Motors extends to the aftersales experience. The brand has 56 dealerships nationwide with highly trained technicians and service advisers to make sure that the ownership experience is easy and hassle free.The 2020 Mitsubishi Montero Sport GT 4WD has a retail price of P2,450,000. (The Montero Sport line starts at P1,769,000 for the GLS 2WD AT.) Few vehicles will give you so much style, space, comfort, performance, fuel efficiency and safety — in one package
