After giving us a glimpse of what the
updated Mitsubishi Strada will look like back in September,
Mitsubishi Motors (MMC) has finally revealed what the
compact pickup truck looks like as its celebrates the nameplate's
40th year this year.
Produced at the
Laem Chabang Plant operated by
Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co. Ltd. (MMTh), MMC's producer and distributor in Thailand, the Strada--also known as the
Triton or
L200 in other markets--is a global model that will be
launched in other ASEAN markets as well as Oceania, the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Latin America. Eventually it will be sold in
over 150 countries around the globe.
"The New Strada is one of our most important global strategic models," said MMC CEO
Osamu Masuko. "Its success will accelerate the momentum of the company's sustainable growth.. The new model brings enhancements to the durability, reliability and comfort developed over the 40 years since the introduction of the series."
The updated Strada's exterior is highlighted by the
new-generation "Dynamic Shield" front design concept, with the
high engine hood line and
headlights located higher up giving it a more powerful and imposing front face. The
newly-sculpted body curves with its contrasting sharp lines,
extended wheel flares, and bright accents give the truck an added touch of modernity while the lighting and bumper parts frame the front and rear designs and add visual width. Inside, the restyled interior has a modern and robust feeling, with frame surroundings for the switch panel and air outlets while the
soft pad materials and stitching on the floor console, armrests, and parking brake give the cabin a premium look.
While the updated Strada retains the current model's
high-durability, high-reliability ladder-type frame and
high impact-safety cabin structure, it will also feature class-leading advanced active safety and driver assistance systems, such as:
- Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), which can detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead;
- Blind Spot Warning (BSW with LCA), which helps avoid sideswiping another vehicle when changing lanes by detecting vehicles behind or at the rear quarter and alerting the driver with an audible alert and flashing light in their door mirror;
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) which, in the same way, helps avoid collisions when reversing; and
- Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS) which reduces accidents resulting from improper use of the accelerator when moving off or reversing in car parks and other confined spaces.
The new Strada also has a
Multi Around Monitor, which generates a bird's eye view image of the area around the vehicle, and
Parking Sensors.
Mitsubishi also improved on other areas of the Strada, particularly on its durability and reliability as sought for its commercial use and its comfort and ride for private use. Its braking performance and feel, for example, have been improved with the use of
larger front discs and caliper pistons. Its ride has been improved as well with the use of
larger rear dampers which contain
more damping oil, and the
shift to a six-speed automatic transmission from the current five-speed allows for
smoother, more powerful acceleration and improved refinement.
As for the four-wheel-drive Strada variants, Mitsubishi fitted these with either a
Super-Select 4WD, which delivers optimum traction and handling characteristics for any given surface, or
Easy-Select 4WD, which simplifies switching between drive modes for different road surfaces.
Furthermore, the addition of new drive modes let both four-wheel-drive systems deliver improved off-road performance. Both Super-Select and Easy-Select 4WD systems use a
new Off-road Mode which has Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand, and Rock (in 4LLc only) settings. When engaged, Off-road Mode integrally controls engine power, transmission and braking to regulate the amount of wheel slip and thereby maximize all-terrain performance and self-extraction performance in mud or snow. Vehicle speed is electronically controlled to allow the driver to negotiate steep or slippery descents more safely and with more assurance.
"I am fully confident the Strada will meet the diverse needs and wishes of our customers around the world," Masuko said at the vehicle's launch.
The updated Mitsubishi Strada will first go on sale in Thailand on November 17. As for its Philippine-market release, we can expect it in the
first half of 2019.
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