When a carmaker gives its model an update, it usually goes two ways: One, a brand does a nip in the front, a tuck in the rear, or maybe fit some fresh alloys — and call it a day.
Another route is an almost a full-model change, in which aside from styling tweaks, a carmaker modifies the car's running gear, or fit useful and substantial equipment.
That second route is what Mitsubishi Motors Philippines (MMPC) took with its Montero Sport. Mitsubishi fitted, well, almost the full monty of safety and convenience tech to the Montero. That's aside from the Dynamic Shield front end, and the reshaping of the SUV's tail lights that once split buyers' opinion.
The Montero range is comprised of four variants, and is priced from P1.568 to P2.450 million. A 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine that makes 179hp and 430Nm of pulling power powers all Montero SUVs.
Let's take a look at the highlights of each flavor of the range.
The entry-level Montero Sport's 2.4 liter is mated to a row-your-own six-speed manual. Power is routed to the rear wheels.
Despite being the base model, Mitsubishi gifts the SUV with keyless entry, and reverse sensors and camera. The touchscreen-endowed infotainment system can play DVDs, and has USB and Bluetooth connectivity. Fabric wraps all three rows of seats.
For safety, the GLX 2WD MT has Isofix mounts and Active Stability and Traction Control (M-ASTC).
This Montero Sport packs an eight-speed automatic, and an electronic parking brake with brake auto hold function.
Inside, convenience features include a touchscreen with HDMI, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, which also displays the Multi-Around Monitor. Two USB ports can charge gadgets in the second row.
Safety is provided by Hill Start Assist (HSA), Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), Brake Assist System, and Active Stability and Traction Control (M-ASTC).
The first of the upper-variety Montero Sport trims is recognizable with a rear spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels in its exterior, and a digital instrument cluster and black leather seats inside.
With its power lift tailgate with handsfree function, all the driver needs to do is swing his or her foot under the bumper, which sensors can detect and signal the tailgate to open.
This Montero Sport is driven by a four-wheel drive system that Mitsubishi calls "super select 4WD-Ⅱ."
Aside from the brake auto hold function, the top-spec Montero has a suite of safety functions that includes a so-called Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS), which cuts the engine power when the accelerator is pressed by accident.
There's a Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM), and Adaptive Cruise Control System (ACC) which maintains the vehicle speed in highway driving.
Next to the alphabet soup of the abovementioned HSA, TSA, and M-ASTC, there's Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and Blind Spot Warning (BSW) with Lane Change Assist (LCA).
When reversing and the RCTA senses a possible collision, the indicator on the side mirror blinks, a warning sound will be heard, and a message appears in the eight-inch touch screen. BSW and LCA essentially detect vehicles in the Montero Sports blind spots.
Airbags dotted around the cabin further protect all of the SUV's occupants.
Photos from Mitsubishi Motors Philippines (MMPC)
Also read:
Mitsubishi L300: The old vs. the new
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